This photo is from my last season of serious track and field, which took place five years ago. This particular photo is from a meet we went to at the University of Oregon at wonderful Hayward Field. It really is a cool place.
For some reason, I've felt a need to run races on a track recently. I need to make that new PR investment, so the track is the best place I suppose. Here's a little primer on how stuff like this works:
If you are sort-of-elite (that's the term I'll pick) you can get into races and if you're lucky or have the requisite PRs you can get a plane ticket and a hotel room. Then you have the chance to win prize money by racing well. Needless to say, a lot of things need to go your way. Your chances of all of these things coming together are made better by having fast and verifiable PRs.
I reside on the low rung of this ladder to the top. I have a few decent PRs, but mine hurt me more than help. Having a solid portfolio of race times makes you look good. Here are mine, highlighted by the lowlights:
1500 - 3:51
Mile - 4:09 (i)
3000m - 8:19
5000m - 14:08
10000m - 29:47 (r)
1/2 - 1:04:57Marathon - 2:20:31
Unfortunately, my two worst PRs are two of the most run and most looked at PRs. The 10k is the one that has bugged me for a long time. It's difficult to get in a fast track 10k, and then you must perform. That is my goal this Thursday night at Mt. Sac though. I've done some solid workouts since Coach Smith re-took me under his wing. Check it out-
3xmile (4:42/4:41/4:40) 2 on 2 off fartlek x 4/ 3xmile (4:40/4:39/4:38) (2:30 rest on mile reps, 5:00 on set)
3x5k tempo in 15:30/15:25/15:18 (6:00 easy between reps)
Neither of these were all out, gut busting, vomit-inducing efforts. The 5ks were solidly at tempo pace and effort, which gives me a lot of confidence.
I'm running in the "Olympic Development" heat of the 10k at 10:00 p.m. (PST) on Thursday
You can watch live online here
