Become to Be

Morning- Had a work out 4x1000's with 2x300's all out. Goal time was 3:11. I hit 3:15, 3:17, 3:18, and 3:16.... Times were way off... I felt like I was going to die.... 300's were 44, and 46. They were alright... But yeah...

Afternoon- 3 miles E-A-S-Y! Like I went pretty slow.... I felt terrible... 

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Felt good! Had plyos! Yipee!!

Afternoon- Work out. 1.5 mile warm up, work-out was 10x200's 2-3 seconds faster than race pace. I was hitting alright times, but better than yesterday! Only had 1 minute recovery! That gets tough after a few! But times were 31, 32, 31, 32, 31, 31, 31, 30, 31, 30. Goal time was 30-31.5. Pretty good times! But good work out! Just the kind I needed to get ready!

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Byron didn't wake up.... So I had to run with Dave late, and we made up some ground, and extended a little to make up mileage. Good run!

Afternoon- Nice and easy 4 miles with striders! Went with Hunter, and Casey! Man those guys are for sure related! I was SOO mad when we started running, but then they mellowed me out just talking! Thanks boys! But we went out towards Starbucks to the 4 mile turn around. It was good! Striders felt good! Ready to race! I am just going to go from the start, and not worry, because I do that A LOT! Like burning out, but not this time! Take the front pack (Kayden, Casey, Paul, and Tommy)! I am going for it baby!! I want state, but if I get less I will still be happy!!!! It's all about being positive from now on!!! WOOT WOOT!! :) 

Morning- Nice and easy 3. Ready to roll!

Afternoon- Drove over and I even ate before I raced this time, because I knew I wouldn't have to race soon. But we arrived, I didn't even think about my race. Because last time I thought too much. So I went the opposite this time! I warmed up 2 miles with the boys. And was ready to roll! :)

Race Report-

The gun fired. I started out in 1st/2nd, and was in the lead for about 250 meters! I was like why am I in the lead (there were super fast guys there running 4:35-40's, which I should be around). And I realized that we were just going super slow! The front pack came around the first lap at 1:12... But then starting the 2nd lap I started to pick it up, and I started to move up a little. Just starting to feel ready to move up. Came around 2:21-24. (1:10-:13). Again a little slower than what it should be... But then starting the 3rd lap I started feeling the pain come, and was starting to have to test my confidence. Which went pretty well this time! But I came around at a 3:39 (1:16-1:17).... Too slow again.... Then I told myself to go, and started to speed up a little, but just wasn't going too fast... Pain was getting worse. I get this really weird mental image, while in pain... Like my inner body is burning alive about ready to be devoured by fire! Pretty scary... I don't know why I have that in my mind.... But I like to show it up (the so called fire)! But came around the 200 meter wanting to start sprinting. I started to speed up, but nothing special... And I saw Casey, and a Cedar kid the last 125 meters. I wanted to pass them, because I told myself every point counts! So I actually started sprinting, and passed them both! :) At finished a 4:49.02. Almost 48's! But I should honestly be in the 4:30's! Learn from it! It was a 0.5 second P.R. so I really can't complain, but still.... I need to step it a bit, or so called, "Raise The Bar!" 2 mile cool down. Good race.

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. I was soo tired, but from now on I have a burning desire too really sacrfice stuff (including sleep), too become a better runner! Only 5 boys showed up.... Not a good turn out....

Afternoon- Coach decided to change the run a little. Because we have been working really hard these past couple of weeks. And so we went on a 8 miler easy (or so to say, without the giant hills!). But before we left, Both of our Coaches gave us some words of advice, and coaching! And it was more than coaching, it was pure inspiration about running, and getting better! It gave me the chills! It's just what I needed! I think our whole team needed it. I totally forgot about what a TEAM was, or meant too mean... Before I thought it was just other people... But for reals! People rely on me, and I rely on them! It's a two way trend! This talk really hit home for sure! But we went running on some run that I have never done! It's called,"Albino". Something like that (like the name for really white people). But the name has a story behind it! But there was a pretty beast hill, but I conquered the hill! Just another victory that I need! Good run! Had weights too! Those were good! We did a new work out excercise! It hurt! That's all I can say, and that Krenshaw is a beast at it! 

