Jones looks to use New Balance Indoor Grand Prix to build momentum toward postseason goals

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Dani Jones is in Boston this weekend for the experience.

The Colorado junior knows her times and opportunities will come as the season, and her career, continue to progress, which is why Jones isn’t placing any extra pressure on herself to perform Saturday competing against former Buffaloes Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn, among other professionals, in the women’s 3,000 meters at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

The reigning NCAA Division 1 indoor 3,000 champion cautions anyone anticipating a pursuit of the collegiate record 8 minutes, 41.60 seconds achieved by Missouri senior Karissa Schweizer on Feb. 3 at the NYRR Millrose Games to temper expectations.

“Karissa is incredibly talented and I’m glad she was able to come back after a somewhat disappointing end to her cross country season,” Jones said. “I think these experiences are important, but it’s also important for me to remember that I have plenty of time to run big-time races and to continue to intensify my training.”

Jones edged Schweizer by a 9:09.20 to 9:09.33 margin to win the NCAA title last year in College Station, Texas. Depending on which events they choose to focus on come the postseason, there could be a rematch March 9-10 at this year’s Division 1 finals.

Although Schweizer appears primed to compete right now against any challenger at any distance from a mile to 5,000 meters, Jones is still rounding into form after experiencing discomfort in her left Achilles following the conclusion of cross country season.

“The coaches had caught me off guard and told me they were thinking of taking me to Boston with Jenny instead of Husky (Classic) this year,” Jones said. “But the plan actually changed a lot as the season progressed. I started having some Achilles’ pain and I was unsure about the season as a whole at times. We were really back and forth.

“But even though my training has been far from perfect this past month, I think all my consistent years of healthy training is paying off and I still have the same goals that I had earlier in the season.”

Jones has only competed in a mile Feb. 2 this indoor season, clocking 4:36.05 to win the Colorado Invitational. The altitude conversion of 4:29.32 places her second in Division 1 behind Schweizer’s 4:27.54, achieved Jan. 27 at the Dr. Sander Invitational/Columbia Challenge.

Her debut in Boston will present Jones an opportunity to improve upon her 3,000 personal-best 9:02.22 from last year’s Husky Classic. Although there is an exceptional field of collegiate athletes in Washington this weekend to race the 3,000 at the Dempsey Indoor facility, Jones couldn’t pass up the chance to measure herself against several elite professionals. 

“I know my fitness may not be perfect right now, but I am hoping to go out and compete and not worry about any times (Saturday). And just have fun with my first experience here in Boston,” Jones said. “I think, in some ways, slow and steady does win the race.”