Indoor track season off and running at the University of Houston Indoor Invitational

Haavikka battles Flu while winning the 5000 Meter Run

The Houston Indoor Invitational & Multi Events served as an early season meet in which teams and individuals got a chance to see what it’s practice hours were worth. The two day event concluded Saturday at Bill Yoeman Field House.
36 year old Hanna Haavikka of Finland, running in her second meet of the young season was an instant highlight. While competing unattached she won the women’s 5000 Meter Run besting second place, UTSA’s Courtney Haas with a time of 19:25.51. Haavikka who was battling the Flu, was pretty surprised about the win.
“I was concerned about my feelings, because I’ve been sick,” said Haavikka, who was surprise she could even run this well under the circumstances. I felt good, the beginning pace was so fast and I had people to run with and I just picked up.
Sam Houston State’s Trey Jones won his heat in the 400 Meter Run with a 50.82, but finished 15^th overall while running against time.
Not having your same lane throughout the race forces you to focus on position, said UTSA’s Darryl Wyrick, who tied Jones time in the 400 Meter Run, but while competing in different heats. It’s what many runners faced as it competed on the indoor track which is smaller than the outdoor regulation track.
“I’m not use to indoor yet but I feel pretty good. It was a little aggressive but I recovered to win my heat. Since it’s the indoor season I don’t have to worry about the weather and outdoor you have to be more cautious in the summer,” said Trey Jones, 400 Meter Run.
“Running this track is very mental, its more to it than just the ability to run,” Wyrick said. You have to focus on the position and maintaining that position. Its more physical than the outdoor track where you have your own lane throughout.
“My main goal was to get ahead of the rest, be the first to the break point and maintain from then on,” said Wyrick.