Barnwell PRs in steeple, eyes D3 Nationals [Track]
When Claremont-Mudd-Scripps college runner Allison Barnwell of Seward prepares for a race she breaks out her laptop.
After she gets off the track she gets online and checks out the competition, a habit that dates back to high school.
“It’s good generally to know what I can expect,” she told me.
Barnwell, of Seward High fame, uses the information to help plan her race strategy, identifying faster runners she hopes will help her post better times.
“It’s a fine balance,” she said. “You don’t want to freak yourself out.”
Barnwell has enjoyed her finest season in college, posting CMS top 10 times in three events – 3,000 steeplechase [third, 10:49], 5,000 [seventh, 17:25] and distance relay [fourth, 12:25].
Her PR in the steeplechase should get her into the NCAA D3 Championships next month in Wisconsin. Unlike other levels of NCAA, D3 runners advance to nationals based on time rather than a qualifying mark.
“My 10:49 will probably make it,” she said. “I look online every week and look up times.”