I was going through some old email, and came across the following information regarding the measurement of the Cold Spring course and loop. I am indebted to Don Smith for this info, and I thought Bay State runners might find it useful.
Don writes:
In the fall of 2002, Richard Barton measured the loop at Cold Spring Park and found it to be: 101 yards (303 feet) short of 1.5 miles or 7617 feet = 1.4426 miles ~ 1.443 miles. Each 1/4 mile was marked with silver-gray paint (stripe) on trees about 3’ up from the ground. However, these are 1/4 mile points of the loop not the race course.
Thus, 2 loops = 2.886 = 2.89
On September 14 2003, I re-measured the Cold Springs Loop. The results of this measurement were 7568 feet = 1.4333 miles = 1.433
The difference between these two measurements is 49 feet or 0.6%. The accuracy of the wheel (see below) is about 50X better than this, so this is an indication of the amount of error introduced by walking the course. I tried to take the shortest route (the way a runner would probably go).
Averaging these two measurements gives us a good measure of the loop.
Therefore, 1 loop = 2.876/2 = 1.438 ± 0.005 miles
And 2 loops = 2.876 ± 0.010 miles
I also measured the start and finish portions of the Cold Springs Course twice. The results of these measurements are given below:
Start and finish portion = 1216 feet 10 inches = 0.230 ± 0.0025 miles
Adding these two measurements together gives us an accurate measurement for the entire course. These numbers are given below:
Full Course = 2.876 + 0.230 = 3.106 = ± 0.012 miles
= 3.11 ± 0.01 miles
Note: The measurement wheel used for these measurements is a 19” high precision wheel with a digital counter, which was calibrated over a mile distance at the Newton North High School track and found to be extremely accurate (to within 6-9 inches over a mile or ~ 0.015%). This translates to less than 3 feet over the 3.1 mile distance.
Blogger's note: An additional problem with the CS course is that the upper loop on the field at the very start is not measured precisely and varies from meet to meet and season to season. The start is approximately even with the edge of the tennis court, but the curve around the field is generally set by Peter Martin by eyeballing it. I would guess this adds 2-3 seconds of uncertainty to the upper loop.
August 31, 2007
August 30, 2007
Lagat... and Webb
I tried, but failed, to preserve a news blackout of the results of the men's 1500 at the World Championships yesterday. So when I finally sat down to watch the TV coverage, I already knew that Bernard Lagat had won the race, becoming the first American in 99 years to win a Olympic/World Championship at that distance. I also knew that Alan Webb had finished 8th.
I expected to see poor tactics from Webb, so I was surprised at how the race actually played out. In my opinion, Webb's tactics were ok. It's true that he took the lead early, but he didn't exert undue effort to hold the lead, or expend vast quantities of energy with a premature mid-race surge (See Scott, Steve, 1984). He was in a position to medal with 200m to go.
No Webb's tactics were not the problem; the problem was that Webb obviously was extremely nervous, and probably had been so since he lunged across the line in the semi-final. His body language before the race was telling: while other competitors seeemed to be settling down and gathering themselves, Webb was bouncing around like a six-year-old after a bowl of sugary cereal. After being introduced, he darted away from the starting line for one more little shake-out stride. He could hardly contain his nervousness. Once the race started, he flew to the front. Then he finally settled into the race, but when the time came to decide the final places, he was out of gas.
In the U.S., we tend to be tough on people who don't perform up to their potential, and I suppose people will be tough on Webb. But at this point, I feel that focusing on "Gold or nothing" is counter-productive for Webb. I hope that he takes away positive memories of what he did accomplish this year -- an American record in the mile, PR's in the mile, 1500 and 800 -- and uses the experience of Osaka to develop a mental toughness that will keep that anxienty and nervousness in check.
No doubt, Bernard Lagat's win will deflect a great deal of attention from frustrated expectations for Webb. Until the semi-final, Lagat didn't seem like a gold-medal winner, but the way he handled adversity (being stuck back in the pack) in the semi, boded very well for the final. It is highly unusual for a 32-year-old to win a world championship at 1500, and was the first major championship for Lagat, who has run most of his competitive career in the shadow of Hicham El Guerrouj.
Still, because Lagat grew up in and competed for Kenya before becoming an American citizen in 2005, his victory may not have the impact that a victory by Webb would have had. I don't defend this, but only state it as an observation. The top three runners in the race were Kenyan-born, and to have an American-born runner medal would have erased the impression that it can't be done.
Well, Webb still has plenty of time. The Olympics next year, and perhaps more world championships. Here's hoping he can learn from this season and this competition and run the race he is capable of running when it matters most.
PostScript 1: And Lagat still has the 5000m! He qualified for the final today, and has a couple of days to rest before the final. IS he capable of double-gold, a la El Guerrouj in Athens?
I expected to see poor tactics from Webb, so I was surprised at how the race actually played out. In my opinion, Webb's tactics were ok. It's true that he took the lead early, but he didn't exert undue effort to hold the lead, or expend vast quantities of energy with a premature mid-race surge (See Scott, Steve, 1984). He was in a position to medal with 200m to go.
No Webb's tactics were not the problem; the problem was that Webb obviously was extremely nervous, and probably had been so since he lunged across the line in the semi-final. His body language before the race was telling: while other competitors seeemed to be settling down and gathering themselves, Webb was bouncing around like a six-year-old after a bowl of sugary cereal. After being introduced, he darted away from the starting line for one more little shake-out stride. He could hardly contain his nervousness. Once the race started, he flew to the front. Then he finally settled into the race, but when the time came to decide the final places, he was out of gas.
In the U.S., we tend to be tough on people who don't perform up to their potential, and I suppose people will be tough on Webb. But at this point, I feel that focusing on "Gold or nothing" is counter-productive for Webb. I hope that he takes away positive memories of what he did accomplish this year -- an American record in the mile, PR's in the mile, 1500 and 800 -- and uses the experience of Osaka to develop a mental toughness that will keep that anxienty and nervousness in check.
No doubt, Bernard Lagat's win will deflect a great deal of attention from frustrated expectations for Webb. Until the semi-final, Lagat didn't seem like a gold-medal winner, but the way he handled adversity (being stuck back in the pack) in the semi, boded very well for the final. It is highly unusual for a 32-year-old to win a world championship at 1500, and was the first major championship for Lagat, who has run most of his competitive career in the shadow of Hicham El Guerrouj.
