The days and hours leading up to a big race are often much worse than the actual race itself. It's what I can imagine what waiting for an execution is like! I do have the experience to know that once my warm-up starts on race day I feel much better, that's the best part and then its time to step on the track and do the job. The days before though are filled with thoughts of the race and also the art of trying preserve the energy needed to perform at your best.
 
The race on Saturday is the New Balance Games invite mile, a race I won back in 2003 with a tactical 4:02.0 (13.1 last 109meters!) Then since I have ran 2004 3^rd 4:02.8, 2005 2^nd 4:00.06, 2006 5^th 4:00.30 and then 2007 6^th in 4:01.7. Having ran the New Balance Collegiate mile each of those years I have ran a Mile at the Armory 10 times and my average is 4:00.9. With my Mile best set in 2003 of 3:57.71 taken down Alan Webb in his first pro mile after signing his million dollar Nike contact. A feat that got me a picture in 'Sports illustrated' which is never a bad thing to be in!!
 
It's a special feeling to be back in New York and I'm lucky and grateful to NYAC for looking after me like usual. Plus its great to see so many friends again, NYC is like a home from home and I feel more supported here than anywhere else in the world. The race organiser is a fellow Brit Ian Brooks who first bought me out here in 2003; he is a great guy with a big heart. He just let me know that the records in the Armory show three runners have run sub 4 minute miles in all races, Me, Adrian Blincoe and the great Alan Webb. But he put in that message with 'it's time you went sub 4 in New Balance', he's right it is well past time!!
 
So I sit here and I'm nervous for Saturday, but also excited, as that's what I love to do. I get more worried that I will have a bad race if I don't feel the nerves; they are needed as I react better when the chips are down and I need to raise my game. The race is now wide open as Andy Baddeley is out with a bad calf, so anyone of 6 guys could win, but only one will! Whether that's me I would love to think so as I know those boards at the Armory like one of training runs back in Llanharan.
 
The pre race meal is important and this year it is at the best place in the world 'Coogans'! This is where I got engaged to my lovely wife to be Alex, and is owned and managed by great friends Peter Walsh, David Hunt, Tess McDade and the lovely Dana. They have always looked after me there and made me feel so welcome, and to see my vest hung on the wall from the Webb race is really special. I know that powered with their food pre race it should be a great one. It's a Shame all the runners are eating there for the pre race- so all with get the benefits of 'Coogans' pre race meal!!!!! Not all will be there sinking beers whether they win or lose post race, but I know I will be there and I'm sure some new stories will be born from another night out with the legend Peter Walsh!
 
Will have to go as time to get back to relaxing and thinking about the race!
 
Run hard, be strong and always think big!
 
Cheers James
 
P.S Watch the race live on www.armorytrack.com (At around 7:30pm UK time or 2:30pm NYC time)