TRACK'S ERB CHASES AFTER TRIPLE CROWN...
CLEVELAND, OH (March 12, 2008) - Saturday (Mar. 14) Esther Erb will try to achieve something that is missing from her athletic vitae at Case Western Reserve University – become an All-American in indoor track and field. But let's not be too concerned as she is already a three-time All-American and will be making her eighth trip to an NCAA Championship.
“I feel really good about what I have done here [Case Western Reserve],” said Erb. I have put a lot of work into it.”
Erb has some work ahead of her at the 2008 NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships March 14-15 at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. The 2008 University Athletic Association (UAA) indoor champion in the 3,000-meter run and mile will race in the 5,000-meter run Saturday afternoon at 4:35 p.m.
The Richmond, Va. native has earned All-America status twice in cross country [2007 & 2006] and once in outdoor track and field. She placed fifth in the 5,000 meters in a time of 17:01.30 at the 2007 Outdoor Track and Field Championships last spring.
“I have actually had a lot of bad races [in previous years] at nationals,” Erb explained. “Considering what I am capable of, I have never run well at the cross country nationals, but the top 35 become All-Americans. It is not as easy in track because there are only eight All-Americans. You can't fudge that!”
A year ago, at her second indoor nationals, Erb finished 12th in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 17:40.61. In 2006, she failed to qualify in the mile finals during the preliminaries. This year, Erb enters the championships with the 10th fastest time in the country at 17:26.39, so on paper, she has her work cut out for her to get into that top eight.
“I kind of feel like I got in cheap, because I got in on a time I ran in December [7th],” Erb said. “I could continue to dwell on that or feel lucky to be there and do my best. I am going to concentrate on the latter.”
So what would prevent one of Case Western Reserve's most highly decorated student-athletes over at least the last decade from accomplishing what could be considered a triple crown [All-America status in cross country, indoor and outdoor track] for collegiate runners? You might find it hard to believe.
“Lack of confidence,” Erb said. “If I freak out during my race like I did last winter and this fall in cross, I am not going to do so well.”
In case you were wondering what goes through the mind of a distance runner when they are at the start, midway through the race and on the last leg, we asked Erb and you will be surprised that even in the long races there is not a lot of time to think – you just have to go.
So what will Erb ponder when she steps up to the start line this Saturday?
“I think what I am going to try to think about how lucky I am to be there and how exciting it is to have the opportunity to be an All-America again.”
At the midway point, what will be on her mind? “It's probably going to hurt. I will probably start doubting myself, but I am going to try “not” to think as much as possible. I think that's the ticket!” And last but not least, when that last bell is rung [last lap], what will be on Erb's mind?
“Just finish it. Go as hard as I can and get it done.”
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