Jan 19, 2011 Training for the 2012 Boston Marathon

Ian and the famous Coach Joe Newton

NO MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE RUNNING...RUN FASTER! -Coach Joe Newton


These words are replayed over and over in my head every time I enter the York High School Field House. When you enter this facility you can't help but feel that you have entered someplace special.  One whole side of the Field House is decorated with banners from the 27 Illinois State Cross Country Championships that have been won under Coach Joe Newton.  There are two hanging plaques on another wall displaying track and field records from York runners and those in their conference.  And then, there is the Elmhurst Running Club (the early risers) warming up on the track getting ready to push you to the limit.  There is no place that I would rather be at 5:00 a.m. on a cold winter's morning.  Gives me chills just thinking about it.


Let's take a step back.  Last night before I went to sleep, I was really nervous about going to the track workout the next day.  I knew that it was going to be a test of how hard I have been working and how much effort I wanted to continue to put forth.  The unknown is scary and when you have been working on something for over  a month you want and expect to see results.  So, this little seed of doubt creeps its way into my mind and starts playing with it.  What if I can't run as fast as I need to?  I went back and reviewed the workouts and routines I had been working on.  Was it enough so that I would see improvement?  I mean, when you run inside in shorts, and there are no weather conditions, there are also no excuses.  When you step on the track, you lay it on the line for everyone to see.  I prayed that I would get a good night's sleep and be ready to go in the morning.  


The alarm went off at 4:10 and I started getting dressed for my workout.  One peak out the window and seeing a light dusting of snow on the ground and the dark sky made me happy that I was running inside today.  What a difference a day makes.  All the seeds of doubt from last night were gone.  I was anxious to get to the track and start my warm-up.  


Saw the ERC runners on the track.  Started my warm-up and mentally prepped for my first test.  
Today's workout was Light Track Speed.  


Warm ups and strides done, it was time to toe up to the line and start.  I lined up behind the some of the fastest women in our club.  Their hard work ethic inspires me and trying to keep up with them would improve my chances of hitting my pace marks.  So, off we went and I could not believe how fast and smooth I felt.  I felt stronger than when I ran Boston last year and the NYC Marathon this past November.  Felt so good, that I actually ran my 300 and 600 faster than planned.  My 1000 I was right on the mark.  The second set, I needed some "Newton Juice".  His famous quote of "No matter how fast you are running...run faster", kept going through my head.  Every time I felt my legs slowing down, I could hear Newton in my head and pushed harder.  I started off strong and was not going to give in to fatigue.  Before I knew it, my workout was over, and my body was tired.  I left everything I had on the track and did it feel good.  I came up a bit short on the second set, but that gives me something to work on.  I need to remember that all of this training is a process and not something that can be done in one day or even one month.  


I finished the workout with my cooldown running with Becky and Susan.  They are two half marathoners that inspire me with their determination and spirit.  It was a different type of run and I enjoyed catching up with them.  Running today with the ERC, with Becky and Susan, and in a Field House made for Champions,  I had it all!  


It was a GREAT start to a GREAT day!