GRINNELL, IA. 3/10/12 – Paige Mills has always found a way to overcome injuries during her running career at Keene State College, but Saturday's 5,000-meter race at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at Grinnell College in Iowa proved too much of an obstacle even for the strong-willed senior from Keene, N.H. who dropped out to the event with six laps to go.
As much as she wanted to stay on the track and compete in her final indoor NCAA meet, Mills decided that it was best to walk away, so she could run another day. "I had never dropped out of a race before. I was very stubborn about it, but (Coach) Pete (Thomas) was telling me you have to stop. Ultimately it was the smartest thing to do."
Unable to run the past five weeks due to a lingering injury to her right shin, Mills spent the time training, maintaining her cardio-vascular level by pedaling on the elliptical bike and deep water running in the pool.
Ironically it wasn't her shin that slowed her down, but a recent IT (Iliotibial) band left thigh problem that began bothering her 10 days ago. "If her IT band wasn't hurting, I think she would've had a better effort today," said Thomas. "Her breathing and cardio were good. It wasn't like she was struggling for air or the pace was too fast, but her IT band wouldn't let her have a full stride."
Mills tried to stretch and loosen it up before the start of the long 25 lap race. "She felt fine through the mile, but got a little tired," said Thomas.
With the other 14 runners set their site on All-American, Mills set her sight on just finishing. However, her heart and mind were making demands that her body couldn't keep. "My confidence was down because I'm not in peak condition," said Mills, a two-time cross country All-American who earned All-American track honors last year as a member of the Owls' DMR team. "I'm competitive and used to running through injuries, but you have to know when it's best not to continue."
Initially staying in contact with the lead pack, Mills gradually moved further back. "I accepted the fact that this could happen," said Mills. "I told myself that I would do what I could and have a smile on my face. I've never been the one to get the sympathy clap.. Surprisingly, I was OK just being out there and being last. I was so happy that my shin wasn't hurting. I didn't want to stop because of an IT band. I wanted to finish the race."
While Laura Sigmund, a senior from Wartburg (IA) College accepted congratulations for winning the race in a meet record time of 17:01.82, Mills began preparing for the outdoor season. "I'm looking forward to moving forward, getting healthy and strong for the outdoor season," said Mills.
Paige protested a little bit and wanted to finish, but when I got to the infield and talked to her, she understood," said Thomas. "She's fired up for outdoors."
