Hey everyone!
It's finally the week of New Balance Indoor Nationals! It feels like just a few days ago it was sunny and 75, and I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish this year for each season. Well, here I am about to run at the Armory with some of the nation's fastest girls in the 400m, 800m, and mile. Luckily, I will not be going down alone this year. I have one of my closest friends, Rebecca (Becky) Lopez-Anido, who will be running the EE 800m for her first year at NBIN. I feel so blessed to be able to work with her on and off the track. She is truly an incredible person as well as a stellar athlete. We are also meeting up with our newest member of the Lincoln Lakes Track Club, Paul Casavant, who will be competing in the EE 2 mile. Being able to work with these two for the past week has been amazing. It is very helpful to be able to work with others who have excelled beyond the normal high school level of training in order to make constant improvement in their event.
This past week has been a lot of training physically as well as mentally. I have been reading a lot of articles, as well as watching race videos to help get in the right mindset. Even though this is my 2nd year attending NBIN, last year was kind of a test run for me. It was a very eye-opening experience. Last year I ran the EE 400m, and EE 800m, and ended up with a PR in both, despite having a horrible sinus infection. My advice for anyone who is new to NBIN or experiencing some nerves, is that there is nothing to be afraid of. There might be someone stronger or faster than you, but you have to remember that the only thing holding you back from being the absolute best you can be, is your mind. If you tell yourself you aren't fast enough, strong enough, tall enough...you won't make it. Don't trick yourself into doing poorly by thinking that you can't compete with someone because they might have a more decorated profile.
This year at NBIN, I will hopefully be competing in good health! I have qualified for the EE 400m (again), moved up to the Elite 800m, and the Elite Mile. However, I chose to compete in the Emerging Elite mile. Why on earth would I want to run in a slower heat you might ask?! First of all, I knew that I wouldn't be able to run more than one event a day and PR in each. So I decided that if I ran the EE 400m on Friday, EE Mile on Saturday, and the Elite 800m on Sunday, that I would be giving myself plenty of recovery time to have PR in all 3 events. Second of all, I believe the EE mile record is a 4:56, which was almost broke last year with a 4:57. If I have a PR that day, I could break the record and possibly win it. Regardless of where I place, I am ultimately hoping to break my previous bests. I would like to see myself below a 58 in the 400m, below the elusive 2:12 for the 800m, and closer around a 4:50 (or better) for the mile. With the right competition, and all of the adrenaline pumping through my body, I believe that I am ready to reach those goals.
I also wanted to thank everyone that has shown their support by donating to my gofundme page for my trip to Nationals. I can't even begin to describe how thankful and blessed I feel. Everyone's kind words and support has meant so much to me. I honestly do not think I would be where I am without the motivation I have received from so many people throughout the years. You are all amazing, and I am eternally grateful. So again, thank you so much!
Best of luck and safe travels to the other insane Maine athletes competing this next weekend!
-Tia