Morning- Went with David, I was late.... I woke up super late when the boys were meeting at 8. But we drove out in the direction where we thought the boys were at, and we ran for 2 miles than started the tempo. I just drove in the car to see mileage. I went 3.35ish. But I averaged about 5:58.21 according to the expression calculator. So it was alright. My pace should be about 10 seconds faster. But again I am not good at tempos... Goal for next week hit the right time!

Morning- Nice and easy 3. There were a ton of boys! That's good! Means we are getting better as a team! And everyone was super chatty, because of the 2 mile race somewhere that I don't know about! Yikes!

Afternoon- 1.5 mile warm up. 4x1000's, and 2x300's at F pace. First thousand I just wanted to go so I went without everyone else by like a second, or two. And I ran a 3:15 on that one... Goal time is a 3:11. Pretty off...  But then on the second one I ran a 3:16... Even slower... And I decided that I can tell the difference between running work outs and racing! Racing requires an all out energy push through out your body, physically, and mentally! And by the last 200 meters you can really start feeling the burn intensity of any race over 800 meters! And the last 100 meters I can tell, if I am sprinting all out, or just finishing. I can tell the difference, between pain, and just going fast! I will tell you where I am going with this! But the last 100 meters breath is just gone (out of the picture). Forget breathing, forget burning out, forget everything else! Just focus on beating that guy, or time! So in a work I should be doing close to the same thing by the end!! Am I having the same intensity feeling? The same burning, or even worse? SO, I decided to "Raise The Bar", and ran a 3:12 the third one, which was great! And I could tell I was working harder! And I still felt pretty great! And the last one! I told myself to stay on pace! I tried something new! Checking my pace every odd meters (100, 300, 500, etc.), but I could really start feeling that burning intensity, and I hit a 3:11 this one!!! :) Best times of the season, overall! And the 300's were alright times were :44, and :45. Not too shabby, but I should be around a 42-43! I got it down! Amazing work out! If this is what makes me FAST, or BETTER I am willing to do it from now on! And went on cool down 1.5 miles. Good cool down. Coach asked me, if I am truly ready to run a 2:04 by SUU! And I kinda hesitated... But I said, "Yes!" I am going to get faster than that baby! HOT DIGGITY! It's really time to "raise the bar"!!! Time to crush the 4x800 record!!! :) Weights were just amazing! I have never felt this good during weights, or during this work out! By far the best work out overall. It's kinda pointless to write this much about it... But sometimes I just have to express my feelings, and thoughts! Sorry world! But it's ME!

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Felt good. A little sore from yesterday, but not too bad. Plyos were not that bad either.

Afternoon- OH MY!!! I never knew running could hurt sooo bad!!! Today's work out was insanely hard! It was 1.5 mile warm up. And 1x600, 1x400, 1x300, 1x200, and 1x100 (3 sets). Except coach didn't have the 800 guys run the last 600, so just take that out. And these were at race pace. Like the 600 was 4 seconds slower, and the 400 was 2 seconds slower, but the 300 was at the same pace. And then the 200's and 100's were a lot faster. And here's the tricky part! Recovery was only 100 meters! That's it! Then boom, going again! Each time getting faster, and faster! Goal time was 1:35 (600), 1:05 (400), :47 (300), :27 (200), and :13 (100). 1:45 (600), 1:06 (400), :50 (300), :30 (200), :13 (100). Next set. I could for sure start feeling it now! 600 was slower than poop (poop is slow!!!) 1:54... 1:08 (400), :50 (300),  :30 (200), :14 (100). Then coach had the top 800 guys take a little break, while the top milers did another (Casey, Mike, and Byron). I really thought I was going to die another set... But the 600 was taken out so that made my mental picture better! But Coach said," I was too uptight." Which means I think too much in the brain, and not enough in the legs! Self note- Fix that now! Anyways... Last set 1:10 (400), :50 (300), :30 (200), and :13 (100) Byron ran a :14.00 on that and I got the same thing, but I was ahead of him by 0.1 at least... So 13.99, so to say... This was by far the hardest work out of the season speed wise! The recover isn't really a recovery to me. It's a run fast, jog 100, GO!! But hey it's the work out! I still feel pain, while typing now about... My brain hurts, my legs hurt, and my stomach is all jacked.... But on the cool down my quads felt like they were pulling right about my knee, which hurt. Like cramping like crazy... But good work out. Times were not met for some of them, but learning experience. Tough work out for SURE!

