"I picked up my pace much more gradually throughout these portions of the race and started my kick much earlier, with about 600 to 800 meters to go, because I usually have too much in the end of my races," Helms said. "So I think that allowed for my time drop and for a much better placing than I was expecting."
Helms had been feeling sick the past two weeks, and so she had kept her training pretty light. She supposes she will follow a similarly relaxed routine for the next week leading up to the NCAAs. But, then again, this will be her first time running in Nationals and so she isn't sure what she will do.
"Heck, I don't know what I'll do in the coming week," Helms said. "I haven't done this before!"
Along with Helms, most runners on the team ran strong races. Junior Mary Unsworth (17:57) ran an exceptional race, breaking eighteen minutes for the first time, and finishing 30th overall. Her race was a personal best on the course by about 40 seconds. Senior Kim Megdanis broke nineteen minutes for the first time, giving her a ten-second personal best.
"It was an amazing way to end the season and get people excited for the indoor season," Helms said.