To say the least, NXN did not go as planned.
The race went out hard, as usual, and in this respect I wasn't surprised at all. I planned on pushing the first 400-800 to get good position. I think I regret it.
Apparently you don't get over being sick for a week in less than seven days. By the first K I started to feel off. Mentally I felt like I was pushing, yet I could feel my legs slowing down and noticed many many people passing me. I tried not to panic but I can't deny that this threw me off a bit. From there on I tried to hang on. Eric Colvin of Stillwater passed me and I tried to stick with him, keeping him as a sort of reference point.
The mud wasn't too bad, nothing like last year. My whole body felt sluggish. It felt like when your hands go numb and you try and tie your shoes, but you have no control of your fingers. Frustrating.
Of course, to top off the mental frustration, I felt good the final 500. I think this is why I've been beating myself up so much. It's hard to convince yourself you raced to your fullest when you cross the finish line and you're only winded, but not exhausted.
Afterwards I have to admit I acted a bit primadonna-ish. I went for a seven or eight mile tempo run, essentially racing the entire thing and then left the course as soon as possible (minutes after the girls race ended). Congrats to all the Heartland individuals and Neenah and Monticello on a great race!
Overall, I can't complain about the experience. The community was just as great this year as any, I met a ton of great teams (shout out to the Stillwater and Pembroke boys and La Costa and Newhall girls) and great individuals too. You really realize you can't judge a distance runner by their looks.
The gear was great of course, and since I'm a senior I get to keep all of it for free. Thanks a ton Nike!
It's time to look forward to track. After talking with Chris Solinsky I've picked up some ideas for winter training and will be putting those into effect in a few weeks. I look forward to proving my worth in track.
I think that's all I've got. Unless I'm asked to do more, I don't think I'll be continuing this NXN related blog. Thanks a lot for reading and good luck in all your training and racing!
Stay classy, my friends,
Josh Thorson
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