Morning- Had to do afternoon run in the morning, because of Region Choir. 4 miles with striders. I had to run striders with my shoes on... Because my blister hurt too bad... But yeah good run.

Afternoon- Ran right when I got home (literally!). I ran around 9ish... But nice and easy 3.

Morning- Nice and easy 3! Blister didn't even hurt! :) Had plyos too! Those were nice!

Afternoon- 4 miles with 4x200's for turn over! I am ready to race baby!! I can't wait till I race! And another good thing is that my B-day is tomorrow! So it's a double win!! WIN WIN WIN!! Winning all around in life right now! :) Stretched good today, and rolled in the morning for a while. And the 200's were about 32, 32, 32, and 31! Good run! Ready to roll! I hope I am in the fast heat with the big boys! So I can run faster! Just have to have the guts to go with them! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Rolled out pretty good.

Afternoon- 6 miles with Josh F. and we did 2x30 seconds, and 2x1 minute fartleks to get turn over, and speed for tomorrow, when we raced! It was fun! I just focused on having quick turn over! Good run ready to race! :)

Morning- I woke up, feeling pretty good! Just thought, and visualized my race going perfect! And it usually does! :) I ate a good breakfast, and then my mom drove me to the high school to get on the bus. And then I arrived at the meet. Waiting for my race... I warmed up a little early, but I felt warmed up still. Then I did stride out, and agilities!

Race Report-

I was feeling confident up to the line. I was in lane 6, and had to stay their till the first 100, then cut in (I could go into lane 4 too, but started in lane 6). But I was ranked 12th in my heat time wise. And I was in the fastest heat. So I made it a goal to score some points, and qualify for state 2:01.09. But the gun fired, and everyone immediately started out at full speed. So I went with the other 3 guys in the group. And just ran out into lane 2 waiting to cut in. And I had 2 open windows at the 180 mark. I was about to get into the mid pack one, but then I thought to myself you don't belong there! Get up where you are meant to be! So I moved a little faster to get into the faster pack. And boom! Perfect placing! I came around the first lap around a 1:02 (62), and I thought to myself not bad for a first lap! And then I started working my way up, because I told myself 400 meters left! That's always the pushing point for me in any race over 800 meters! But I made the curve strong. And then on the back stretch I really started flying! I started my push, and caught up to the man pack. And then I got cut off from them going too slow, but I coasted off them for a little (50 meters), bad mistake... I should have gone around. And I learned that from this race! Go around! :) But then I started another push at about 175 left and started sprinting, and got my way to the very front, and then last 100 meters. Jason Quinn (from Dixie), and Kayden Starley (from Cedar) started taking out even faster at a death sprint, and I wanted top 3. I see Kayden, and Jason stride for stride, and then Jason takes off, and was gone. So I thought Kayden was in 3rd, and I wanted to pass him, and get a medal soo bad! But he was really in 4th, but anyways. All of this happened like in slow motion in my mind when it happened too. But every 10 meters the gap closed between Kayden, and me. And at one point I was breathing down his back. That's how close I was! And I wanted to pass him SOOOOO BAD! And about the last 5 meters... I really don't know what happened... But I kinda lost movement in the legs, and tripped myself, and taking down Kayden, and we both go down, both falling over the finish line, while the kids behind us coming in at full speed. Some of them tripped, and fell! I was kinda laughing in my mind at this point! That's how bad I wanted to pass this kid! Just pass him that's it! But everyone watching said, it was crazy, like nascar, a fist fight in a group... Comments all other the place! But after the race I felt just amazing! Except that's when the adrenaline stopped as much, and boom... My blister in the same spot just goes off, and hurting like crazy! With blood coming out... But looking back at this race right now! I have never had that much adrenaline in a single race. It got soo intense the passing of Kayden, the falling! It's all great! I love running, and love racing! I am happy for a P.R. But there is work to be done, and I can do better through hard training, and focus! These new work outs are really paying off for once! Greatest 800 of the year yet! I am really start to wondered what else I can pull out of the bag! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3.

