I do not train specifically to be a 1500m runner, but I sure do love racing them! Who would want to race for 15 or 31 minutes when they can race for about 4 minutes?!
Over the past fourteen days I have raced two 1500s, which has been lovely! Compared to my usual track races, they are over so quick, only 3 and 3/4 laps of pain. The last 1500 was at the Oregon State track meet in Eugene where I finished second in 4:08. It was so much fun, I immediately wanted to run one again. I am extremely encouraged by how I felt running. It was the smoothest and easiest 1500m I have ever run. Half way through I was itching to just take off and see how fast I could go, but I had strict instructions from my coach to be patient and just compete for the win. I almost executed his plan perfectly, until the last 300m I just could not contain myself anymore. I had to just see what I had in me and run free. Usually, the best indications of my fitness is how I feel running and not necessarily the time. The effort gives me more information than the clock, so I am excited that I felt great!
My coach feels the purpose of running these shorter events is to get in some speed work and focus on just competing. In training we do not emphasize 1500m workouts. We focus on the big picture, becoming a great distance runner. So these shorter races are a nice break from my high volumed workouts and mileage.
It is very rewarding to feel and see progress. I am going to put my head down and keep plugging away. I believe the best is yet to come.
For the next couple weeks I have the privilege of training with Simon. Simon is currently easing off his amazing 10k performance and slowly beginning a break before he starts the long and arduous journey of marathon training. Fortunately, I get to steal him as a workout buddy for the next 2 weeks and I couldn't be more excited!
I wonder how many female runners get to have a 27:20 10k athlete pacing them through their track workouts? I am guessing not many. I am a very lucky girl!
Normally, my husband helps pace me with my sessions. His stats: 400/800m runner at UNC, weighs in at 190lbs and stands handsome and tall at 6'1. My husband has been a staple training partner over the past 4 years and he does a great job, but he is no Simon. Simon in contrast to my husband is an aerobic stud.
We had our first track session last week, hard repeat 1200s. Traditionally, this would have me running alone for half of the workout, which is physically and mentally tough. But, sometimes I think these solo efforts are good because it hardens me for races. But there are times when it is nice to turn off my brain and just run. Having Simon tow me around the track allowed me to relax and not worry about pacing. He pulled me through all the intervals effortlessly.
It was very calming running behind him because he makes it look so easy……….because it was(for him). I told Simon after the workout that I wish we could trade fitness for a day. Imagine the amazing workouts I could run!!
This is the beauty of being part of an elite training group. Everyone wants to see each other succeed. I thrive on their excitement and performances. My improvement and victories can be traced to the people I surround myself with. So, in advance, thank you Simon.
Up next, I will be racing the 1500m at Occidental College on May 22nd.
Well, the Stanford track may not have been magical for me Saturday night but it was for my team mates!!!!!! My 5k race wasn't really a race and instead it turned into a lonely time trial. Big bummer! As a result, I ran mostly by myself battling a headwind until the last 100m where I was out-kicked (not fun). I have realized that my strength as a runner is also my greatest weakness. Sometimes I am just too stubborn and aggressive. In this situation, I was probably better off saving a fast effort for a different time and place (my coach wisely hinted this beforehand). It is amazing that at my age I still go through so many growing pains. Over the past year I have been through many growing pains, trying to morph myself into a better and stronger runner. I have had to adapt to a new physical and mental approach, but I still have some old habits that creep out every once in a while. It has always been ingrained in me to push the limit all the time, because if you don't, well then, you are a wuss. As I am growing, I am learning that there is a time and place for that attitude. Chasing fast times and records is not always in the true spirit of competition.
Watching my team mates run the 10k at Stanford (Chris, Simon, and Tim), showed me what can happen when you just compete. Spectacular performances occur! They have been preparing for this moment their whole careers and they capitalized when it presented itself. I cried Saturday night over their race efforts because it was beautiful, and to simply put it, could not have happened to three better guys. I am still beaming with pride and feel so fortunate to be a part of this group. Their race reinforced what my coach has been telling me. The training is hard and my body may not like it right now, but it does pay off. They are the proof. I believe it.
Over the years, I have run for many different reasons. But, if I had to boil down my motivation to one simple reason….. I love to see the joy it brings my family. There is nothing better than finishing a race and seeing the excitement and joy in my family's face. I am addicted to this and this "moment" is the only reason I will have a hard time moving on from the sport.
My 2010 track season begins this weekend at the Payton Jordan Invite in Palo Alto, CA and I am pumped! I am getting butterflies just thinking about it. I am so eager to race because I believe the Stanford track is magical. I don't know what it is, but the two times I have raced there, I have performed on a level I didn't know I was capable of. The races felt effortless, smooth and strong. I hope the magic continues and I can pull together another solid performance.
My family will be in Palo Alto to cheer and support me through a 5k. Knowing that they will be there has given me the extra fuel and inspiration in my training. I plan to make each track race count this spring and summer, because it will be a short season. The Prefontaine Classic in July, will be my last track race before I take a quick break and start the lengthy apprenticeship of marathon training. I have dreamed about running a marathon since I was a little girl, and I couldn't be more excited and nervous about taking the ultimate distance runner's test!