Still, because Lagat grew up in and competed for Kenya before becoming an American citizen in 2005, his victory may not have the impact that a victory by Webb would have had. I don't defend this, but only state it as an observation. The top three runners in the race were Kenyan-born, and to have an American-born runner medal would have erased the impression that it can't be done.
Well, Webb still has plenty of time. The Olympics next year, and perhaps more world championships. Here's hoping he can learn from this season and this competition and run the race he is capable of running when it matters most.
PostScript 1: And Lagat still has the 5000m! He qualified for the final today, and has a couple of days to rest before the final. IS he capable of double-gold, a la El Guerrouj in Athens?
August 29, 2007
The Specificity of Training: Case Study #1 - Golf
Good morning class, and welcome back to Training Physiology 101. Today we continue our discussion of an important training principle, the principle of SPECIFICITY.
This principle states that training adaptation is specific to the training stimulus. In other words, training stress must mirror the stress required in one's sport. Hence, the marathon runner runs long distances at sub-maximal pace, a miler runs repeat 400's at mile pace, a sprinter practices accelerating to top speed, and so on.
In today's case study, we consider the experience of a 49-year-old male distance runner who endeavors to play 18 holes of golf with his 20-year old son. The 49-year-old -- we'll refer to him as "J" trains approximately one hour daily. Approximately 85% of this training is aerobic running, i.e., relatively easy running carried out at 70-75% of VO2 Max. The remainder of J's training consists of a variety of faster running. Conspicuously absent from J's regimen is anything having to do with golf. In fact, J has not swung a golf club for ten months, and last completed a round of golf in 2002. J's son, on the other hand, plays a full round about once a week.
While J tees off on the first hole, he can't help noticing the portly figures of the golfers waiting in the next group. One can imagine his inward satisfaction of being in much better shape than these aging fatties.
However, we must keep in mind the specificity principle. While J's aerobic capacity is, indeed, superior to his fellow golfers, including his son, golf is not likely to test his aerobic capacity. J's golfing capacity, on the other hand, is minimal.
Thus we observe that by the fourth hole, J is beginning to experience aches, pains, and fatigue in arms, shoulders, and hips. Indeed, J is rather surprised to find that his right knee, which must rotate rather sharply leading into the low point of the swing, is starting to hurt. In the scientific literature, it is customary to refer to J's condition as "having long day written all over it."
The portly golfers following J show little sign of fatigue or discomfort through the first nine holes, while J can be seen trying to stretch his calf, his back, and his hip. At the same time, we can see that J's shots are becoming more and more erratic, presumably the result of localized fatigue in the muscles responsible for the swing.
It is instructive to note that J's son actually seems to be taking more effective swings as the round goes on. Perhaps this is the result of a practice effect, undisturbed by premature fatigue. J's son also shows no sign of mental distress, as he can be observed making increasingly frequent jokes on the subject of his father's difficulties.
Now, finally we observe the last two holes. It is clear that J's aerobic fitness has enabled him to walk around the course without unduly tiring his leg muscles. However, since he can barely lift his arms above shoulder height, we may presume that lack of specificity of training - failing to swing a golf club -- is responsible.
That concludes our case study. We may remark that J was back out and running a couple of days later with no apparent ill effects. His pride, however was severely damaged and is not expected to recover any time soon.
This principle states that training adaptation is specific to the training stimulus. In other words, training stress must mirror the stress required in one's sport. Hence, the marathon runner runs long distances at sub-maximal pace, a miler runs repeat 400's at mile pace, a sprinter practices accelerating to top speed, and so on.
In today's case study, we consider the experience of a 49-year-old male distance runner who endeavors to play 18 holes of golf with his 20-year old son. The 49-year-old -- we'll refer to him as "J" trains approximately one hour daily. Approximately 85% of this training is aerobic running, i.e., relatively easy running carried out at 70-75% of VO2 Max. The remainder of J's training consists of a variety of faster running. Conspicuously absent from J's regimen is anything having to do with golf. In fact, J has not swung a golf club for ten months, and last completed a round of golf in 2002. J's son, on the other hand, plays a full round about once a week.
While J tees off on the first hole, he can't help noticing the portly figures of the golfers waiting in the next group. One can imagine his inward satisfaction of being in much better shape than these aging fatties.
However, we must keep in mind the specificity principle. While J's aerobic capacity is, indeed, superior to his fellow golfers, including his son, golf is not likely to test his aerobic capacity. J's golfing capacity, on the other hand, is minimal.
Thus we observe that by the fourth hole, J is beginning to experience aches, pains, and fatigue in arms, shoulders, and hips. Indeed, J is rather surprised to find that his right knee, which must rotate rather sharply leading into the low point of the swing, is starting to hurt. In the scientific literature, it is customary to refer to J's condition as "having long day written all over it."
The portly golfers following J show little sign of fatigue or discomfort through the first nine holes, while J can be seen trying to stretch his calf, his back, and his hip. At the same time, we can see that J's shots are becoming more and more erratic, presumably the result of localized fatigue in the muscles responsible for the swing.
It is instructive to note that J's son actually seems to be taking more effective swings as the round goes on. Perhaps this is the result of a practice effect, undisturbed by premature fatigue. J's son also shows no sign of mental distress, as he can be observed making increasingly frequent jokes on the subject of his father's difficulties.
Now, finally we observe the last two holes. It is clear that J's aerobic fitness has enabled him to walk around the course without unduly tiring his leg muscles. However, since he can barely lift his arms above shoulder height, we may presume that lack of specificity of training - failing to swing a golf club -- is responsible.
That concludes our case study. We may remark that J was back out and running a couple of days later with no apparent ill effects. His pride, however was severely damaged and is not expected to recover any time soon.
August 28, 2007
Webb Barely Survives 1500m Semis
I hope everyone is enjoying watching coverage of the IAAF World Championships in Osaka. Already, there have been memorable races, including Tyson Gay running down Asafa Powell in the men's 100m final, Jamaica's Veronica Campbell winning a photo finish with Lauryn Williams in the Women's 100m (video from WCSN), and a breakthrough race from Kara Goucher to get the bronze medal for the USA in the Women's 10K.