Afternoon- 4x1000's and 2x300's at F pace (fast). Goal time was 3:11. Today I hit all my times, a HUGE thanks for Coach Holt for helping! Times were 3:07, 3:08, 3:10, and 3:08. I was for sure working hard by the last one. Like I wanted to die! It was tough! First one was fresh, second one was getting ready, and 3rd was tough, and 4th was super hard. Thought one lap at a time. At the 300's were a little slower, but times were 47, and 46... But good work out. 3 mils total for warm up, and cool down. Weights after those were nice! :) Best times on 1000's too! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3 like Normal. Plyos too.

Afternoon- 1.5 mile warm up, and 2 mile cool down. Had a work out that consisted of 100, 110, 120 etc... to 200 meters. Each one getting faster. Good work out. Hit all my times down to the dot! It was good! Just stayed right behind Abel, and Mike to hit times! Every time it worked! They are working hard! Good work out, got tough by the end, but no where close to yesterdays. :) 

Morning- Nice and easy 3. Went a tad slower. Good run.

Afternoon- Had a meet that consisted of all relays! It's one of my favorite meets of the year! I ran the distance Medley, and then ran the 4x200, 4x800, and 4x400. Times were 2:08 (800), 26ish (200), 2:12 (800) almost 2:11 (800), and then 57 almost 56 in the 400. This meet was for of a work out, like it was fast, but not all out racing. It was good! Glad it's done, and put into the bag! I am super excited for the meet this weekend! There is going to be some real fast guys there in the 1,600 (mile), and 800! I am super excited! And I am for sure ready for the 800! Going for state in the mile, and 800! I now know my pushing zones in the 800, just have to find that out in the mile! One lap at a time baby!! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Plyos were nice as usual. I was a little worn down this morning, but all it all good!

Afternoon- 4 miles easy with 4x200's. Nice and smooth. Worked on my turn over, and form on the 200's. It's like it just happens so smoothly now! Times were 32, 32, 32, and 31 (almost 30). But good run. Ready to race! Goals for weekend meet: Qualify for State in the 1600 (mile), and 800 meters, and run a great time in the open 400! Got to hit sub 4:35 in the mile, and 2:01, or sub 2:00 in the 800. And make finals in the 400! :) This week has been good work! A lot of hard work has been put in, and now it's time to get some real results that I want!

Morning- Nice and easy 3. Felt ready to race.

Afternoon- We get to the meet, and I warmed up 2 miles. And I was in the 2nd fastest heat. With the fastest guy in at a 4:46ish... So I didn't really have anyone to pace me for state qualifying time (4:35). Got back from warm up. Felt good, did stride outs, and agilities. Felt ready to roll!

Race- I started out immediately fast when the guy fired, and got great positioning. I was in the lead for the first lap, and came by around 1:09. Some Cedar kid got in front of me, and I coasted off him for the second lap, and coming through at a 1:13 (bad mistake). And then the third lap I closed the gap, and then started to speed up a little, but not enough still behind the Cedar kid. And then came by at a 1:12...Started to really have to push  from here. And starting the last lap the Cedar just would not let me pass him... So I was in lane one, and he was in lane two. He started to cut me off. So I threw him a small elbow warning him, and he does it back. So we kinda boxed out for about 100 meters. And then I finally out kick him, and finishing the race I pushed it in to a 1:07. Nice finishing lap I would say. And I won my heat. So that went swell! New P.R., but I am not settling quite yet, and once I get state I will not settler there! I will never settle for anything! Goal not met on getting state, but this was a good building block towards state qualifying. Good race I would have to say! :)

400- I wanted to run the 400, and see what I could do. So I finally ran it after 10 heats of girls, and then I was the last heat in the boys. There was a super fast Canyon View kid, and Parowan kid that did well in my heat.  But I raced that finished at a 55.22. Not too shabby. Good racing experience in the 400.

