Masters Weekend Races and Runs

Late to the party, again. ;-)

I ended the last of my non-speed work weeks (now about 20 weeks out from xc nationals) and did an awful 8k run. I discovered (again) that if you are only running tempo run pace in workouts -- you will only run tempo run pace in races. :-( I accidently stopped my watch after the first mile, but in one glance I knew what was happening. At the finish, I mentally multiplied my first mile by five and estimated my finish. Yesterday, I discovered I guessed it almost exactly. Oh well - I guess I'm happy it was consistent, but it felt awful. My 15 year old daughter ran the 5k after a week-long dance workshop and a dance competition, so that was fun for us.

I entered a track race in Spokane, but I don't know if I'll go (it's within driving distance and the club would like us to go), especially if I can't do anything at 5k pace! I guess I'll force myself onto the track to see if I can even do a 400 at pace before I decide. Obviously, it's not an important event for me and I'm not ready for it, but I might make an appearance just to have an excuse to watch.

Other than that, I got in two long(er) runs this week which both felt really good.

Hey, baby master - good luck in the steeple!!! I'd love to try that event, but since they didn't have it when I was younger, I'm not sure how to start! Any advice?

runashland wrote:

Hey all - I'm a baby master and my competitive juices are flowing again. Running a Steeplechase for the first time in 9 years at the all comers in Eugene this Thur. Done drills a couple times a week for the last month - Definitely less flexible than I used to be (didnt even think that was possible) but can still get over those things. In around 16 flat 5k shape, but dont have a clue what I'll do. Be satisied with sub 10 I guess.

Hmmmmm, do you post on masterstrack.com forum?

I think I would someday like to try a steeple but I would have to greatly improve my aerobic base from what it is right now. The way it stands I'd probably stagger the last lap and drown in the water jump.

Thanks for the good luck wishes - I will surely need it! The best advice I could give you is to first learn how to get over a barrier. I do a series of things (which involve one regular hurdle you can sometimes find at a local HS Track):

1. Warm up and do the "L7" hurdle stretch the best I can (which is not very well)

2. 10 Lead leg "snap" drills on a wall over the hurdle height, both legs.

3. 2 x 10 stationary trail leg drills on both legs over hurdle with hands on wall.

Then I move hurdle onto track...

4. 4 x running lead leg over hurdle, both legs

5. 4 x running trail leg over hurdle, both legs

6. 6 x running full hurdle, whatever leg comes up (try not to favor a jumping leg)

Don't know if this helps at all, a lot of these are better SHOWN than written:)

I dont ever work on the water jump - I'll just go into battle mode with that thing and hope for the best!

Never posted on masterstrack forum...I don't fear the water jump as much as the dry ones. I can step on that one and if I do fall at least I'll have a softer landing:)

A good week here, although I had a less than satisfactory attempt at 800m on Wednesday. OK. Took a few days off, helped guide my team mates on a great workout Saturday. Last night I flew to Albuquerque for a meeting which was this morning. Arranged a late checkout and just went running on the bike path that follows the Rio Grande. A bit warm, but a very nice run. Beautiful park. Tonight to Davenport and hope to get a run in daily, hopefully along the Mississippi.

Have a good week!!

1500, how much weight have you lost ?

hope you don't mind me asking but you seem to have made a full comeback

Nearly a donut for me this week, with one lonely lap around the track last Tuesday. I decided to see if the foot was up to running, but discovered it was not. Went to the doc Thursday, and he decided it's probably a stress fracture, and ordered XRays and a bone scan. Had the XRay done Thursday, and the bone scan this morning.

Won't hear formal results for a few days, but as the technician explained to me, the two fuzzy white dots are, in all likelihood, two stress fractures - one on the fifth (outermost) metatarsal, and the other maybe (she didn't say - I'm guessing based on where it looked to be) on the cuboid bone.

Managed 10.5 hours of cross training.

Strangely, I came to peace with this injury very quickly. I had been off it (well, except for a 3000 race and a beer mile) for nearly two weeks by the time the doc pronounced it cracked, furiously cross training. And that's just what I'll do going forward, I guess until the end of August, give or take. Then we'll re-visit training and racing plans as soon as I transition back out of the cardio room.

It's been a long while since I've had to report an injury in this thread, so I guess it was my turn, eh? :-)

Have a great week, everyone!

Good luck with that Pete, let it heal !

No problem! If I was gaining weight, I wouldn't respond!!

One year ago I was 195, now 173 with another 8 to go. The training is going much easier without all that weight and the speed is slowly returning. I think the other 8 will drop off over the next few months, and is not a serious concern in my training. It seemed to take forever to get off the 185 bubble - months.

So, not quite a full recovery but heading that way. If I can keep the focus which hasn't been problematic lately, then I foresee some really good 1500m/800m times in the early fall as I head into the winter months.

It has been like a favorite toy taken away - I have really missed being in great shape and want it back. As I look at the potential realization of this, I have found myself taking a more serious look at what I want to accomplish via weight training, diet, core work and of course the running part. I didn't do this as seriously before, just ran. So maybe 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances keep our mind refreshed and once again remind that this is such a gift at our maturing ages.

Cheers!

Cheers!

What makes it more impressive is that you are on the road and staying fit. Good job !

I have not been posting for a while but I have been reading.

Welcome aboard runashland,

I just bought my first cross country spikes in 17 years and will try and get my body ready for them to race with you in Spokane. Good luck in the Steeple. Tim

Ashland Oregon is supposed to be unreal, lucky you and as RUN said welcome aboard.

RUN, great seeing you post again.

I have been lurking and have been inspired. I was especially inspired by SoCalPete lately, he almost sounded human in that he is going through a lot of the same things I am feeling, yet he is still one of the best out there.

I had been keeping a daily running log for almost 20 years, this last year I quit. I don't track mileage, I don't wear a watch except for some long runs so I don't over due it. I don't do any planned speed work outs, sometimes I run hard when I feel like it. I very rarely race, less than 8 times last year.

I was down in southern Oregon, Ashland area last week and got worked hard on a hilly race course by runashland and then he wanted to know if I wanted to run CC club nationals. I said I will try to make it, I have a full plate.

August 10th I will run the Haulin' Aspen trail marathon and then it is time for High school cross.

this thread keeps me going, I just don't feel like posting much

Thanks buddy - It was good to see you last week! I'll be following the defending 1/2/3A State Champs!