A week that had it in itself :)
It was race week again. I was looking forward to it. The last regular meet before our Indoor Conference Championships!
Everything looked good until Tuesday at noon when I got hit by a car while riding my bike - get this - on a crosswalk.
I am always on my guard in America and more than careful on the road because you can't trust the drivers here. Most take no consideration, can't drive, or are on their cell phones. No wonder there are no official driving lessons here (no offense, it's just the way it is). I have already escaped some accidents by a hair's breadth 🤦♀️ and after my training sessions on the bike, I have moved to the smart trainer.
In any case, I was already in the middle of the road when the car suddenly took off. I still tried to swerve, but the woman caught me head-on.
Fortunately, nothing worse happened to me: I had a headache, bruises all over my body, and pain in my foot. The shock was written all over my face. The property damage was worse: my bicycle was in the bucket, and my cell phone was.
Nevertheless, I drove the following day to Gainesville for the competition. I took it cautiously and wanted to decide whether I would run on race day - I didn't want to risk anything.
Thursday 02/02/2022
I decided to run because I felt okay so far. The start of my 3000m fell at 3:35pm.
I warmed up, and off I went. Luckily, I had a super consistent pacer in front of me and followed her. The thoughts came, and I let them go. I was present.
I didn't look at my watch on any lap; I just let go.
I finished with a 9:51min - I did it!!! For four years, finally a best, for four years, finally a race where I was active in action. Finally cracked the 10min mark for the first time in 4 years. - A considerable load that just fell off me; I hope this limit is finally over. Now it can start.
Friday 02/03/2022
The night after a race is always a bit tough. I talked to my coach directly in the morning to decide what/if I would run today. I didn't feel any worse than before, so I was going to try the 800m and the mile. It's just the last opportunity I'll have in college sports.
The starting gun for the 800m went off at 1:10 pm, and just under an hour later, I was off to the start line for the mile! That's athletic, indeed!
800m - kept a steady pace; was active in action. I finished with a new PR of 2:23min - a small success!
I did a cool-down, put my legs up, fueled myself, and briefly napped before getting ready again. The warm-in for the mile was more or less canceled. I was still warm (& slowly tired).
Mile (1609m) - whoops. I like to stay out of the crowd at the start; I start leisurely. The first lap was pretty damn slow. I wondered if it was just the feeling because I had the 800m before. But no, it was sleepy. That went on for a few laps until it suddenly hit me. Admittedly, I didn't recognize myself and didn't think at that moment either: I made the MOVE. (I've never done that in my life). I passed the group and got in line behind the first two who already had a lead. The fear came, and I let it go. I held my position and even finished the race with a 'little' kick. Mega!!!
5:05min - another personal best. (secretly, I'm already annoyed that it didn't get a tad faster, but the first half was too slow).
Wow, that is incredible. Three races - 3 best performances, and I didn't recognize myself. It was like a 180-degree turnaround. I just hope I can keep this mindset and keep building on it. These races are a massive relief for me. Maybe I need a little car crash before each race ;-)
And I see, two intense fast races within one hour I can handle - I just need a bit to warm up :D
Overall, this 2-day meet was the best ever for FAU. Everyone delivered top-notch. There were so many best performances and even school records. I'm sure we will be ready for Conference in 2 weeks!!!
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