But one of the most anticipated races of the games -- at least for American fans -- is the men's 1500m, scheduled for Wednesday, August 29th. For Alan Webb, it is a pivotal race in his career. Webb has the world's fastest time in the 1500 this year, and broke Steve Scott's American record in the mile, but running well in the OSaka final means much more, and would establish him as one of the all-time greats of American middle-distance running.
He very nearly missed qualifying for the finals.
After breezing through the 1500 preliminaries on Day 1 of the World T&F Championships, Webb managed to advance out of the semi-finals by the margin of 0.07. Here's how the IAAF saw it:
"Webb must have huge confidence in his own finishing kick. Either that or he simply forgot any tactical lessons he’s ever learned. He hung right at the back of the field, off the back at some stages, until the last 300m. Then, just as the battle kicked off between the leaders 10m in front of him, Webb found himself with it all to do. He switched gears again with 200m to go, but was still well out of the places as he entered the straight. Only a rather desperate lunge for the line saw him into fifth, in 3:41.08, 0.06s ahead of three others. "
It's baffling why Webb ran the race he did -- essentially the same mistake he made in Athens. He has to know by know that in a World Championship semi-final, everyone can run the last 300m fast, and it isn't safe to be behind seven or eight other runners at that point.
Here's Webb's quote from the IAAF site:
"I wasn't aggressive enough at the start. I had to do something I don't like doing, being in the back the whole time. It almost cost me a spot in the final. That's why you don't do that. I knew I was really close. I tried to count the guys. The last 50, I tried to stay as relaxed as I could. It was hard and there was so much going on. I just didn't want to get left out."
Well, I always felt that Webb would get through the heats on talent, and would struggle in the semi's. Now that he has dodged that bullet, there's no reason to think he can't run well in the finals. However, if the pace is slow and tactical, he has to show better judgment to put himself in medal position earlier. If he is in 2nd or 3rd at the bell, he'll be ok, I think. One worries, though, that he will either charge to the front too early, or fail to get on the leaders' shoulder when he can.
Regardless of the pace, one hopes that his confidence is intact and he will put his abilities to the best possible use in the final. he is clearly one of the best runners out there, and with Lagat, a definite medal hope.
But one of the most anticipated races of the games -- at least for American fans -- is the men's 1500m, scheduled for Wednesday, August 29th. For Alan Webb, it is a pivotal race in his career. Webb has the world's fastest time in the 1500 this year, and broke Steve Scott's American record in the mile, but running well in the OSaka final means much more, and would establish him as one of the all-time greats of American middle-distance running.
He very nearly missed qualifying for the finals.
After breezing through the 1500 preliminaries on Day 1 of the World T&F Championships, Webb managed to advance out of the semi-finals by the margin of 0.07. Here's how the IAAF saw it:
"Webb must have huge confidence in his own finishing kick. Either that or he simply forgot any tactical lessons he’s ever learned. He hung right at the back of the field, off the back at some stages, until the last 300m. Then, just as the battle kicked off between the leaders 10m in front of him, Webb found himself with it all to do. He switched gears again with 200m to go, but was still well out of the places as he entered the straight. Only a rather desperate lunge for the line saw him into fifth, in 3:41.08, 0.06s ahead of three others. "
It's baffling why Webb ran the race he did -- essentially the same mistake he made in Athens. He has to know by know that in a World Championship semi-final, everyone can run the last 300m fast, and it isn't safe to be behind seven or eight other runners at that point.
Here's Webb's quote from the IAAF site:
"I wasn't aggressive enough at the start. I had to do something I don't like doing, being in the back the whole time. It almost cost me a spot in the final. That's why you don't do that. I knew I was really close. I tried to count the guys. The last 50, I tried to stay as relaxed as I could. It was hard and there was so much going on. I just didn't want to get left out."
Well, I always felt that Webb would get through the heats on talent, and would struggle in the semi's. Now that he has dodged that bullet, there's no reason to think he can't run well in the finals. However, if the pace is slow and tactical, he has to show better judgment to put himself in medal position earlier. If he is in 2nd or 3rd at the bell, he'll be ok, I think. One worries, though, that he will either charge to the front too early, or fail to get on the leaders' shoulder when he can.
Regardless of the pace, one hopes that his confidence is intact and he will put his abilities to the best possible use in the final. he is clearly one of the best runners out there, and with Lagat, a definite medal hope.
August 27, 2007
In an Autumn State of Mind
Autumn, like summer, is only approximately related to the boxed numbers of the calendar that hangs in the kitchen reminding us of events, appointments, and milestones. The calendar tells me that there is another month of summer, but I am not deceived. Summer is over for me now. As long as it was possible to imagine the next week looking very much like the previous week, as long as it was possible to hang on to the past, it was summer. But this morning when I woke up, it was the first day of fall.
Today is the first day of pre-season for Newton North cross-country. Today, North's coaches will see the first fruits of summer training, and will see the fist glimpse of potential in a new class of freshmen.
Today, I have to keep reminding myself not to fear change. For the first time in seven years, I will not be working with a Newton North XC team, having taken a coaching job at Concord Academy, instead. I am excited to have that opportunity, but suffering a little bit today at the emptiness of not going to practice.
It has been a summer of letting go. In addition to leaving the Tigers of Newton North for the Chameleons of Concord, I am also experiencing a transition in the other half of my working life. The small, family-like company where I have worked for many years was sold, and is being absorbed into a much larger company. Many of my friends are leaving, setting off in new directions. Emotionally, we want to hold on to the past, even when we know that it is healthier to move on.
It has been a wonderful summer in many ways. It was absolutely inspiring to meet so many runners through the Newton Summer Running Project, and I feel eager to follow them all through their fall seasons. I wish my own training had led to better racing, but perhaps the rough times I had at summer races will help me adapt my training to the realities of age, as I try to get the most out of my nearly-fifty-year-old body.
As for this blog, well, I think it also needs to change, but it isn't completely clear to me how. I would like to continue to cover the exploits of Newton North, its Bay State rivals, school alumni, the wider world of track and field, running in general, my own running experiences, and the various random philosophical issues that become important to me from time to time. I have considered whether to split the blog into multiple blogs to allow for more focus. For now -- for at least the next week -- I'm going to continue to write about all the things that interest me, through black and orange tinted glasses.
I look forward to the Fall. It will get cold, It will get rainy. I'll make mistakes, but with luck and perseverance, I'll learn from them. With running or with writing, the important thing is to keep showing up willing to take risks, willing to learn.
