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Friday, January 24, 2025



                                    View of the Ott Center indoor track at U Penn


It's been a pretty good couple weeks of training since my last post. Of course I always have this feeling that I should be doing more.  But doing what I can do for the most part. Sunday the 12th I went to practice; half of the track had snow and ice on it, so opted to do 100s on the straight way (which was clear). A couple of teammates joined me for a workout of 20 x 100m at about 18 seconds each. 1 minute between each and 4 minutes between sets of 5. It was cold. But all in all, a good workout. The week after this I did Pilates reformer, went to the gym and did my PT leg exercises a few days. Did a 3+ mile run outside, too. 

 Last Sunday it was REALLY cold and another snow storm was rolling in, but I got up and drove to Chestnut Hill for practice. Paul B. was generous enough to give me a valuable coaching session on the sprinter start position (without blocks). I learned a lot! So at least I don't have to start my next 400 meters in a standing position. Later that day I went to the gym for my Pilates mat and PT leg exercises. Did a good 30 minutes on the stair machine. As I came down the stairs at the gym, I stopped suddenly to avoid running into woman in the hallway, and I raised up on my toes--I immediately felt my left calf muscle seize up. I went to the mat and was trying to stretch; I massaged the area with my fingers, and I got an instant, debilitating CRAMP! I was writhing in pain. After what felt like hours, the cramp dissipated. I was so freaked out--convinced I must have pulled my calf muscle. I went right home and did the R.I.C.E. protocol for almost 48 hours. Very Luckily, on Tuesday, I went to Pilates (no pain), and then to the track for 200s, and no pain. Huge phew! 

Tuesday I did 13 x 200 meters, at about a 36 second average, with about 3 minutes between each, and 4 minutes between sets of 4. It felt pretty good. Pilates on Tuesday and Thursday, and the gym for weights and my PT leg exercises. Yesterday was a real treat, teammate Alison came to the Ott Center track for a workout!


                                        (photo by our awesome team photographer, Walter B.)

Two other teammates also showed up. We did a fun workout of 2 x 600, then 3 x 400 meters with 3 minutes rests: 

600 = 2.08
600 = 2.08
400 = 1.16
400= 1.19
400 = 1.15

It was, of course, a much better workout with teammates there to push and encourage me!  Also, the Hoey brothers were on the track training. Amazing to watch!

This Sunday I head to Providence, R.I., for the 2025 USATF East Region Masters Indoor Championships. I've registered for the 400 and 200. I may scratch the 200 so as to not overtax my hammy. There are two other guys registered for M60. One of them ran under a minute outside in October--Owen Barrett. Looks like he's a fast sprinter with lots of experience. How fun it will be if I actually get to race against him. 



 

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