Up until a few hours before this race I was still conflicted about what strategy to pursue. I ultimately asked myself, "What would give me the best chance of qualify for the trials?" Option 1: run the first half at around 1:10/1:11 then hope/wish/pray for a even to negative split during the second, or Option 2: run fast and see what happens. Option 1: I know myself well enough that Option 1 would have resulted in around a 2:22. Yes, I could have been touched by a miracle from god or wind from hell but given my training I couldn't see myself pulling off an even or negative split on a course with a faster first half. Thus, the probability of hitting the trials time with this strategy was around 2%. Option 2: Much more risky, given the possibility of a massive meltdown, but at least it would put in the running for as long as I could hang on. Realistically speaking, however, the probability of hitting the time with this strategy was also around 2%.
Since 2% is equal to 2% I had to throw all logic out the window. The splits below basically tell the story but I ultimately went with Option 2, i.e. 30 second PR in the half, pleeeaasseee hang on (lasted through mile 20) and then the wobbly legs, dizziness, tripping over myself, etc. during the last few miles. Why Option 2? Because I knew it would push me outside my comfort zone, and more importantly, because I didn't want to regret not knowing what could have been. It isn't every day, week, month or even year when you have a chance, albeit very small, to qualify or try to qualify for the trials. The best thing that came from this experience is I learned that I can run a 2:19. Now I just have to do it. Will Smith in the movie Pursuit of Happiness put it best, "You want something? Go get it. Period." Thanks to everyone who was following the play by play. I will recap the miles when my energy returns.
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