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Bob Firman!

September 25, 2010 (Afternoon)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: Oven Hot!!

Comments:
I was excited for this race. My main goal was too have a positive attitude and stay relaxed before the race and during the race. Felt good except for the sun's energy sucking rays which made me weaker every second. Tried to stay in the shade as much as possible, but even if it did affect me I know for sure my races are way more mental than physical. So I tried not to worry too much. I was ready and the race began. (Don't remember the mile markers so I'm just writing whatever.)

I booked it the first 100 meters. I wanted a good position and I got more than I hoped for, and was ahead of more people than I expected. I guess by this time I already lost most of the guys on our team and a little worried I got out too fast, but I wasn't going to think negative now. There was a little pushing and shoving, it made me angry so I did a little bit of it myself and didn't want anybody passing me.

Hit the beach and felt really good, by this time I really loved the terrain, grass, rocks and sand put good variety into the race and I picked it up a little and got cheered by the guys and girls on the team and assured myself I was also doing great. Going up the hill took a little out of me, but going down made all my insides were flying around and felt a little messed up from it.

By this time I was a bit surprised that I went from feeling good to feeling tired, hot and doubtful. This one guy though, I don't know what team he was from except that he was wearing a red jersey, was trying to stay with me. Everytime I sped up he was right there. I could tell he was struggling more than me and then he said let's catch those three guys in front. He made it fun and I responded by saying Yeah! And we sped up and I got in front of him a bit and I eventually passed those three guys.

Hit the beach once again and during the team cheering me I noticed Dylan yelling to pass the guys in front of me and I decided to speed up and easily passed them. Weird how a little cheering and motivation can have such a huge impact. The hill the second time was a bit harder but I conquered it and now I was out of energy, Rusty was right there at the last 100 meters and told me to go sprint or go fast and I gave a really strong finish that I wouldn't of done if someone wasn't there to push me and I made sure the guy behind me did not pass me. And then... it was over!

Felt dizzy like always and felt really proud of myself on how well I did in the conditions that I raced in. A 19:28 which is not close to a PR, but I was satisfied and this was probably the most fun race I've ever had. Completed my goal and just because with a little positive thinking and a mentally prepared attitude, made it really exciting and enjoyable. Want to thank the random red jersey guy that pushed me during the third-mile, all the mom's plus mine and once again I'd like to thank the team and coaches who cheered me, because without you I would not perform and run as fast without your cheers and motivation that makes me love XC.

-Love, Austin