SOUTH BEND, Ind. - IU Indy women's track senior Julie Smith broke her own personal record in the 5,000m event as she was the lone Jaguar in competition at Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational on Friday night (Jan. 30). 

Chasing a strong early season 5K time, Smith responded with a time of 17:24.82, putting her No. 5 on the program's all-time list. She shed 31 seconds off her prior best, benefiting from a strong field in her race. 

"It felt good. I was running super even until about a mile to go," Smith said. "My biggest concern now is to get that middle part more consistent so I can run what I know I'm capable of. A lot of it is a mental game. Once I get that under control, I think I'll really surprise myself."

An additional group of Jaguars will compete on Saturday at the Chicago Collegiate Invitational at Gately Park.