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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 and did the cycle for an hour. I have been adding cardio activities (well, so far just the bike at the gym) on days I don't run. I need to keep building my aerobic strength. 

I took last Friday off (walked to the dog park). Thursday I had my Pilates reformer lesson and went to the gym after for an hour on the bike and shoulders. Last Wednesday I did a 10K run along the river (5:31 km pace), then to the gym for Pilates and legs. On Tuesday I got to see Geoffrey for my monthly sports massage, which was incredible. 

Have been listening/watching to Autumn Athletes: Not Done Yet interviews on YouTube while I sit at the dog park. It's a great series. Many wonderful runners speak about their experience and training, and they give advice. It's very helpful. It was great to hear Francois Boda talk about his life, achievements, and training. He's a very accomplished Masters Track athlete. I have competed against him twice--in my first National Championship in Sacramento in the 400 (he got first, I got fifth); [I did not run in the same heat as him in the 400 at my first indoor Nationals in Gainsville--but he placed first overall, I got fourth overall]; I ran against him in the 400 final at the indoor World Championships in Gainsville (he got second, I placed 6th--that was the race when the dreaded Baker's cyst burst behind my right knee, impeding my last 50 or so meters of the race, such a bummer!) So I have had the privilege to race with him, and he has always displayed great sportsmanship.  I learned a lot from listening to that interview. 


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