Clemson distance star Kim Ruck blogs about her first nationals experience.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day two blog
What a day! It started with a shakeout around the Arkansas campus with my coach. We ran for about two miles, and then stuck around the track to support the team as they competed.
Then I spent a long day of doing nothing in my room. I tried to keep myself occupied, but it’s hard when you’re trying to pass time for 10 hours. I thought about the race a lot and tried to stay focused, but I also tried to enjoy the rest and relaxation. My parents showed up in the afternoon and it was so great to have them here to support me. I spent the rest of the afternoon with them, and it was great to catch up.
Throughout the day I received a bunch of calls and text messages from friends wishing me luck. I love receiving the encouragement from friends saying they’re praying for me and are proud of me. Sometimes I don’t realize what great friends and family I have, and how much they support me.
When I got to the track there was no more relaxation; it was time to get focused. I got there around 6 p.m., so I had about two hours to pass before my race. I sat in the stands and just soaked in the environment and tried to imagine myself out on the track.
Once I did my warm up and stretched, it was game time. I felt good getting ready for the race, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. The race went out fast. I got boxed in at the beginning which was kind of frustrating, but I got out of it.
Throughout the race I got passed by a couple of girls, but I ended up catching them in the end. The race was really fast, but my goal was to just stay in it and push myself as hard as I could. It was a really hard race, and my body hurt during it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If I felt good when I finished, that just means I didn’t work my hardest; pain is good!
The last two laps I pushed as hard as I could and finished seventh with my personal best of 16:01. It was a good race and I scored two points for the team, received a trophy and was named All-American.
It was a great day and I’m glad that I was able to help out the team out and represent Clemson!
Overall this national experience has been one I will never forget. I’m looking forward to tomorrow to go out and watch all the other events. It will be fun to go out there as a spectator and just hang out and watch everyone else compete.
- Kim Ruck