Sprinting At 60

 2025 Indoor World Championships Crossing the finish line on Saturday at the end of my 400 meter heat--a PR! My goal since my first indoor meet in January in Providence (where I ran 1:02), was to try to get under a minute--and I did it! 59.37 seconds. This time qualified me for the finals (the top 6 times from about 28 runners across 5 heats).  From the start, lane 3--thanks to a couple of teammates, I had some lessons on starting from blocks since last month's Nationals meet. This helped a lot!  I felt on top of the world after this race. I was so happy and grateful I had achieved the time, and qualifying for the final was TOTALLY unexpected. I calculated 10 or 11 guys who had run faster than a minute this indoor season and/or last outdoor season.  Unfortunately, the final on Sunday didn't go so well for me. I mean--I was doing GREAT, definitely running strong and on pace, but approaching the top of the last curve, my right hamstring area seized up--I re-strained t...

Thursday, March 20, 2025 Here I am competing in PRC Indoor meet at the Ott Center Track at U Penn, March 8th. This was my first 800 meter race since high school (which was outdoors . . . on a dirt track!). I did okay, I guess. It was a new experience, running around a crowded indoor track! My time was 2:30.83. The All-American standard for my age group is 2:40.   Trying to make it work in California this week and last. This week has been easier because I found a track to run on near Mom's place. It's a dirt track, but well maintained. I ran Monday and yesterday on it. I had to use my watch to mark 200 meters, 120 meters, and 150 meters. Monday: 4 x 400m with 2 minutes between. First 200 of each came in at 40/41 seconds, then ran as fast as I could for last 200. All four were pretty consistent, coming in between 70-74 seconds. Legs felt lactic last 150 or so meters of each. Wednesday: 3 x 120m, then 3 x 150m; each 120 in 20 seconds (last one in 19) (again, using my watch to mea...

 Thursday, March 6, 2025: A short clip of me warming up today at the Ott Center track Did my track workout solo today (I need to get used to it for the next two weeks, as I'll be in California on my own!) I did 2 sets of 3 x 300s today, with three minute rests between splits and 8 minutes between the two sets.  Split 1: 58,  Split 2: 56,  Split 3: 58,  . . .   Split 4: 55,  Split 5: 58,  Split 6: 57 I started the day by running over to the Pilates studio--had a great lesson on the Cadillac and Chair. Then I went to the track. After, to the gym for shoulders and stretching. Legs and glutes a little sore from yesterday's PT session with Dr. Josh. Going to take it easy until Saturday morning, when I run an 800 meters (first since high school, first indoor one ever!), and possibly a 200 if I don't scratch it (again, first since hs and indoors). Wish me luck, track fans. Sunday morning I leave for two weeks in California--where I will train alone-...

 Sunday, March 2, 2025: Did a great track workout at track practice in Chestnut Hill with Alison, young John, Federico, and Chuck. It was cold and windy, but not rainy. We did 2 sets (4.5 minutes between the sets, 2 minutes between splits): 400 m--87 seconds 800 m--2:57 300 m--1:00 (rest) 400 m--90 secs 800 m--3:02 300 m --55 seconds After practice I did my PT leg exercises at home. Monday I had Pilates mat in the morning, then had a massage. My legs are feeling better and better (hammy and sciatic pain). I hesitate to write it here, but I think my leg is completely healed!  Today, Tuesday, I got up and ran to the Pilates studio. After, I went to the Ott track and did a great workout with Alison and Lorraine. We did 8 x 200 m, with 1 minute between splits and 8 minutes between the sets. The goal for the 200s for me was 37-38 seconds each. I ran all of them at 35 or less (the last ones were fast at like 32). I felt great on the track today. As mentioned, no residual tightness o...