Racing started at around 11:30, a very civilized time which was nice. Usually on Sundays of competitions it starts at 8am and I'm skating with my eyes closed so that was nice. I skated a good 1000meter heat and advanced to the final, taking the one and only qualifying position in my 4 man heat with an outside pass with a lap to go. I was skating very well in the final and was in perfect position sitting in second place with about three and a half to go when I heard a skirmish behind me. I didn't think much of it but the next time we came around the turn, the gun went off signaling the immediate stop of the race. Landon was in the middle of the track bleeding. He had been cut in the skirmish when another guy caught an edge which propelled his skate up and cut Landon in the leg and chest. He was escorted off the ice and to a hospital. When we re-started the race, I was feeling very strong and knew I wanted to be in the lead with 4 to go. I made a pass around that mark and just sprinted. I crossed the line and finally had reason to be happy with my first place finish. I went on to win the 3000m super final as well, which was a grueling 27lap marathon. I also claimed the extra 150bonus points after the first 9 laps which helped me win group B overall even with all that silly falling I did.
So happy I went to this competition. I am feeling very good about my skating and about the future of this season. I am back home for Christmas and then Sunday I leave for Pittsburgh again to train until Junior Trials.
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