I joined a distance track clinic at MTSU (also my alma mater). For $75, we get a weekly clinic and workout with the distance coach for nine weeks, a long-sleeve tech shirt and the freedom to get advice from the coach at any time. I also got an awesome discount on some running shoes through the coach's connections.
It's been really fun the past 5 sessions. I try to do some speedwork as part of my marathon training anyways, and it's super awesome to get to go do it with other people and a coach! It's also been bringing back high school memories since I haven't done much running on a track since those days!
I can't say that the information has been new. I have been into distance running for a while and read a ton about it on my own, but it's always nice to hear what a distance coach thinks about all of the information that's out there. Last night, he shared a ton of great info on core exercises, and I left feeling inspired to try to do a better job of working on my core.
The biggest advantage I've found so far is that I push myself harder when I'm out there on the track running with other people... and with someone watching. Last week we did 6x800, and I ran all of them with a 8:00 pace. That's kind of fast for me. Last night, he had us do 20 minutes at tempo, so I ran about a 9:00 pace. Then he wanted us to run a hard mile, and I ran mine in 7:20. DANG!
I think it's been helping me to improve a bit on my speed, and I can't complain about that. I hope that I can continue to stay on top of doing these kinds of workouts even after the clinic is over.
I share all this to say that if something like this is ever offered in your area, I would definitely suggest taking advantage of it! I think everyone gets different things out of such a clinic, but I know that I'm finding it to be a really great part of my marathon training. I guess a big part of it is that it helps me to make sure I don't blow off my speed work - I paid for the clinic, so you better believe I'm not going to skip it!
6 comments:
Great! I think track workouts are awesome in terms of helping with speed. Plus, nothing like company at the track, to get the competitive spirit out!
I've always wanted to do a track clinic class or series!! Awesome! I'll have to definitely do some research and find one next year.
P.S. 7:20??? DANG is right!
I did a clinic like that this last summer. It was Wednesday mornings at 6:00 am and the owner of the local running store led the workouts!
I LOVED it. I ran harder with other people around and I got some great advice from the coach. I can't wait to do it again next summer!!
Wow, girl! A 7:20 - can I say AMAZING?!!!
I definitely agree that working out with a group pushes one beyond their comfort level. It just goes to show how much we are really capable of after all :) And what a great price - $75 for nine weeks?! Holy cow, that is a bargain!
Keep up the great work & have fun :)
I'm so jealous! I wish i could do something like this! Great job on your runs-- your speeedy!!!
You're inspiring me to look for track workouts... Thanks! I've just joined a Meetup group for training runs with a pace group, maybe someone there will be able to point me in the right direction. I'd love to work on my speed but I can never motivate myself to do it alone.
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