Today is the first day of pre-season for Newton North cross-country. Today, North's coaches will see the first fruits of summer training, and will see the fist glimpse of potential in a new class of freshmen.
Today, I have to keep reminding myself not to fear change. For the first time in seven years, I will not be working with a Newton North XC team, having taken a coaching job at Concord Academy, instead. I am excited to have that opportunity, but suffering a little bit today at the emptiness of not going to practice.
It has been a summer of letting go. In addition to leaving the Tigers of Newton North for the Chameleons of Concord, I am also experiencing a transition in the other half of my working life. The small, family-like company where I have worked for many years was sold, and is being absorbed into a much larger company. Many of my friends are leaving, setting off in new directions. Emotionally, we want to hold on to the past, even when we know that it is healthier to move on.
It has been a wonderful summer in many ways. It was absolutely inspiring to meet so many runners through the Newton Summer Running Project, and I feel eager to follow them all through their fall seasons. I wish my own training had led to better racing, but perhaps the rough times I had at summer races will help me adapt my training to the realities of age, as I try to get the most out of my nearly-fifty-year-old body.
As for this blog, well, I think it also needs to change, but it isn't completely clear to me how. I would like to continue to cover the exploits of Newton North, its Bay State rivals, school alumni, the wider world of track and field, running in general, my own running experiences, and the various random philosophical issues that become important to me from time to time. I have considered whether to split the blog into multiple blogs to allow for more focus. For now -- for at least the next week -- I'm going to continue to write about all the things that interest me, through black and orange tinted glasses.
I look forward to the Fall. It will get cold, It will get rainy. I'll make mistakes, but with luck and perseverance, I'll learn from them. With running or with writing, the important thing is to keep showing up willing to take risks, willing to learn.
August 18, 2007
2007 Bay State XC Schedule
I've tried to compile a master schedule for BSC XC from www.highschoolsports.net, and it hasn't been easy. It would be much simpler to obtain a copy from one of the coaches... Perhaps one of the coaches who reads this blog could check to see whether their info matches mine?
Here it is:
Tue. 09-11-07
Braintree/Norwood/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park)
Brookline/Natick/Framingham @ Framingham HS
Needham/Milton/Weymouth @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Dedham/Walpole/Wellesley @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Tue. 09-18-07
Brookline/Needham @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Dedham/Natick @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Newton North/Wellesley @ Newton North (Cold Springs Park)
Norwood/Weymouth @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Braintree/Framingham @ Braintree H.S.
Milton/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Tue. 09-25-07
Brookline/Dedham/Weymouth @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Needham/Newton North/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Framingham/Milton/Norwood @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Braintree/Natick/Wellesley @ Braintree H.S.
Tue. 10-02-07
Braintree/Walpole/Weymouth @ Weymouth (Wampatuck Park)
Brookline/Milton/Wellesley @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
Dedham/Framingham/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park)
Natick/Needham/Norwood @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Wed. 10-10-07
Newton North/Weymouth H.S. @ Wampatuck State Park ???
Braintree/Brookline @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Dedham/Milton @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
Norwood/Wellesley @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Framingham/Needham @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Walpole/Natick @ Walpole H.S.
Tue. 10-16-07
Framingham/Wellesley/Weymouth @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Brookline/Norwood/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Braintree/Dedham/Needham @ Braintree H.S.
Wed. 10-17-07
Milton/Natick/Newton North @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Tue. 10-23-07
Brookline/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park?)
Natick/Weymouth @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Dedham/Norwood @ Dedham H.S.
Braintree/Milton @ Braintree H.S.
Needham/Wellesley @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Framingham/Walpole @ Framingham H.S.
Sat. 10-27-07
Bay State Conference Meet @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
Here it is:
Tue. 09-11-07
Braintree/Norwood/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park)
Brookline/Natick/Framingham @ Framingham HS
Needham/Milton/Weymouth @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Dedham/Walpole/Wellesley @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Tue. 09-18-07
Brookline/Needham @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Dedham/Natick @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Newton North/Wellesley @ Newton North (Cold Springs Park)
Norwood/Weymouth @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Braintree/Framingham @ Braintree H.S.
Milton/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Tue. 09-25-07
Brookline/Dedham/Weymouth @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Needham/Newton North/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Framingham/Milton/Norwood @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Braintree/Natick/Wellesley @ Braintree H.S.
Tue. 10-02-07
Braintree/Walpole/Weymouth @ Weymouth (Wampatuck Park)
Brookline/Milton/Wellesley @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
Dedham/Framingham/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park)
Natick/Needham/Norwood @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Wed. 10-10-07
Newton North/Weymouth H.S. @ Wampatuck State Park ???
Braintree/Brookline @ Brookline (Larz Anderson Park)
Dedham/Milton @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
Norwood/Wellesley @ Norwood (Coakley Middle School)
Framingham/Needham @ Needham (Cutler Park)
Walpole/Natick @ Walpole H.S.
Tue. 10-16-07
Framingham/Wellesley/Weymouth @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Brookline/Norwood/Walpole @ Walpole H.S.
Braintree/Dedham/Needham @ Braintree H.S.
Wed. 10-17-07
Milton/Natick/Newton North @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Tue. 10-23-07
Brookline/Newton North @ Newton (Cold Springs Park?)
Natick/Weymouth @ Natick (Elm Bank Reservation)
Dedham/Norwood @ Dedham H.S.
Braintree/Milton @ Braintree H.S.
Needham/Wellesley @ Wellesley (Elm Bank Reservation)
Framingham/Walpole @ Framingham H.S.
Sat. 10-27-07
Bay State Conference Meet @ Milton (Houghton's Pond)
August 17, 2007
Osaka Looms, and Athletes Try to Peak
Flotrack has posted a fascinating video of Nick Willis running a time trial as the New Zealand 1500m record holder and Michigan star prepares for the World Championships in Osaka later this month.
Nick Willis 800m Time Trial
What interests me is not that the physical demands of this workout are anything special, but what it suggests about psychological preparation. After all, being physically ready to run fast is only half the battle. The mind must also be prepared. This means being able to run totally relaxed while keeping a fast pace, and then be ready to produce a killing burst of speed in the final 100 meters, a necessary weapon in the in heats and semi-finals.
in the video, it's obvious that Willis is nervous. Perhaps as a result, he runs his first 200m more than a second faster than the plan.
