Gladstein Invite

Really encouraging race this week and was very nice to try something new on the track. Previously my track seasons have looked very similar and have consisted of a handful of 800s and a bunch of 1500s or miles. Knowing that I've developed a solid base over the winter and hit some nice strength sessions out at altitude Coach Roe and I thought it would be fun if I jumped into this 3km invite down in Bloomington. 

Last year the race was won in about 7.54 by Andy Bayer and a number of the other Indiana University boys also ran fast. Therefore, knowing that the race was going to be fast and that I was in good shape it was very exciting. With Rob Mullett, Tom Curr, Ross Clarke, Callum Hawkins and David Bishop all toeing the 3km start line with me it almost felt like a training time-trial as I've done so many sessions or runs with them in the last few months. Another reason why I felt pretty relaxed ahead of the race was that the six of us were giving each other a few taunts and some playful mind games leading up to the start. Just before the invite 3km, Andrew Sherman ran in the heat one 3km Invite and hit a nice personal best of 8.14 after a great close. Sherman always runs himself into the ground and leaves every bit of energy out on the track so its motivating to watch him before you go out and compete.  

After the whole 3km invite field recieved a lengthy introduction by the announcer the gun fired and our pacemaker shot off. He knocked out a 63 first 400 and then began to slow. From what I had heard for the Indiana University boys they had instructed the pacemaker to go through the mile in 4.12 but he ended up hitting about 4.19 to 4.20. As this was my first real 3km I was happy to sit on the pacemaker and just switch off no matter how fast or slow the pace was. By the time he dropped out and I was in the lead I then became very consious of the lap counter and ended up slowing a little. With 1km to go Andy Bayer and Indiana's Elite Matt Elliot gapped me and had a little battle between themselves for 1st. Struggling to lift the pace I continued to knock out 32second laps until my 1500m mentality emerged with 400m to go and I managed to close in a 60/61. Part of my kick came from knowing that if I ran a sub 60 last 400 I could break 8minutes and the other part was thinking one of the other Brits would be on my shoulder and I didn't want any of them to have bragging rights over me for the warm down. 

All in all I'm really happy with my race because It was a big PB obviously and it shows me I'm strong at the moment. There is plenty areas where I could have gained an extra few seconds but for now I'll take that and move on to this mile invite next week. I'm not sure if I will be able to fit in another 3km this season but going forward I'd like to be a little more aggressive in the middle part of the race and see if I can get down close to the 7.50 range.

The field next week for the mile will be very similar to the 3km so hopefully I can replicate this approach and look to run a world indoor qualifying time.

Link to race video:

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/allaccess/?media=293723