Abby Nichols outkicked Oregon’s Alessia Zarbo in the first 10,000-meter race she ran this season. Photo by Cierra Hitner
Colorado’s Abby Nichols had not run a 10,000-meter race all track season, mostly focusing on the 5,000, where she ranks second in the NCAA. That didn’t stop her from becoming the Pac-12 10K champion Friday night, though. Patience, endurance and reacting appropriately to the competition paved the way for Nichols’ win.
“It definitely feels great to come away with a Pac-12 title,” said Nichols. “It’s just a lot of fun, you know, to get out there and see your hard work pay off.”
Nichols finished in 32 minutes, 27.25 seconds, more than a second ahead of runner-up Alessia Zarbo of Oregon. It was a new meet record, beating the time set by Oregon’s Carmela Baez in last year’s conference championship race by more than 11 seconds. The top four finishers actually broke Baez’s record.
Colorado’s Emily Covert and India Johnson headed into the race tied with the best time this season in the Pac-12, but it was Haley Herberg, a junior from Washington, who led the field from the beginning, looking comfortable. Herberg’s decision to set the pace allowed Nichols to tuck in behind her and wait.
“I didn’t want to lead the race,” said Nichols. “I kind of just wanted to hang in the pack and cover moves. When she took it, I just kind of thought, ‘OK. I’ll just keep doing what she wants to do.’”
Fortunately for Nichols, there weren’t too many moves to worry about. The race didn’t pick up until 6,000 meters in, with the cream of the field collectively running their fastest lap of the race. After 6,800 meters, Herberg, Nichols, Covert and Oregon’s Alessia Zarbo rounded out the top four, increasing the gap on the field.
With 1,000 meters left, Herberg took off. Nichols remained tight behind her, with Zarbo passing Covert and settling into third. Zarbo tried her luck with 600 meters left, surging ahead of Nichols and Herberg, then leading through the bell signal. Herberg didn’t recover, but Nichols followed Zarbo, running shoulder-to-shoulder with the sophomore with 150 meters left.
On the final straightaway, Nichols outkicked Zarbo and finished with a new personal record. It was redemption for Nichols, who finished second last year in the event.
“Last year being runner up, I mean, that was a little unexpected then,” said Nichols. “I’ve had a year to get even better and stronger.”
Part of getting better for Nichols lies in consistency and trust. A transfer from Ohio State, she admitted that last year was mostly an adjustment period.
“This year I’m coming back knowing what I’m getting myself into,” said Nichols. “I know how to approach every workout and race, and I’ve just stayed calm, and just trust my coaches.”
Nichols isn’t sure yet whether she’ll pursue the 10,000 meters further this season. She will compete for another Pac-12 title Sunday in the 5,000, where she enters with the conference’s best time this season.