Another thing that interests me is the choice of workout. Presumably, all the really hard, long workouts are already in the books. Now is the time for sharpening, and how better to sharpen than to run very fast with little volume. Coach Warhurst wryly remarks that "...if it was good enough for Peter Snell to run time trials, it will be good enough for Nick Willis..." Of course, Snell was New Zealand's greatest Olympic champion, winning three gold medals over two Olympiads.
Peaking is a harrowing process. By documenting a tiny slice of this process, Flotrack continues to do impressive work.
Nick Willis 800m Time Trial
What interests me is not that the physical demands of this workout are anything special, but what it suggests about psychological preparation. After all, being physically ready to run fast is only half the battle. The mind must also be prepared. This means being able to run totally relaxed while keeping a fast pace, and then be ready to produce a killing burst of speed in the final 100 meters, a necessary weapon in the in heats and semi-finals.
in the video, it's obvious that Willis is nervous. Perhaps as a result, he runs his first 200m more than a second faster than the plan.
Another thing that interests me is the choice of workout. Presumably, all the really hard, long workouts are already in the books. Now is the time for sharpening, and how better to sharpen than to run very fast with little volume. Coach Warhurst wryly remarks that "...if it was good enough for Peter Snell to run time trials, it will be good enough for Nick Willis..." Of course, Snell was New Zealand's greatest Olympic champion, winning three gold medals over two Olympiads.
Peaking is a harrowing process. By documenting a tiny slice of this process, Flotrack continues to do impressive work.
August 15, 2007
Reflections on a Summer Running Program
Tonight is the last official night for the Newton Summer Running Project. With one exception, I have spent every Monday and Wednesday evening since the beginning of June at Cold Spring Park sharing summer training with a rogue's gallery of runners from Newton, Brookline, Weymouth, Dedham, Wakefield, and elsewhere.
In the beginning, it was only a few current and former Newton North runners - Noah, Dan, Ben, Jesse, Dave, Doug, Michael, Sharon, Liz. But then an amazing thing happened. Matias started coming and brought a crew from Brookline and Lowell with him, including Jerzy, Mike, Eliot, Greg, Rex, and others. Newton South runners adopted the runs and I got to know Alex, Andrew, James, Ben, Clif, and Sam. Nicole Pearce made the long drive up from Weymouth, as did Dr. Bob Chasen and Ben Chasen. When he was in town, Chris joined us and there was the memorable night when he brought Arkansas teammate Said. We had cameo appearances from Clay, Seb, Scott, and others. Last Monday, we welcomed three new runners from the Dual County league Dan, Andrew, and Carl.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have gotten to know these folks a little bit better, and to have participated in a community, of sorts, that I hope survives the end of summer. Of course, just about every runner there had a team to return to in the fall, so the NSRP didn't replace that. It was something else -- maybe a chance to change the scenery a little bit, a chance to run with other people, and perhaps feel supported in summer training goals.
I tried not to "coach" but sometimes I offered my opinion about something or other. About 75% of these opinions were offered to Doug on the subject of not increasing mileage too quickly. For the most part, though, I kept quiet. Of course, since almost everyone there was faster than I was, I didn't have a lot of extra oxygen for talking so it was just as well I didn't try.
I was surprised that so few current runners from Newton and Needham took advantage of the chance to run with the group, but maybe it was too intimidating, or the time of day or day of the week didn't work well. I'll think about all these things for next summer.
I also think that it would be a good idea to think about whether there is a better location to meet. I met Greg, Mike, and Jerzy one time at Downes field in Brookline, and it has some advantages. Ideally, it would be nice to meet in a central location, with parking and big grassy fields and bathrooms, and close to a trail system. Of course it would also help if I didn't work North of Boston. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
I am under no illusion that these two runs a week were any kind of substitute for the steady daily training necessary to build a solid base. The goal was always to provide a little moral support for all that solitary work that runners were putting in at other times. Ultimately, we're all responsible for providing encouragement to each other.
What we do when we train is not easy. Individual runs can be pleasant, but the accumulation of many miles is taxing to body and spirit. A little companionship -- and knowing that you aren't the only one out there -- goes a long way.
Thanks to all the runners who made NSRP a success this summer. I will eagerly follow your future progress, and I wish everyone the best of luck in the Fall!
In the beginning, it was only a few current and former Newton North runners - Noah, Dan, Ben, Jesse, Dave, Doug, Michael, Sharon, Liz. But then an amazing thing happened. Matias started coming and brought a crew from Brookline and Lowell with him, including Jerzy, Mike, Eliot, Greg, Rex, and others. Newton South runners adopted the runs and I got to know Alex, Andrew, James, Ben, Clif, and Sam. Nicole Pearce made the long drive up from Weymouth, as did Dr. Bob Chasen and Ben Chasen. When he was in town, Chris joined us and there was the memorable night when he brought Arkansas teammate Said. We had cameo appearances from Clay, Seb, Scott, and others. Last Monday, we welcomed three new runners from the Dual County league Dan, Andrew, and Carl.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have gotten to know these folks a little bit better, and to have participated in a community, of sorts, that I hope survives the end of summer. Of course, just about every runner there had a team to return to in the fall, so the NSRP didn't replace that. It was something else -- maybe a chance to change the scenery a little bit, a chance to run with other people, and perhaps feel supported in summer training goals.
I tried not to "coach" but sometimes I offered my opinion about something or other. About 75% of these opinions were offered to Doug on the subject of not increasing mileage too quickly. For the most part, though, I kept quiet. Of course, since almost everyone there was faster than I was, I didn't have a lot of extra oxygen for talking so it was just as well I didn't try.
I was surprised that so few current runners from Newton and Needham took advantage of the chance to run with the group, but maybe it was too intimidating, or the time of day or day of the week didn't work well. I'll think about all these things for next summer.
I also think that it would be a good idea to think about whether there is a better location to meet. I met Greg, Mike, and Jerzy one time at Downes field in Brookline, and it has some advantages. Ideally, it would be nice to meet in a central location, with parking and big grassy fields and bathrooms, and close to a trail system. Of course it would also help if I didn't work North of Boston. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
I am under no illusion that these two runs a week were any kind of substitute for the steady daily training necessary to build a solid base. The goal was always to provide a little moral support for all that solitary work that runners were putting in at other times. Ultimately, we're all responsible for providing encouragement to each other.
