I just got back from the Oregon Relays.  The race went terrible for me, but in my defense I am coming off an injury, it was my first race back, I got stuck in Section 2, and the pace went out very slow.  I'm not too worried about it though since I'm still feeling my training a lot.  Once I start cutting back I'll be feeling good.  I won't be close to what I was hoping for this season but a PR is still in my future.

Anyway, the reason I'm writing this is because I found my new home.  I mean, I've been to Eugene many times before ever since I was a kid.  I've run on Pre's Trail, seen Pre's Rock, been up to Skinner Butte, run through Hendrick's Park, been to Emerald's games, and toured the campus.  But this was the first time I've been to a major track meet there and let me tell you, the atmosphere is incomparable  to anywhere else.  Sure, I watched the trials and I've heard the stories and seen other track meets on TV, but you cannot understand how it feels until you're there.  I know the history of the town and know all the stories but I didn't undertand the feeling until this weekend.  It is just unreal.  I have every intent on moving out there in the next few years.  I already have a job lined up for this coming year but after that it's Eugene or bust!  How could you take yourself seriously as a runner and NOT want to live there?

 I am almost done with my collegiate career and about to begin my post-collegiate career. As one life ends, another begins, so they say.

Most people don't look forward to their last race as a collegiate athlete but I am not fearing it. I see this as an opportunity to become even better as a runner. I have progressed quite a bit over the last 5 years but looking back I know I could have done a lot more and it would be a waste to not continue running.

I'm not too pleased with how my final season is turning out because I have been plagued by injuries since last September. I'm not upset though since college isn't the final chapter, only a new beginning.

PRs:

1500: 3:56

Mile: 4:15

3000m: 8:27

5000m: 14:41

 Progression:

                  2001    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008 

1500m:                                                                 4:11                 3:56

Mile:           5:09     5:00     4:45      4:23                4:17                 4:15

3200(3k*)   10:58   10:28   9:59   9:36        9:07*   8:47*   8:44*    8:27*

5km                                                         16:12    15:11    15:13    14:41