2023 USATF Masters Outdoor National Championships - Day 1

Won my semi-final heat in 59.11.   This year's surprise is newby is James L.   His 57.87 leads all qualifiers by a lot.  And I'm second fastest, followed by Ron 59.60, and Owen in 60.39.   This kinda sucks because that means in the Final, I'm in lane 5 with the 2 fastest guys to my inside so I won't see them.   The only positive thing is that I'll have Owen in front of me in lane 6 and all I have to do to medal is beat him, most likely.   

It was not an ideal situation.  I focused my warmup on my the race schedule.  Warmed up, got sweaty in the heat and ready to go, walked the length of the stadium to report and found the meet was running way behind.  No telling when we'd be called.  Once over on that side of the stadium, there was no where to run except for about 30m on pavement.   Finally we got called and the race was an HOUR late.  It was pretty hot but not scorching, about 90º heat index and really hot in the sun, although there were intervals of clouds.  

I had a weak heat and I was way ahead of the field.  Hit the home stretch 10m ahead of everyone.   I didn't hold back much and my splits were pretty much on target except my 200-300 was maybe a bit fast which cost me on the last 100, although I did 'coast in.'    As near as I can tell, my splits were: 13.9, 13.9, 13.9, 17.4 or 27.8, 31.3 or 41.7, 17.4.   Yea, the 17.4 sticks out like a sore thumb.  If I ran this same exact race in the final, I might just medal.  However, compared to my most recent event runs, the first half may have been a tad too hot.  This first 200m was about 0.5 sec faster than the last 2 event runs, but I really attacked the 3rd 100m and my 300m split was a full second faster than the two event runs 41.7 v 42.7.  The 300m split may have even been as fast as 41.5.   That's probably what cost me at least a half second.

Here's the comparison splits to my main competitors from the semi in this order -  Me, James, Ron, Owen:

Me - 13.9, 13.9, 13.9, 17.4 / 27.7, 31.4 / 41.7, 17.4  (3.7 differential 200v200)

James - 13.6, 14.3, 13.5, 16.5 / 27.9, 30 / 41.4, 16.5  (2.1 differential)

Ron - 13.5, 13.7, 14.6, 17.8 / 27.2, 32.4 / 41.7, 17.8  (5.2 differential)

Owen -                                 / 29, 31.4  / 43.1, 17.3  (2.4 differential) 

Clearly, Ron let up in the last 5m.  James had an amazing 200-300m.  My initial thought was that i should be more aggressive in the final, but now looking at this, I think the opposite.  I need to be conservative and save some for the last 100m.  My last 100m must be under 17.  Preferably under 16 like my recent event runs.  

I kind of regret scratching the 100m.   I could have easily medaled.   Allan said the competition is a joke.  He also said this would be his last meet.   I don't believe him.   But, he is suffering.   He coasted to an easy 12.80, and next fastest was 13.34.  Ron was supposed to run the 100m but he scratched to focus on the 400m.   I think my chances will be decent to medal in the 200m, probably as good if not better than the 400m.  400m Final tomorrow in the hottest part of the afternoon,  4:47 pm.   Will be hot.

  

Anyway, having fun with it.  Just happy I can still do it.