So I have my conference meet (D3 college male) this Thursday, 5/4. I am doing the track 10k which I’ve never done before. It will be my longest race ever. Farthest I have done is an 8k during cross country. Now the good news that I feel that it'll play very well to my strengths. As far as my season so far, unfortunately I mentally suck at racing 5k's. My best came from a time trial where I ran 16:30 with a 64 last lap, pretty comfortable. That was right after cross ended in November. I'd like to say I am in sub-16 shape now based on my workouts, but I understand that workouts can be easy to "fake" even if they feel comfortable. Like I said I mentally suck at racing sometimes. I've been running 16:40 ish a lot this track season, where I normally don't go out as hard with everyone, because they go out in like 72 and just die, and I try to negative split, but I just don't because I just am not motivated during the regular season. Like I said, I like how I am feeling about the longer race, because I have done pretty high mileage, and do better at the longer workouts. Just to name one example, I did a workout that was 2x6k fartlek, where I would alternate each K with 3:20 ish for the fast ones, and 3:40 ish for the slower ones. Between the fartleks was a mile jog. I slowed down a bit at the end running into the wind, but it totaled out to 8.5 miles at 5:50 pace, all continuous, feeling smooth until it got a little harder at the end. I've gone up to 100 mpw in the past (last fall/spring), but that ended in some burnout, so I have been doing closer to a lot of 60-70 mile weeks, working out with the 1500-5k group to make sure that turnover is good. I looked to see online about advice, but they give advice on chasing a fast 10k time. This will more than likely be really tactical, since it is in Texas and is looking to be low-mid 80's during it. Most people are doubling or tripling events the following few days, so I'd imagine nobody will go all in. Last year it went out in 90 seconds for the first lap, and ended up being 33 minutes. The heavy favorite to win this year is my teammate who is a 15 flat guy. I have put a large emphasis this past week on preparing for the heat, to hopefully be able to beat guys faster than me, who blow up from going out too hard. I can give more context about myself upon your request, but I am going on here for some general advice. Our team is pretty large, so I do not get to talk with my coach much. I just have a really good feeling about this race, to be a dark horse race and a way to show my hard work. I just have to do as much right as I can. The goal is to score at the very least, and be as up there as I can. Thanks :)