Morning- Woke up feeling good. Ate a good breakfast. And went over to the high school with Byron, and Dave. Fun ride. Waited, and waited for my race... But warmed up pretty well. Did a lot of stride outs, and did some agilities. Then waited for the other heats to go. I was in the fastest heat. Pre-ranked 9th by time, and took 7th overall. So that's good. But one kid dropped out faster than me... So yeah....

Race Report- I started out good. First 200 came around 28ish. Jordon Cross starting throwing elbows, and pushing a DH kid. He almost tripped... Dang Jordon!  Be nicer! And then came around the 400 mark at 1:01ish. And then I just told myself to speed up. And I did a little, but everyone was just going crazy already. The 500 mark I started to get tired... So I started my kick, because I was in the back pack. And I worked my way up passed a few on the back stretch, and then on the curve worked my way up more, and passed 2 kids on the straight away. But I had to get into lane 3, and 4 to pass them, Because they were taking lanes 1, and 2. But I sprinted it in barely beating Starley, and Sharp. I was pleased with my time. It was a P.R. indeed. Official time was 2:02.89, good race. 7th overall, 3rd from Pine View! Found out this is the best 800 crew we have had in a while! Time to make it even faster! But I am still going for state! Things to work on next race. Make the first lap a little faster, and then the second one stronger. But good race for sure! Happy with my time, and placing, just one place away from a medal! It's always 0. something, or 1 place!! >:( But I shall get a medal this season in track and field! I am very pleased with my running in the way it's going.

Morning- Nice and easy 3.

Afternoon- 1.5 mile warm up. 4x1000's with 2x300's at "F" pace. Goal time was 3:11 again. Coach ran them with me, and we were on pace perfectly, and then the last 300 meters coach thought we were going to fast, so he just said," don't kick it in." I was like ok. But we hit 3:16 on that one. And the second one was 3:08, or :09 I forgot... But the third one was 3:10 required more focus, and effort. Than the last one required tons of effort, and lots of focus. Getting quick turn over. Hitting 3:11 barley. Then the 300's. I ran 44, and 45. The wind was crazy today on those. The first one was really windy! But good work out! For sure pushed me mentally, and physically! 1.5 mile cool down. Felt super tired on the cool down... But towards the end. The conversation was super funny with Mike saying some weird things! Makes me giggle thinking about it now! Weights after! Those were good! Makes me buff! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3. Plyo's were nice once again! :)

Afternoon- Work out. 10x200's at race pace. 3-4 seconds faster. Recovery got shorter, and shorter as the work out went on. Towards the last part, it got down to 30 seconds! Yikes! But goal time was :26-:28. Didn't hit any of those times.... I just couldn't make myself go today... I felt awful before practice, and during the work out. But after I just felt amazing for some reason! But times were 29, 30, 30, 31, 30, 31, 32, 31, 31, and 30. I really tried my best today. But I just didn't have it in me today.... But moving on. Goal next time: Hit ALL times!

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. 

Afternoon- Recovery day. Nice and relaxed 5 miles with the top boys. Went on some new route that coach had. It was fun! Again Mike cracked a few jokes and made me laugh hard!

Morning- Usual 3 miles. With plyos. Those were good. I had a bit more energy this morning that's all I can say! :)

Afternoon- Coe work out #2. 1.5 mile warm up. 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, and 300 meters. Times get faster each one. Started at a 35, and went to 2 seconds slower each one. So 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, and 45 300 finish. By the end your pretty much sprinting. Good work out. I hit all my times. Some were a bit fast by a second or two. I tried my best to pace it as best as I could make it. And then the cool down was nice. 1.5 miles. Ready to race! Goals for this weekend: Qualify for state in the mile, and go sub 2:01 in the 4x800! :) 

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. 

Afternoon- 5.35 miles with the team up in SLC. Did some nice striders for quick turn over. Going for a state qualify in the mile, and new school record in the 4x800 to help with that at a 2:01 or faster to a sub 2 would be nice. Felt good. A little tight from the drive, but good.

