3.12.15
Hey guys! I'm Maya Neal (Sr., Naperville Neuqua Valley) coming to you live from New York City. I flew in for New Balance Indoor Nationals this Thursday to compete in the pentathlon on Saturday. Of course the first thing I decided to do was go shopping (shoe shopping that is) which is one of my favorite things about coming here besides actually competing. It's one of my favorite meets to come to just because the atmosphere is so much more electrifying than other meets. I mean taking the subway from Times Square to the track isn't something you get to do very often… and the crowd is pretty amazing.
3.13.15
This will be my third time competing in the pentathlon which is good because I don't think that I'm as nervous as I have been in the past. It's exciting to know that I'll be competing alongside the best multi-eventers in the country, especially considering the fact that I am only able to do the pentathlon once a year because of my busy high school track schedule. Being that it's my senior year, I want to finish strong this indoor season leading into outdoor; and I've learned more and more that with positive energy comes positive results. A personal record in the pentathlon would be a great way to end my indoor season.
Seeing other Illinois athletes compete here is always fun, and I wish them all the best of luck this weekend. Also, quite a few of my teammates that are going to Tennessee this fall are here, so it'll be cool to meet them and cheer them on as they compete on Saturday and Sunday in other events. That's all I have for you guys today! Bye!
3.14.15
Hey (again)! I survived the 5 events of the pentathlon today but let me tell Ya! I don't think anyone besides a multi-athlete would understand how much that 800m hurts, unless you're one of the crazy few that actually enjoy doing it after 4-9 events in 48 hours or less. But besides that I enjoyed every minute of competition in the Armory today!
My goal coming into NBIN was to get a big PR in the pentathlon, and I ended up doing so by 250 points, going from a 3373 in 2014 to 3598 this time out. The field of competitors was separated by only a few points throughout the whole competition making it very exciting to be in. One of the best surprises came in the shot put, the second event, which I won with a throw of 35-3.25. After that and long jump I moved up into 2nd place which I held going into the 800. I was separated from first place by no more than 30 points, and I knew that I'd have to beat her by at least a second to secure the spot. Little did we all know, the young Canadian in our heat had a trick up her sleeve. Pulling out an incredible 2:11 in the 800 and climbing from 8th place all the way to first! So I ended up getting third overall which only makes me even hungrier for the next time we all meet again.
3.15.15
Since I don't compete tomorrow I'll be able to go and watch everyone else compete for a while, then probably do a little more walking around Times Square. I'm glad my last experience here at New Balance was a positive one, and thanks for letting me share it with you. Until next time!