What we do when we train is not easy. Individual runs can be pleasant, but the accumulation of many miles is taxing to body and spirit. A little companionship -- and knowing that you aren't the only one out there -- goes a long way.
Thanks to all the runners who made NSRP a success this summer. I will eagerly follow your future progress, and I wish everyone the best of luck in the Fall!
August 14, 2007
Jon Riley Wins Falmouth mile in 3:57.07
I missed this over the weekend, but Brookline alumnus Jonathan Riley ran a scintillating race to win the Falmouth mile on Saturday, recording a meet record and PERSONAL BEST of 3:57.07.
Falmouth Mile Race Video
Riley, an Olympian at 5000m and a three-time U.S. Indoor champion at 3000m, dusted no less a talent than Chris Solinsky with a devastating move with a little less than 300m to go.
Falmouth Mile Results - August 11, 2007
1. Jonathan Riley, Madison, WI 3:57.07 CR PR
2. Chris Solinsky, Madison, WI 4:00.10
3. Brad Lowery, Bloomington, MI 4:02.54
4. Rod Koborski, Washington, DC 4:03.18
5. Aucencio Martinez, Alamosa, CO 4:06.86
6. John Jefferson, Eugene, OR 4:07.79
7. Nick Weidman, Marlboro, MA 4:08.45
Falmouth Mile Race Video
Riley, an Olympian at 5000m and a three-time U.S. Indoor champion at 3000m, dusted no less a talent than Chris Solinsky with a devastating move with a little less than 300m to go.
Falmouth Mile Results - August 11, 2007
1. Jonathan Riley, Madison, WI 3:57.07 CR PR
2. Chris Solinsky, Madison, WI 4:00.10
3. Brad Lowery, Bloomington, MI 4:02.54
4. Rod Koborski, Washington, DC 4:03.18
5. Aucencio Martinez, Alamosa, CO 4:06.86
6. John Jefferson, Eugene, OR 4:07.79
7. Nick Weidman, Marlboro, MA 4:08.45
August 12, 2007
Falmouth Weekend
Today is the 35th running of the Falmouth Road Race, a race that annually attracts a stellar international field. This year, Olympic Marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi will try to become the first American to win the men's race since Mark Curp did it in 1988. Meb is coming off a fourth-place finish, and sub 28-minute effort, at the Beach-to-Beacon 10K, August 4th.
Keflezighi will have his hands full, as the field is fast and deep for the slightly more than seven mile race from Woods Hole along the coast to the Falmouth Village Green, including luminaries John Korir (last year's winner), Tom Nyariki, John Yuda (who beat Meb at last weekend's Beach-to-Beacon 10K), and Samuel Ndereba.
Brookline alum Jonathan Riley is running, as is former New Hampshire standout and US XC Champion, Matt Downin. There are also some famous names among masters runners, including 59-year-olds Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter, and 57-year-old former NYC Marathon winner Rod Dixon.
The women's race is headlined by multiple Boston Marathon winner Catherine Ndereba, and includes U.S. Olympian and former Milton H.S. standout Kate O'Neil, who know lives and trains in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Also listed in the elite field is Dennis-Yarmouth graduate Colleen Wetherbee.
Other Race Results
Tom Davis finished 15th (5th 20-24) in a time of 15:20 at the CIGNA/Elliot 5k held in Manchester, NH, Thursday night. Jess Barton ran 18:34 to finished 13th among the women, and second in the 15-19 age group.
On Thursday
Speaking of former Bay State League athletes, Weymouth grad Mark Jordan finished second in the 2.5-Mile race at Fresh Pond yesterday, running 14:15.
Keflezighi will have his hands full, as the field is fast and deep for the slightly more than seven mile race from Woods Hole along the coast to the Falmouth Village Green, including luminaries John Korir (last year's winner), Tom Nyariki, John Yuda (who beat Meb at last weekend's Beach-to-Beacon 10K), and Samuel Ndereba.
Brookline alum Jonathan Riley is running, as is former New Hampshire standout and US XC Champion, Matt Downin. There are also some famous names among masters runners, including 59-year-olds Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter, and 57-year-old former NYC Marathon winner Rod Dixon.
The women's race is headlined by multiple Boston Marathon winner Catherine Ndereba, and includes U.S. Olympian and former Milton H.S. standout Kate O'Neil, who know lives and trains in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Also listed in the elite field is Dennis-Yarmouth graduate Colleen Wetherbee.
Other Race Results
Tom Davis finished 15th (5th 20-24) in a time of 15:20 at the CIGNA/Elliot 5k held in Manchester, NH, Thursday night. Jess Barton ran 18:34 to finished 13th among the women, and second in the 15-19 age group.
On Thursday
Speaking of former Bay State League athletes, Weymouth grad Mark Jordan finished second in the 2.5-Mile race at Fresh Pond yesterday, running 14:15.
August 11, 2007
Aug 11, 1984: Seb Coe Repeats as Olympic 1500m Champion
It was on August 11th 1984 that Sebastian Coe became the only man ever to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 1500m. In a race that saw American Steve Scott make a risky mid-race move to quicken the pace, Coe stayed close to the front and then, as Scott faded, pulled away from teammate Steve Cram and Spain's Jose Abascal to win in an Olympic record time of 3:32.53.
The race is interesting for a number of reasons. There is the early move by Steve Scott, designed to neutralize the dangerous kicks of Cram and Coe. There is the presence of all three of the superb middle distance specialists from Great Britain -- Coe, Cram, and Steve Ovett -- who dominated the 800 and 1500 in the early 80's. As mentioned, Coe was the defending Olympic champion at 1500, Cram was the defending world champion, and Ovett (who went undefeated at the 1500m and mile for almost four striaght years before Coe beat him at the 1980 Moscow Olympics) was the defending 800m Olympic champion. Ovett suffers in this race, dropping out with just under a lap to go after suffering breathing problems related to a respiratory illness. There is also the fifth place finish of American Jim Spivey.
At the end of the race, after Coe crosses the line, he gestures angrily toward the stands by the finish line. Leading up to the Olympics, the British Press -- well known for abusing and mis-judging their best middle distance runners (see Bannister, Roger) -- considered Coe to be past his prime, and gave him little chance at a medal, let alone a gold medal. After winning, Coe's gesture seems to express not only his triumph over the other runners, but over the doubters in his own country.
