Doug's Running Thingy

Although officially a race report, I don't want to ruffle any feathers by clicking that little button up there and posting results of a 200 meter dash on a site frequented primarily by marathon geeks - I use the term affectionately since I have run a couple of the things myself.  After a frankly quite disappointing 400 meter race on Friday, I was determined to redeem myself in the 200.  Unfortunately, similar to the 400, the heat sheets revealed that many of the entrants had bailed for whatever reason, leaving just me and 12 guys that looked a wee bit faster than I.  I sucked it up and climbed into the blocks in lane 5 at a 30 degree side angle, wishing someone were there to prop me up so I didn't fall over - interesting experience for sure.  I got out really well and was gaining on lane 6... before he decided to actually sprint.  I was able to stay strong and upright through the final banked turn and down the stretch, beating one guy in my heat and another in the last heat.  More importantly than not coming in dead last (ok, I admit that was pretty important), I posted a 26.57, which is pretty much where I wanted to be this early in my return to masters track.  Rob had to miss my brilliance to catch his flight, so I only have a photo taken by a kindly race fan after I ran.

OK - back in the saddle and ready to get serious now.  Did an easy 3 on the trails at lunch while pondering my attack plan for a fast 200, 400 and 800 late in the summer.  I have some thoughts, but will likely consult a fastrunning coach I know for some tips.  I know, Rob, firm up the core and drop another 6-8 lbs to start with.

So, when making a blog entry, we get these cool insert link tools etc, but not when making comments on others' blogs - gonna have to look into that.  Will post link to pics from Albuquerque here just to test it out - the link I pasted at Rob's blog doesn't actually show up as a link.

Masters Indoor Track Nationals  

I'm thinking a couple weeks of general fitness running will be good, with just two days/week on the track.  Started at the gardens trailhead and ran ravine trail plus north loop, with 8X1 minute on/1 minute off for the middle 2 miles.

Core work last night, and will do pushups, pull ups, dumbell workout during lunch today.

Made it out in the neighborhood early for a mile warmup and then 4X 200 meter hills with 600 meter jog rest interval.  I then put in a couple hours at work before jumping on the road to watch the boychild run another mid 4:40s 1600 over in Jax.  2nd place in his heat feeling a bit too comfortable - we talked later about it being time for him to change things up and break out of the comfort zone if he wants to threaten 4:30 at next month's state meet.

 A fine way to spend one's birthday all-in-all. 

Slept in for the first time in quite a while - nice.  Eventually made it out to the trails for 3.25 easily around lake overstreet. Still trying to find time to organize my training plan for the next couple months.