Sprinting At 60

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 Sunday I was at track practice in NJ with John (on right in pic--super fast sprinter who is about to turn 60 in a couple of weeks) and Bruce (another fast guy who is 64). This pic is us after  our workout--which proves we survived! It was the toughest speed workout I have done since joining the club almost two years ago--certainly the toughest one I'd done in over 40 years!  It wasn't a lot of volume--just 4 x 200s, with 4 minute rests. But we went hard! John wanted them in 28 or 29 seconds, no slower than 30. We did 29, 28, 29, and 30. They had their spikes on (I forgot to bring mine). I stayed with John, even if just catching him at the line. But he is fast. He is a 100, 200, 400 guy, and he's solid muscle. Bruce, too. I am the 400, 800 (aspiring) guy. Doing these shorter distances at 90% is a totally different experience. I actually like it--the feeling of shorter sprints. I may workout with them again this Sunday--John said something about doi...

Friday, November 21, 2025 A week and a half of consistent, steady training. Last Monday I practiced Pilates mat in the morning, then I went to gym. Did 70 minutes on the bike, then weights. Last Tuesday, after my Pilates reformer lesson, I went to the Ott Center and did a track workout solo:  4 x 300m. Goal: 48 seconds each and 2.5 minutes between each.  Finished workout and stuck to rest time. A little “uneven” marks: 46, 52, 48, 54.  The last one just about did me in. Need to work on consistency of pace and, as  always, endurance. The lactic burn is real, folks. Went to gym after for leg work. Last Wednesday, I did cross training again on the bike, 70 minutes, then weights and Pilates mat.  On Thursday, after I Pilates I went back to the track: 6 x 400m at 5k pace; 200 m jog rests. Hit every 200 at 55 seconds exactly!  Great to practice consistency and pacing in such a focused way (that  wasn’t   too painful!) Joined by teammate Jeff Flock (the ...

Sunday, November 9, 2025 Review of training since last post: Wednesday (after my first indoor track workout of the season on Tuesday) I went to the gym and did bike for an hour and 10 minutes, Pilates mat, and back exercises I think (or was it chest?) Thursday I ran to Pilates, had my lesson, then went to the indoor track again. 2 x 800 in 3:20, 200 meter walk/jog, between reps . . . then 4 x 400 in 1:30. It felt easy after Tuesday's workout. Teammate Jeff Flock was at the track, but he arrived after I finished my workout. We may try to workout togther next Thursday. I went ot the gym after and did leg exercises. Friday I took the day off (went to NYC to see a friend's show). Saturday I did the cycle at the gym again and Pilates mat. Today, I went out to the track at Ursinus College and met Lorraine and Alison. We did a workout of running for 2 minutes, then jog a minute and run from 2 minutes again (we did this 10 times). It was an easier workout. Pace wise we were hitting eac...

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Today I did my first indoor track workout--at the Ott Center track at UPenn--the first of the 2025-2026 indoor season. I was alone today on the track (they just opened for the season yesterday). I attempted to do 4 x 300 meters at a 48 second pace, with 2.5 minute rests. I did all four--and I stuck to the rest time--but I only hit 48 once. I ran 49.50, 50.03, 48.80, and 51.50. It was HARD. My legs were lactic by the end, and I was very "breathy." It was a good effort. From there I went to the gym and did Pilates and leg strengthening exercises. Also hard. Yesterday I did Pilates mat with Megan, and I went to the gym and did an hour and ten minutes on the bike and did some chest exercises with weights and bars.  Sunday I went to track practice. We met at Audubon HS track in NJ (which is less than 20 minutes from home). Alison and I did a challenging workout: 4 x 1K, 3.5 minute rests. We averaged about 3:46 for each!  Saturday I did Pilates at the gym ...