ASU Opener
To update ya, I didn't compete indoors but began my indoor campaign very early. My first race was at ASU on April 10th, but it was a gong show because I got DQ'd for flinching. I was upset, because it clearly was a bad call by the official.
...And yes, Ill have some cheese w. my wine!
Kansas Relays
Next up was Kansas Relays, On April 18th. I took 5th and ran a 13.38. I was proud because it would have been a high school PB! But naturally, it was very tentative and pedestrian and just part of the process of coming back.
Drake Relayss
I had a better showing at Drake Relays on April 25, I placed 3rd and ran a windy 12.88. I was happy to be under 13 seconds, despite the 40 degrees F and cold rain making conditions hazardous. This race was the first one where I felt a better rhythm to my racing and knew things were rusty but on the right track.
Doha Super Grand Prix and Season's Best
The sub 13 second trend continued in Doha on May 9th where I got a season's best of 12.80 and finished 5th in a very competitive field. Once again the race fitness was not there and technically things felt blah, but I competed.
The decision to race so early was not mine, my Coach and Chiro and some dear friends encouraged me to get out there early and try to establish that race rhythm sooner rather than later. I am glad I listened because it gave us a lot of feedback about where I am and what we need to be focusing on in practice. My start needs a lot of work and my first two hurdles are much too "soft". What I am doing in the middle as far as acceleration is good, yet the snappiness of my last 2 to 3 hurdles drops off a lot.
Great info to have so we can tailor my training to fixing the flaws in my race.
Adidas Track Classic
My last race was the Adidas meet in Carson, CA on May 16th, which was a hard turnaround after being in the Middle East just five days before. I found my focus was the best it has been all season and I really tried to execute some of the elements we have been working on in practice. I didn't just race and abandon all, I thought the entire race. I placed 2nd behind the Olympic Champion Dawn Harper and ran 12.83, which I felt good about since it was into a moderate head wind of -1,1.
It's important to work on my race and see what works during this early part of the season, than trying to fix things later in the year when results really matter.
My next race is the Prefontaine Classic on June 7 in Eugene, I am looking forward to the high level of competition and the place that I set my 12.46 personal best.
Be back soon,
...Promise!
P
