Going into the race I really didn't know what to expect. My hamstring has been really holding my training back and making running a chore. I knew that my indoor 3k estimated the ability to run 8:40 for the steeplechase and my training up until 2 weeks ago had been going great but obviously with the hammy issue, I was questioning my ability.  I knew the field was rather weak except Luke Watson who runs for Adidas. I assumed he would take it out quick and I could either run by myself in 2nd or go for it with him.

The Race: As I expected, Watson took the lead almost right away. I relaxed behind him knowing the pace was manageable and allowing him to cut some of the strong wind. We hit the mile around 4:45 (splits are always hard to judge with the steeple) so I knew we were on decent pace but probably not going to go 8:45 tonight. I felt good, I told myself I barely feel this fatigued in the middle of 4mi tempo runs. 2 laps to go, I was getting tired but I could tell by Watson's breathing that he was tiring also. I told myself to stay strong and you will have something in the tank for the last lap. On the 2nd to last water jump, I knew I had a good finish in me. I almost went right then but decided to hold off since the wind was strong on the homestrech. I took the lead just after the bell sounded with a hard move (cant see it in the video). With about 275m to go I was going hard into the barrier and bashed my knee on my trail leg, it hurt pretty bad but I pressed on, I lost some of the gap I opened up. The last water jump was coming up and Watson was right on my heels. I decided to hurdle the water jump to try to gain a step but it really didnt help (or hurt) me. With 100m to go I stated to sprint hard, feeling pretty good. Watson came up beside me and I tried to dig deeper but it wasnt there. He got me by .2 or so.

All considering, I think it was a good race. I am happy about how comfortable I felt during the race. If I can get my hammy 100% I think I should be able to drop the US Outdoor Championship qualifying time of 8:45 no problem.

My knee hurt pretty bad trying to cool down. Pretty swollen today (Friday) but wasnt too bad on my 60' run.

Results

Video

I still havent gotten a chance to make my profile look all pretty. But the upside is that it's an uneventful Saturday night, mostly due to not being 21, so I can update on my week's training. There is a link to my training log in my 'About Me' that I update daily but geocities doesnt give me a lot of space so I figure I can ramble on about my training here instead, giving more details.

The number in parentheses is how I rate the run/race on a scale of 1-10. I rarely have and 1,2,3 or 9,10 but basically a 7 in a good run. XT = cross training

My runs are rarely exact distances, I usually guess my average pace and log the nearest mile (ex. if I guess I was running 6:30 pace for 62-67 mins I would call it 10 miles). I try not to be too OCD about pace/distance/mileage.

29-4
S. 3mi up on treadmill, 4mi tempo at 1% in about 20:15 (5:13, 5:05, 5:00, 4:55), 8 strides, 3mi down... 11mi wish it was easier than it was, but not bad (7), considering last week, in better shape than indoor

M. am- 66:53 easy, just decided to keep going and do shorter run later.. 10mi felt good (7)

    XT- Strength exercises - some pushups, dips, pullups, few squats w/o weight, few lunges, core

    pm- 35' easy.. 5mi little tired from am run and strength (6.5)

    XT- Hurdle Drills, some hurdle run throughs

T. 60:47 easy/moderate with last mi 5:30, 6 strides, 4' down.. 10mi decent, didnt push much (6.5)

W. am- 28:34 easy.. 4mi okay(6)

     pm- 3mi up, 2x(1k,800,600,600) 2:40 rest for first set which was over hurdles (in lane 3, take off little less than 2 seconds a lap for accurate splits per 200m), 3:30 rest between sets, 2:30 rest for 2nd set (3:05,2:27,1:48,1:46)(2:52,2:14,1:36,1:33) 11mi felt crappy going in but not bad overall (7) mentally strong

T. off.

F. 107:07 easy at Minuteman, out 33:11, back 32:29, +6mi.. 16mi felt okay (6.5), R hamstring little tight, wet

    XT- Similar strength as Monday.

S. am- 35' with mlei barefoot.. 5mi (6) little sluggish

    pm- 60' easy.. 9mi got into a good groove after 4mi (7)

    XT- Hurdle Drills, hurdle run throughs, water jump practice into sand pit

Total. 81mi on 9 runs with a day off. 2 good workouts. In great shape, feeling pretty quick with as well with minimal track work. Prob will do hills on Sunday, 4mi tempo Wednesday, and treat Northeastern Steeple race on Saturday as a workout, then sharpen up a bit for Penn Relays Steeple. I am considering going to Stanford but would have to pay to flight out and find a place to stay. I have averaged just under 80mi/week the past 4 weeks with 2 days off, with some good workouts. I did a similar training block going into the indoor season but with less volume and no long runs! Hopefully it will be a long season, I think I am doing the right things now to carry me all the way until the USA Outdoor Championship...and maybe beyond? Questions/Comments appreciated!

Hey everyone,

I am new to runnerspace, I havent had a chance to get familiar with the site yet...it's confusing! Drop me a message.

Eric