Morning- Woke up feeling good. Ate a good breakfast. Drove over to the meet. I was feeling good, but I was really nervous for some reason, which I am usually nervous at all... But My goal was to qualify for state. So I was aiming for 1:06, 1:08-:09, 1:08-:10, and 1:06. I warmed up 2.5 miles and felt ready. I was the only one racing in the morning so the boys warmed up with me to get a morning run in.

Checked in, got my sticker. And than went to the center of the field. And did agilities, and a couple of stride outs. I was a little worried that I am too much for breakfast on the warm up, but I just ate the right amount. And I watched the first heat go. Some nice times. Then I was up ready to go. I was pre-ranked 5th in my heat as a 4:42.01. So I was hoping the front pack would push the pace a lot.

Race Report- I started out really bad this time... Everyone was pushing, and elbowing. I got cut off like 5 times in the first 100 meters... But I just worked my way up to the front mid pack. And I came by the first lap at 1:07 (goal was 1:06). But I started to work my way up, just getting into a good position, but there were tons of guys all over the place. And started to lose focus for a little. Like I would go on, and off. I would push a nice, strong section, than back off, and die off. Then start it up again. This race was one of those ones. But the 2nd lap came around a 2:18 (1:11). A little too slow (goal 1:08-:09). Started to feel like I was doing bad, because there were tons of guys in front of me. But than I came around the back stretch, and got my speed going again. Pushing past a few kids. And then came around at 3:30 (1:12). Too slow. But I told myself I had to push hard to get state time!! I was right on pace! But I had too push a hard 1:05 in to the finish. I started to speed up, but my kick was nothing... It was just a strong finish.... But I started losing focus again on the back stretch, and than the 200 mark. I got refocused, and pushed it in hard, finishing the race at a 4:38 (1:08). Last lap was strong, but not what I wanted... I didn't have a kick really this race... But it was a great race to start out with! I P.Red by 4 seconds! :) WOOT WOOT! Happy for that! But I didn't get state... But I will get it at BYU this next weekend! I am even closer than I thought I was! Just have to answer the call ALL the way next time! Good race for sure! I now know without a doubt I can get state now in the mile, and the 800! :)

Waited all day for 4x800.... I was the first leg. I really felt good till about 5ish. I raced at 6ish. But I warmed up a little. I think I need to warm up more...

4x800- I took out slow... The first 10 meters, 3 guys started sprinting by, and that kinda blew my confidence down the drain.... But than I ran the first 200 in 29-30ish, which is a slow start. And I just got passed by more kids. That even got my confidence down even more... But I didn't know my first lap... But it was bad like a 1:05. And then I didn't start racing till about 300 meters left.... I passed all the guys that passed me, but got us in 4th. But I finished with a 2:08 (1:03).... That was the WORST 800 I have ever raced! EVER! But I felt like it was all my fault that we didn't break the school record... We were off by 0.3 seconds! Some of other guys didn't do their best, but good have done a little better. But me.... I run 2:02's, sub 2! Not 2:08 junk! Oh well. Moving on from it! I was pretty P.O.ed about it on the ride home. But Coach said that's the old Matt! Talking, the talk, not racing, the race. The new Matt races, the race, and doesn't talk, the talk! So I am keeping it the new MATT way! :)

Morning- Nice and easy 3 miles. Legs were tired, and so was I.

Afternoon- Warm up 1.5 mile. 1x2000 at 1000 pace. And then 3x1000's faster than average. Goal time for the 2000 was 6:11. And 1000's were 3:05. I wasn't even close to any of the times...  The 2000 was 6:44........ 1000's were 3:17, 3:24, and 3:12. ... I felt terrible, and times were terrible.... But I pushed the last one pretty hard. I had a pretty down day today from some reason... And it cared throughout the work out! But I over think everything in life.... Especially running.... The reasons I have been having good work outs, and good races is because I turn off my brain, and let my legs do the thinking! I am totally opposite of everyone else.... They need their brain too. But me.... My legs! I don't understand that.... It was also 90 degrees today, and a bit windy.... So that could throw times off a little, but not too much.... 

Morning- Nice and easy 3.

Afternoon- Did 1.5 mile warm up, and 4x400's all out. Felt good. I was infront for most of them, which I should be, because it pushes me! :) 2 mile cool down. And then I did the 200, and got 25.82.