I've been adding up the positive emails from USATF over the last days and can finally admit to myself and others that I've made the team for the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country race.
At first I was very skeptical when I received an email asking for my passport details and confirmation that I intended to race. The next email told me travel info will be coming soon. The last asked for an address to mail Team USA gear. Anyway, I'll know what's up when I'm wolfing down some black pudding and mooning Englishmen.
Flash back to about a week ago.
After the clubs race I was freaking out about getting back to town to fill out the team processing paperwork. I rushed into the room and was obviously the only first-timer there. At least I was the only obvious first timer. Completely unable to compose myself, I jotted down all kinds of information and probed for all the information I could get about my chances of making it into the Edinburgh race and/or the NACAC meet. I left feeling that I had a very outside chance at making Edinburgh and a near-guarantee that I'd make NACAC.
I was a little on edge for the next few days, knowing that I'd likely be representing my country in international competition. Honestly, my main problem was knowing my inexperience in international travel and knowing the social awkwardness that infects everything I'm near. The racing doesn't frighten me, I'll race anyone, hard. I'm not trying to sound like a tough guy here, but I'll race you. YOU, READER - LET'S LINE IT UP!!!! Ok, so I'm obviously still a little jumpy. I do think it's good to have guys like me on these teams, guys with something to prove.
Training wise - I'm still in pretty good shape. I think the massive workouts I was doing back in September to prep for Twin Cities have been paying off big time, helping me extend my season. I'm doing most of Mike's 2:12 marathon workouts, just cutting out a lot of the mileage.
I'm impressed with myself (famous last words) most with the fact that I've spent most of the time since the end of October sleeping on the floor of an Airstream trailer and often on airport terminal floors (O'Hare has the most comfortable) and training on a sheet of ice since I've been back in MSP. I'm usually not very flexible about anything. I think this fall has taught me a lot and helped me grow as a competitive runner quite a bit. Let's end this on a positive note.
Keep your sticks on the ice,
