Track talk

Thursday, December 20th

8:30 AM - 6 Miles, 41 min
Winchester/Arlington

So I apologize for not having much on here the last few days. My mind has been a bit jumbled and I didn't want to bore you guys with any of that.

We're finally in track mode now so let's talk track. I had my first track session on Tuesday and all things considered, I felt much better than expected. The pace felt easy in the beginning and still felt controlled as I dropped it down in each set. It's always exciting to get back on the track this time of year because it's so much different than cross and it just adds a new thrill to all the work we've put in over past few months.

As for racing, I hope to do as much as possible in the little time I have. Indoor is such a short season so there is so much packed into that 4-6 weeks in January and February. And since I'll be traveling to Ireland at the end of my season, it will be cut even shorter.

Having said all that, here is my tentative schedule right now. I'll need to go over this more with Kevin before I make things final but this will give you an idea at least.

Dec 30 - Millennium Mile (Londenderry, NH) ???

Jan 13 - Dartmouth Relays - Mile
Jan 20 - GBTC Invitational (Harvard) - Mile or 3K
Jan 26 - Terrier Invitational (BU) - 3K
Feb 9 - Valentine's Invitational (BU) - 3K or 5K

Feb 21 - Armagh Road Race (Ireland) - 5K
Feb 24 - Ras na hEireann (Ireland) - 6K

The Millennium Mile is starting to look more and more appealing to me as time goes on because I know how much fun it is. But I still plan to wait and see how I'm feeling that week and what the weather looks like before deciding for sure. For a couple of the track races, I'll also need to wait and see where I'm at before deciding on which event to do. As for times, my goals lie on a couple different levels. I have some realistic goals that I would be very happy with, and then I have some bigger goals that some may think are a little beyond my grasp. These are the goals that always keep one hungry for more. Not that I think they are unrealistic, I just know they will be hard as hell to hit and I'll need to work my ass off to get there. But I tell you what, if I do hit them, you'll be looking at one happy camper.

It's always hard to tell how things will go this early in the season so I wont actually throw out any numbers right now. But I will say that the main focus will be on the 3K, and that I will be aiming for some fast times there with a national qualifier in the back of my mind. If I want to have any shot at a trials qualifier this spring, I need to at least come close to the Indoor standards this winter. I have a lot of confidence coming off a successful cross season and I think my strengths will show even more on the track. For those JC Experience enthusiasts out there, I'll have you know that I plan on tapping into some never before seen JC speed this year, so be on the look out and maybe I'll surprise even myself. I've got about 3 weeks 'til the first track race and then things will start to move along pretty quickly, so I have to start my focus now and make sure not to slip anywhere along the way. From now on, every little bit counts.

See ya on the track!