Meghan Davis is ready to attack the field at the 29th New Balance Nationals today in Greensboro, N.C.
The newly-minted Mohawk Trail Regional graduate flew down to Greensboro on Wednesday and is set to compete in the 5,000-meter run in the event held at North Carolina A&T University.
Last year at Nationals Outdoor, Davis competed in the two-mile.
“Obviously, the pacing is different,” Davis said. “I want to get out in the first mile pretty quick. I want to make sure I am in a good position then just work off the other girls. Then just sit back and wait to make a move when the time comes.”
This past Saturday, Davis ran a 5K at Bentley University posting a personal best time (17:48) in preparation for Greensboro.
“That was good prep work,” Davis said. “Setting the tone for what’s to come.”
To compete at Nationals, athletes need a membership and are then free to sign up for any event either indoor or outdoor.
The 5K race fills up pretty quickly every season.
“It’s more selective,” Davis said. “I had to sign up for this race months ago.”
The record holder (15:45.46) in the 5K is Mary Cain, of Bronxville N.Y., from 2013.
Fellow WMass runners Emily Boutin of Pope Francis and Sophia Jacobs-Townsley of Amherst Regional are also in the field.
The race is scheduled for late afternoon but start times can change for various reasons.
“It’s nice racing at night, not having to meet certain deadlines like getting to the track at certain times,” Davis said. “Especially in the morning. I am definitely going to try to stay hydrated.”
Running in the south is especially challenging with the possibility of sweltering heat.
“It’s always super hot down here,” Davis said. “Everyone takes that into consideration so times might not be as fast as one would expect.”
The forecast for Greensboro in the evening is in the 70-75 degree range with sun.
“I am going to stay out of the sun,” Davis said. “I’ll get to the track a couple of hours early. Check-in. See how everything is going and make sure the scheduled events are on time and not running earlier than anticipated.”
Last season, Davis placed 12th in the two-mile at Nationals.
“It’s more comfortable,” Davis said. “I am more comfortable with the area and what to expect. But as far as the competition you never know who is going to show up.”
At the New Balance Nationals Indoor in March, Davis finished ninth in the 5K (18:01.71) in a field of 25 runners. The meet was held at The Armory in New York City.
Mohawk Trail head coach Joe Chadwick pointed out that today’s race will indeed be the last high school event for Davis. The standout, who will attend and run at Tufts University beginning this fall, won the two-mile at the WMass Division 2 Championship last month.