Ok, so I am not a good blogger. Mostly, I do not think my life is very entertaining and simply I feel silly writing about myself. Recently, I have had a few friends tell me that I need to start posting something on my website even if I think it is boring, because in the end most people like to hear how "normal" professional athletes are. I agree, I love when I read about other athletes and see that they go through the same ups and downs or even like the same food. This past weekend, I connected with an amazing athlete who left me inspired. I was glued to the TV watching golf, and I don't really know much about golf or even really like it but, I was addicted. I watched the Masters for two reasons, one was that I am a little homesick for North Carolina and looking at the beauty of Augusta through my TV made me yearn for the sweet southern smell of spring. Spring in the south is the mixture of delicious sugary scents. Azalea bushes, magnolia trees, and crepe myrtles saturate the air and I swear it all came wafting into my Portland living room! Heavenly!
The second reason I watched the Masters was Phil Mickelson. I am huge fan of Phil Mickelson because of how he plays the game of golf. He is a gambler, for better or worse. I admire athletes that work hard and lay it all out there. Phil does this every time he plays and his fearless attitude and game has made me a huge fan. However, this style of golf has not always brought him the big wins, he has lost many more times than he has won. Nevertheless, you always know that he gave it his all. My favorite moment from Phil this weekend was in an interview after he won, and a reporter asked him what the difference was between a great shot and a smart shot (I believe in reference to his risky shot on the 13th hole). This was Phil's priceless reply, "A great shot is when you pull it off, and a smart shot is when you don't have the guts to try it." Wow, this guy is cool.
Another moment that won me over, was hearing about his preparation on the eve of the last day. That saturday evening he had to take his daughter to the doctors to get an x-ray and cast for her broken arm, which she hurt roller skating earlier in the day. He was up to 1AM tending to his daughter. Then later that day he went on to win his third Masters. To me, this shows that try as we may, there is no perfect preparation. We all strive to have the perfect preparation before big races but most times it doesn't happen and we have to stay positive and rely on all the work we have put in. I am a perfectionist by nature and hate when I do not have control, so when unplanned events or injuries get in my way of performing to my best abilities my instinct is to freak out, but, I have learned to deal with this weakness.
My best example was when I got severe food poisoning only 4 days out from my 10k final in Beijing. I accepted the situation, moved forward, and now I own a bronze medal.
I am always looking for sources of inspiration and most of the time they surround me in my everyday life. This week I am inspired by Phil because he seems like a pretty normal guy who is fearless and always goes for the great shot even when the smart shot will win.
Good weather, fruitful training and quality company on my hardest workouts have me in high spirits – even higher since the recent pay off in Spokane. Jerry, my coach, has upped my mileage while the guys I train with have kept it fun. Each morning when I watch the national weather report I’m thankful for our recent move to Portland. The east coast has been pounded with snow storms, but the Northwest is experiencing an exceptionally mild winter that makes running twice a day much more bearable.
In January, I thoroughly enjoyed my first half marathon. It was scary and thrilling, while cross-country nationals in Spokane last week was like visiting an old friend. Both races showed me how good race pace can feel after some truly intense training.
Aside from all the training, I’ve benefited from a special houseguest that keeps me smiling, laughing, and fueled with delicious and healthy culinary innovations. My sister has taken over the spare bedroom for about a month and is providing distraction from our monk-like routine.
For now, things are delightful! I love training hard and seeing results. Poland is up next and I’m looking forward to representing the US with the rest of the team.
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has written me supportive and heartfelt emails this year. I have found great strength and inspiration in your stories.
Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be feasting with my family and friends in Marblehead, MA!
Even though my 2009 season did not meet my goals, I know it will serve as a very important role in my career. On the positive side, I set an indoor american record in the 5k 14:47, made the World Championship team in Berlin, transitioned into a new training group and coach, and I trained harder than I ever have before. I believe all of the work will not go in vain and these experiences will callous me.
Since Berlin, I have taken some much needed time off from training and I am in the process of getting healthy and mentally recharged! One of the greatest gifts during my down time has been working as a volunteer coach with the North Carolina Men's and Women's Cross Country team. It has been extremely refreshing to spend time focusing on the athletes and NOT myself.
The Carolina athletes are awesome! They have a great work ethic and are dedicated to getting the most out of themselves. I feel fortunate to be a part of the program again. Most of my favorite running memories are from the “good old days” when I ran with a tarheel on my cheek and the NC on my chest. There was nothing better than training and racing with my best friends at my side. I am pumped to spend time with the Carolina team and I hope I can help them achieve their goals.
To kick off the season, I joined the team on their xc retreat up to Zap Fitness in Blowing Rock, NC. We had a fabulous time exploring all the great trails and enjoyed the hospitality and company of all the Zap athletes and coaches. I am excited to watch this team transform over the year. Let’s get the racing started!!
This is my favorite time of the year, football and cross country! Best efforts to all the NCAA athletes.
On August 15th, I will be representing the United States at the IAAF World Championships in the 10k. I have attached a link to the Versus Channel that will be televising the event.
Over the next five weeks, my training group and I will be in Flagstaff, AZ. I will be preparing for the 1500m at the Prefontaine Classic and the 10k at the US National Outdoor championships.
My recent performance at Carson, was not what I hoped for, but I realize that in order to move toward my long term goals, sacrifices have to be made. I have faith in myself, coach, and training.
