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Bend (Oxford Classic)

October 8, 2010 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: Excellent

Comments:
I went going to the starting line thinking this would just be a normal race. Top 25, getting barely under 20 mins. or something. But then Rusty said what I totally didn't expect to hear. He told me I could get top 8. I thought he was crazy, but then realized he wouldn't say that if he knew I couldn't do it. I then prayed to perform to my best ability, tightened my bandanna a little, got super determined and intense, told myself I was the best in the world, said good-luck to AJ and Jace. Then the race started.

Got out fast, at the beginning I was in the top 25ish, I got in my running groove and just relaxed trying to not let people pass me. Went fast on all the corners and by the time I crossed the bridge and concrete and was already in the Top 20. It was awesome hearing Bryce and Rusty across the pond, and it felt like little voices in my head telling me to go faster. I felt amazing the first mile and by the time I crossed the bridge the second time I was laughing because I thought it was hilarious how well I was doing.

I kept passing guys and then I was in about the top 6 or 7, with the guys and girls cheering making myself wanting to go faster. Rusty then told me that I could dream and win the entire thing. That was the biggest confidence booster I ever got. Even the guy running right next to me, called me by name and told me to dream. Felt like I was in a movie and I was the main star. I then knew I had to win this race, and even if I got 2nd I was going to make the 1st place guy run like hell to earn it. I believed Liz when she said the guys in front were running slow, because while they were staying the same pace I just kept moving ahead of them. I slowly was catching up to the 1st place guy, my adrenaline was going insane and I was filled with energy yet completely exhuasted at the same time. I had very little doubt in my mind that I could win and when I saw everyone cheering I gave a strong short sprint and finally got ahead.

When we reached the bridge it felt weird. Nobody was in front of me, I was uncomfortable and almost confused for some reason and I actually slowed down a little and then he slightly passed me. Then this one guy watching, as I was right on the 1st place guy again and said, who is this guy? It made me even more pumped, because I knew this 1st place guy was a little scared by some mystery runner trying to take away his glory. When we turned around and before we reached the bridge again I started my kick, because I knew I could go that long with all the adrenaline I had left, and I didn't want to see that guy again until I was done crossing that finish line. I started sprinting, and by everyone's yelling I thought he was right on my tail. I destroyed the hill kept running and running scared he was just inches behind slowly catching up but then I crossed the finish and nobody was in front of me. It was finally over...

I never felt more happy in my entire life. I accomplished what I didn't think was possible, but it was. I was in shock and amazement and people were asking what place I got, then I cried out I won!! Everyone was so happy got tons of hugs and congrats and yelled out this is the greatest day of my life! Got a 1 sec. PR, realized that nobody was even close to passing me the last part of the race and later got to stand in front of everyone, look cool and smile. I know I write this every running log, but it can never be expressed enough how much I loved everyone cheering, you guys make me want to perform and run faster every second you're their. Thank-you so much, love you all!
-The MuphDog