Today marked my second track meet of the summer. While I’m focused on the mile, because of my commitment to work a 10k race in the morning for @breakoutrunning, I was never going to make today’s meet in time for the mile, which was one of the earlier events. So I planned on running the 3000 meter, figuring it would still be worthwhile in the long term mile training picture.
As it turned out I got to TC Williams HS in Alexandria and there was still an hour to go before the 3000. While I had missed the mile I hadn’t missed it by much. In any case, after checking in I headed out on a 2 mile warmup jog. Then I continued proceeding with pre-race preparations - drills, dynamic stretches, static stretches and a few strides. I laced up my spikes and switched to my singlet and was ready to go.
For the race, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I would be running on fresher legs than my last 3000 attempt, but it was also over 90° by now. I hoped I would be able to get close to 11:30 but wasn’t sure it would happen. After the gun, two guys took right off. But one quickly started to slow, and I caught him after about 1200. The other guy was not going to be caught. I just tried to stay strong and make sure I didn’t give up 2nd place. The final 1200 felt tough as the heat beat down on us all. But I persevered and knew with a lap to go I was on target to not only run 11:30, but maybe even beat it. I focused on getting a little faster every 100, and crossed the line in 11:29.
I’m pretty happy with that result, given the conditions on the day. I think it’s a great sign that my fitness is improving and that my training is working. The next test will be on Tuesday night, in the first race of the club summer series, a 5k. Hoping it’s not the 97° that my car’s thermometer registered when I got back into it after the meet. 😱🔥 Even for a warm weather guy like me that’s a little much.
