Joey Bywater is back

Lake Stevens distance runner won 3,200 at Pasco Invite

It hasn't been an easy senior year for Joey Bywater. The talented distance runner from Lake Stevens High suffered from a foot injury this past fall, which he said affected his performance during cross country season.

But after taking some time off and changing his training routine, Bywater appears to be back. Last weekend he won the 3,200-meter race at the Pasco Invitational, which is generally considered a preview of the state championships.

Bywater used a late surge to pass Mead's Kelly Lynch and win in 9 minutes, 23.07 seconds. Through last week, it was the second-fastest time in the state this season, according to Washington Track Weekly.

It was the first 3,200 of the season for Bywater, who had been running shorter events earlier this season. He said the victory was an important confidence-booster; it assured him that his training routine is working.

After dealing with the foot injury, Bywater started running fewer miles and incorporating more low-impact exercises, like using a stationary bike and swimming.

Bywater, a University of Washington recruit, said he's excited to see what he can do the rest of the year. He is the defending Class 4A state champion in the 1,600 and the 3,200.