In the days leading up to this competition Nick would get a little anxious, nervous and excited about the races. How would he stack up against everyone else? What lap times would he need to pull off? Would it be fast enough? What if he fell? FOCUS!
This was how past competitions would start out, but this time he wanted to approach it differently and just have fun. He decided that distractions and keeping busy were the best ways to relax and not over think things. After all his body knows what to do. The tv/movies, house cleaning, working, working out and a little shopping were enough to help the cause.
Friday
Nick was due to skate a 500m. It's a one lap and front straight away race. The strategy it to go all out from the start. He was paired with Andrew H. He got a false start because he was trying to time the gun, which isn't possible in long track... short track yes, kinda. The starter can keep you on the line in the start position forever if he wants. Back on the line, had a clean start, but not a strong one. He finished in 24th place out of 29. This race isn't one to be worried about, good experience.
The second race of the day was the dreaded 5,000m. No one likes it. It's 12.5 laps and it's a killer. There is a different defined strategy for everyone, but the general idea is to have a fast start and end with the middle laps a bit slower. Lots of people will start fast and get slower and slower finishing the race totally dead. Here's how Nick's race went:
21.09
31.57
31.94
32.28
32.30
32.41
32.36
32.43
32.25
31.87
32.24
32.60
32.29
Finish: 6:47.63
The top finishers averaged 29-30 second laps the whole way, Nick will get there. In the meantime, this time was a personal best and an unimaginable great race! He placed 7th and is right behind Olympians and medal holders in the current standings. Great great race! He is happy, his coach is happy and everyone is happy.
Saturday
Nick skated his second 500m (they have 2 sets this competition). His 100m opener was about 11.23 and he finished 21st with a time of 38.92. This race was just another experience race as he is training for the longer distances so no harm done.
Sunday
The 1,500m went really well. Nick set another personal best finishing in 16th place with a time of 1:54.21.
25.88
28.05
29.34
30.94
After the 15 he along with Pat & Alex skated a 3k team pursuit. Not sure of the overall time, but here's about what the lap times were:
21.9
28.6
28.2
27.9
28.4
28.7
28.3
Overall it was a great first competition in long track. Time to rest.
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