Interestingly, a similar scenario played itself out four years later. After running a lifetime best of 3:29 for 1500 in 1987, Coe was left off the British team in 1988 for the Seoul Olympics, denying him the chance to medal one more time.
Here is an excellent video summary of the Coe vs. Ovett rivalry in the early '80s, with clips from various world record efforts. The announcing is priceless.
The race is interesting for a number of reasons. There is the early move by Steve Scott, designed to neutralize the dangerous kicks of Cram and Coe. There is the presence of all three of the superb middle distance specialists from Great Britain -- Coe, Cram, and Steve Ovett -- who dominated the 800 and 1500 in the early 80's. As mentioned, Coe was the defending Olympic champion at 1500, Cram was the defending world champion, and Ovett (who went undefeated at the 1500m and mile for almost four striaght years before Coe beat him at the 1980 Moscow Olympics) was the defending 800m Olympic champion. Ovett suffers in this race, dropping out with just under a lap to go after suffering breathing problems related to a respiratory illness. There is also the fifth place finish of American Jim Spivey.
At the end of the race, after Coe crosses the line, he gestures angrily toward the stands by the finish line. Leading up to the Olympics, the British Press -- well known for abusing and mis-judging their best middle distance runners (see Bannister, Roger) -- considered Coe to be past his prime, and gave him little chance at a medal, let alone a gold medal. After winning, Coe's gesture seems to express not only his triumph over the other runners, but over the doubters in his own country.
Interestingly, a similar scenario played itself out four years later. After running a lifetime best of 3:29 for 1500 in 1987, Coe was left off the British team in 1988 for the Seoul Olympics, denying him the chance to medal one more time.
Here is an excellent video summary of the Coe vs. Ovett rivalry in the early '80s, with clips from various world record efforts. The announcing is priceless.
August 09, 2007
CIGNA 5K Tonight
One of the biggest local races of the summer happens tonight in Manchester, NH, as roughly 4000 runners will participate in the CIGNA/Elliot 5k Road Race. The race attracts a strong field (last year's winner, Alene Reta, ran 14:42).
The last I heard, Tom Davis and Jess Barton were planning on running. Tom finished 4th overall last year in 15:12. Jess ran 18:12 and also finished 4th in the women's race. Both won their age divisions.
Another local event of some interest is the 4x1600m relay to be held in conjunction with the Boston Summer Track Series meet in South Boston at 6:00PM in Moakley Park.
The last I heard, Tom Davis and Jess Barton were planning on running. Tom finished 4th overall last year in 15:12. Jess ran 18:12 and also finished 4th in the women's race. Both won their age divisions.
Another local event of some interest is the 4x1600m relay to be held in conjunction with the Boston Summer Track Series meet in South Boston at 6:00PM in Moakley Park.
August 05, 2007
Jampol 4th in Vineyard Jaunt
On vacation, Noah Jampol took time out of his training to run in the "Vineyard Scoops" 5K Tour of Edgartown on Martha;s Vineyard, Saturday. Noah's time of 18:42 for 4th place indicates that
a) he was running a tempo run, or some other training effort;
b) he was sensibly holding back in the extreme heat;
c) the course was long;
d) the course was ok, but Noah got lost and ran an extra quarter mile; or
e) he enjoyed the sponsor's ice cream BEFORE the race
in any case, he finished right behind (well, 27 seconds behind) my friend and soon-to-be teaching colleague, Mark Engerman.
We are still awaiting Noah's race report.
Results of "Vineyard Scoops" 5K
a) he was running a tempo run, or some other training effort;
b) he was sensibly holding back in the extreme heat;
c) the course was long;
d) the course was ok, but Noah got lost and ran an extra quarter mile; or
e) he enjoyed the sponsor's ice cream BEFORE the race
in any case, he finished right behind (well, 27 seconds behind) my friend and soon-to-be teaching colleague, Mark Engerman.
We are still awaiting Noah's race report.
Results of "Vineyard Scoops" 5K
August 01, 2007
Race Report: Yankee Homecoming 10M
Held in the pretty town of Newburyport, Mass., the Yankee Homecoming 10-miler is a classic New England race with a thirty-year history, including a run of several years as a New England championship event. Its prestige and generous prize money attract some very good runners (the course record is 48 something), and the great town atmosphere attracts fields of well over a thousand runners to Newburyport-- on a Tuesday night in late July/early August!
Although the race doesn't start until 6:30 p.m., there are years when the heat and humidity are so oppressive that good runners are absolutely fried after running here. Last year was particularly brutal, and the carnage included one runner from my club who started off running 5:40 miles and finished running 7:00 miles.
This year wasn't so bad as that, but with the temperature around 80, an army of townspeople were out in force with hoses and sprinklers to provide relief to stricken athletes.
I started well, with the slightly downhill opening miles passing in 5:46 and 5:50. I was running comfortably and felt no distress. As we reached two miles, the pack of 10M runners reached the tail end of the pack from the 5K race, which had started 10 minutes earlier. It was a bizarre experience to be weaving through walkers, strollers, and joggers for about a half mile. It was like lapping someone, only you were lapping 500 people spread all across the track, and it took 4-5 minutes to get by.
Maybe it was the weaving and worrying, or maybe I had been fooled by those first two miles, but I found that the apparent easiness of the early pace had been a mirage. I ran the 3rd and 4th miles at around 6:00 pace and it felt much harder than it should have. I was feeling the effects of the heat. At 4.5 miles, I began climbing the longest hill on the course, which goes on for a little less than half a mile. I struggled up the hill, and noticed that everyone around me was struggling about the same. I could see that 60-year-old Larry Olsen, a legend in New England road racing circles and a guy who had finished one place in front of me in our last race together, was about 20m ahead. he didn't look good either.
Over the next mile, I tried not to think about how far it was to the finish, and instead concentrated on not losing ground to Olsen. When he slowed at around 6 miles, I put in a little surge and went past. It was the last moment I would feel anything resembling "good" until well after the race was over.
Although I was not running fast, I was feeling like the pace was still taking a heavy toll. I was having what for me is a characteristic response to running in the heat -- a rapid increase in perceived effort accompanied by extreme difficulty focusing. This was happening even though I was running a pretty tame tempo. I could only hope that the rate at which my body was cooking itself would postpone my demise until after I had crossed the finish line.
