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!
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| the start |
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| One of many hills |
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| 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 :)
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| Panoramic of the indoor track. |
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| Both Men's and Women's qualified athletes for Nats. Sightseeing the day before. |
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| 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.
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| Rellie |
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| Hannah |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Rio Grande river in Albuquerque |
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