By Mark Wang
Former Oregon Duck Laura Roesler ran the national 800 meters Friday night at the Prefontaine Classic in 2 minutes, 2.68 seconds, which was good for fifth place overall and a new season best. She has improved steadily over the last few Pre Classic national 800s, going from seventh in 2016 to sixth in 2017 and this year to fifth in this race.
She said she’s had some good training lately after having a few seasons where she had a number of Achilles issues and a small injury earlier this year.
“I’m proud of myself — my coach is proud of me,” Roesler said.
Roesler said she had a calf strain in February and March but that it’s “all been resolved.”
“I’m feeling the best I’ve felt since college,” she said. “I do PT every day. I do all the little things.”
She just got back on the track in April and this was her third race of the season. She said the pace wasn’t much of a concern for her, and but that the rabbit did a good job leading them through.
“She did her job. We didn’t really get out super hard.” Roesler said. “It was a great and competitive race.”
She plans to race in Jamaica on June 9 and at U.S. nationals, June 21-24 at Drake University. She will then head to Europe to race and is still working out the details.
“I’ll go and really race a lot in Europe since I’ve just started my season,” Roesler said. “We’re looking forward to a good season in Europe.”