Between 6 and 7 there were two short uphills that really bit into my reserves. Thankfully, mile 8 was mostly flat with a long gradual downhill. I began to think I would be ok. As I passed 8 miles in 48:04, I still believed I could run two more miles at 6:00 pace and maybe go under an hour. That wouldn't be too bad.
At around the 8M mark, we turned left onto the road that I knew led all the way to the finish. It was slightly uphill, so I tried to maintain a steady rhythm and hope for the best. I was running next to another runner at this point, and as we came around a bend, I heard him mutter something like "uh oh." Sure enough we were climbing again. I pressed on and opened up a gap on this guy. It was not a good decision on my part. As I crested the rise and looked up the road, which continued at a gentle uphill grade as far as I could see, I started unraveling.
It came on quickly. I was breathing quite hard and I felt a sharp, sudden pain in my side. My stride became choppy, which made the side stitch worse, and I started gasping a little bit. Where the hell was the 9 mile mark? I looked down at my watch and it read 51:47, which meant I still had another 2+ minutes to get to 9 miles, and then I still had to run the last mile, which I knew from having jogged it before the race was a long gradual uphill.
My mantra became "Get to 9M!" It might have gone better for me if I had simply relaxed my pace for a bit, but I seemed locked into the pace I was runing and which I could not sustain. The higher functions of my brain seemed to have been de-activated.
I made it to 9M and lurched awkwardly into a walk. I walked for about 20-30 seconds, catching my breath and stretching out my arms and shoulders to make the side stitch go away. Three people went by me during this interlude. Larry Olsen was not among them, but I knew he was back there. I started jogging, and then running again.
The break had cost me my precious six-minute pace, but it had given me new life. My breathing was normal end-of-race breathing again. The side stitch was almost completely gone. My stride was functional. I set off in pursuit of the last person who had gone by me. I caught him and went by, not really caring, but relieved to be running again. I finished with an official time of 61:00. Slow! In fact, a minute slower than what I was expecting to run with two miles to go!
But... and it's amazing how this small thing salvaged an otherwise disappointing race, unlike last time, no 60-year-olds (or 50-year-olds for that matter) finished ahead of me.
Yankee Homecoming 10M Results
Although the race doesn't start until 6:30 p.m., there are years when the heat and humidity are so oppressive that good runners are absolutely fried after running here. Last year was particularly brutal, and the carnage included one runner from my club who started off running 5:40 miles and finished running 7:00 miles.
This year wasn't so bad as that, but with the temperature around 80, an army of townspeople were out in force with hoses and sprinklers to provide relief to stricken athletes.
I started well, with the slightly downhill opening miles passing in 5:46 and 5:50. I was running comfortably and felt no distress. As we reached two miles, the pack of 10M runners reached the tail end of the pack from the 5K race, which had started 10 minutes earlier. It was a bizarre experience to be weaving through walkers, strollers, and joggers for about a half mile. It was like lapping someone, only you were lapping 500 people spread all across the track, and it took 4-5 minutes to get by.
Maybe it was the weaving and worrying, or maybe I had been fooled by those first two miles, but I found that the apparent easiness of the early pace had been a mirage. I ran the 3rd and 4th miles at around 6:00 pace and it felt much harder than it should have. I was feeling the effects of the heat. At 4.5 miles, I began climbing the longest hill on the course, which goes on for a little less than half a mile. I struggled up the hill, and noticed that everyone around me was struggling about the same. I could see that 60-year-old Larry Olsen, a legend in New England road racing circles and a guy who had finished one place in front of me in our last race together, was about 20m ahead. he didn't look good either.
Over the next mile, I tried not to think about how far it was to the finish, and instead concentrated on not losing ground to Olsen. When he slowed at around 6 miles, I put in a little surge and went past. It was the last moment I would feel anything resembling "good" until well after the race was over.
Although I was not running fast, I was feeling like the pace was still taking a heavy toll. I was having what for me is a characteristic response to running in the heat -- a rapid increase in perceived effort accompanied by extreme difficulty focusing. This was happening even though I was running a pretty tame tempo. I could only hope that the rate at which my body was cooking itself would postpone my demise until after I had crossed the finish line.
Between 6 and 7 there were two short uphills that really bit into my reserves. Thankfully, mile 8 was mostly flat with a long gradual downhill. I began to think I would be ok. As I passed 8 miles in 48:04, I still believed I could run two more miles at 6:00 pace and maybe go under an hour. That wouldn't be too bad.
At around the 8M mark, we turned left onto the road that I knew led all the way to the finish. It was slightly uphill, so I tried to maintain a steady rhythm and hope for the best. I was running next to another runner at this point, and as we came around a bend, I heard him mutter something like "uh oh." Sure enough we were climbing again. I pressed on and opened up a gap on this guy. It was not a good decision on my part. As I crested the rise and looked up the road, which continued at a gentle uphill grade as far as I could see, I started unraveling.
It came on quickly. I was breathing quite hard and I felt a sharp, sudden pain in my side. My stride became choppy, which made the side stitch worse, and I started gasping a little bit. Where the hell was the 9 mile mark? I looked down at my watch and it read 51:47, which meant I still had another 2+ minutes to get to 9 miles, and then I still had to run the last mile, which I knew from having jogged it before the race was a long gradual uphill.
My mantra became "Get to 9M!" It might have gone better for me if I had simply relaxed my pace for a bit, but I seemed locked into the pace I was runing and which I could not sustain. The higher functions of my brain seemed to have been de-activated.
I made it to 9M and lurched awkwardly into a walk. I walked for about 20-30 seconds, catching my breath and stretching out my arms and shoulders to make the side stitch go away. Three people went by me during this interlude. Larry Olsen was not among them, but I knew he was back there. I started jogging, and then running again.
The break had cost me my precious six-minute pace, but it had given me new life. My breathing was normal end-of-race breathing again. The side stitch was almost completely gone. My stride was functional. I set off in pursuit of the last person who had gone by me. I caught him and went by, not really caring, but relieved to be running again. I finished with an official time of 61:00. Slow! In fact, a minute slower than what I was expecting to run with two miles to go!
But... and it's amazing how this small thing salvaged an otherwise disappointing race, unlike last time, no 60-year-olds (or 50-year-olds for that matter) finished ahead of me.
Yankee Homecoming 10M Results
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