Thursday, March 12, 2015

Nationals (times 2)

After another rather lengthy break from blogging, I need to post an update on the past couple of weekends.

I drove to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for February 28 and March 1 for US Snowshoe Nationals. While I had continued to get out on snowshoes most every day, a lot of my training was reduced to fast hiking. This fact resulted in a definite reduction in my ability to stay competitive in the race. I don't know why I expected to be able  race like the past when I didn't train like the past.

Half way through the race I found that by favoring my left knee on the rolling hills and stream switchbacks, my right calf either severely cramped or pulled. I was reduced to hiking out the rest of the 10K with only brief sections where I could jog. I finished behind a lot of runners that I had out-raced in the past and ended up in 9th of 13 in my age-group.

I was pleased to be in a race of this caliber and on a beautiful course but disappointed in my ability and I began to question my future as a runner. Perhaps it's time to shift more to the bike!




the start






One of many hills

Finally the finish

The following weekend, March 6, 7, I flew with the NIACC track and field team to Albuquerque, New Mexico. (And I didn't even have to find my passport :)

Panoramic of the indoor track.

Both Men's and Women's qualified athletes for Nats. Sightseeing the day before.

Resting with a new friend at the Museum of Natural History



Our women's team came in ranked 8th and did well, although they came up just short in a couple of events and a bit better in others, they claimed a 10th place finish. Highest finish was Rellie Kaputin in the triple jump. Also Hannah Palmeter claimed two 5th places in the mile and the 3000.

Rellie

Hannah

Hannah in the 3K


The men's team was ranked around 25th and finished in 18th! Highest finish was by freshman, Imad Amenzou, with a 2:56.05   800 meter.

Imad in 800 prelim



I enjoyed a couple breaks to get away for a bit of a workout...hike and light run along the Rio Grande river and later a hike in the Petroglyph National Monument.

Rio Grande river in Albuquerque


Reminds me of my snow circles from a few weeks ago!