Feeling less of the fatigue I've felt the past two mornings, but breathing is still restricted this morning. Improvement for sure, but not where I'd want to normally be on race day. I'll give it my best shot. Started the warm-up @7:16pm around the updoors track with Nobs & Mowgli. Don't know why, but surreal WU with two other seniors...reminded me we only have four months remaining here on the hill. Legs started to get into a good place by mile 2.5 and the restricted cardio (thanks to the underlying cold) was somewhat improved, so ended up going 3.5 miles in 25:03. Then headed downstairs for spike up and active. Took a cough drop, but didn't seem to help all that much. Race went off just a touch after 8pm. Disappointed to see Mueller not run. Even though I prolly wasn't gonna stick with him, still made the race feel even less important. Started off pacing the first two laps, (as agreed with Nobs) in 34/34 for a 68...perfect! Then things went south as Nobs past me an took off. Simply didn't keep up and spent the next 2K in No-Man's Land. Seems to be a common theme with a lot of my races, which is pretty frustrating, especially knowing a pack of boys is coming rumbling up behind you. Even all the support spread around the track couldn't keep me going today. 2:54, 3:03, 3:04 shows the abysmal pacing. Bowman and Penn passed with 200 to go. One thing I'm happy with was the fact that I actually had some sort of response and finished strong. Means I had more in the tank, but wasn't able to pass and finished in fourth with a 9:01.42. Another early season race that is subpar. Worst part is people always reassuring me after the race that I'll be fine by the end of the season...I mean, I'm pretty sure that's true, but talented track runners are able to perform well the entire season, and I can never seem to be all that consistent. Frustrated with that for sure. Could use the cold as an excuse as it certainly restrained my ability to breath and some leg fatigue, but still should be able to run a conference qualifier for the fast heat. Gotta be mad for a day and then move on. CD helped me decompress. First three miles with Nobs at a reasonable 7:15-7:20 pace before I started a 15-minute tempo. Roughly 5:26 pace felt very easy and smooth. Also appreciated this uptick in pace since it helped the 6.2 miles in 40:08 go by faster. Also noticed while rolling out afterwards that Skog is so much better than the U regarding track hack. Another reason this indoor facility is the GOAT. In addition to the rolling did calf raises, toe tappers, 25 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, 15 side-ups, & 30 leg lifts. Phil Kinvaras @ 437.89 miles.