Monday, July 13, 2026

Have started my countdown to Nationals. My 400 meter prelim is Thursday afternoon; my 400m final is Friday afternoon (& I have a 4x100m relay after that). Saturday morning is the 800 meter final. Sunday morning I MAY race the 1,500 meters (depending on how I feel and how my main events go). And Sunday afternoon is the 4x400 relay with John, Bruce, me and Jacques (if he makes it to the meet this time). 

Yesterday was my last track workout at Pequot Lakes High School track (pics above and below). I did three 200s in my 800 spikes, walk back rests. 33.9; 35.0, and 32.5. I also did some 100m starts in my 400 spikes--sprinting 40-50 meters out.  

I have managed to keep my training pretty consistent and challenging the past two weeks in Minnesota. Gym, Pilates mat, cross training, a 7.5 mile run, and track workouts. Eating has been a little off, due to the big family dinners in the cabin. Too many random carbs and sweets I fear. But I have never been that focused on what I eat--I mean, I eat well in general, healthy--so the sometime less-than-healthy food and desserts don't really get me down. I know some Masters track runners seem to be obsessed and worried about what they consume and how much. That's just not my experience, however. For better or for worse. 

I fly out of Brainerd early Wednesday morning--puddle-jumper (well, it's actually a jet) to Minneapolis, then on to Cleveland. I'll rent a car there and drive to Geneva. We will be a good-sized group at the VRBO house. I hope it's not too cramped. 

Yesterday I went online to confirm my 400 meter and 800 meter races. I will wait until Saturday to say yes or no to the 1,500 meter race on Sunday. After I did that, after seeing the lists of strong competitors, I felt nervous for the first time (for this particular meet). But I meditated on MY racing, reliving my 400 meter leg at Penn Relays, where I ran 56.88 and felt GREAT, and also my 800 meter race in NJ when I ran a PR of 2:18 and felt GREAT. I just tap into those moments in my head, feel the excitement and fun of running my best, and the nervousness dissipates. I feel so lucky and grateful to be running track at 62. I am having the time of my life! 

I like these two pics--me at my best: present in the moment & always looking ahead.