11 Replies to “Let Track Season Bring Out the Gamer in the Runner: Each event, different variables to master”
I remember the 3rd curve (no matter what distance I was racing) was the loneliest place in every race for me. When I became a distance coach at a university – I always tried to be stationed there – for all laps!!!
As wannabe track runner I love this post. You inspire me so much to get out there and start some track running. My volatile spot where it’s all a constant negotiation with the brain for me is the 3rd km in a 5km and 6-8km in the 10km. I swear once I get over those sticky points I can finish just because I am “close enough” :=)
first edit: delete the ‘wannabe’ part!! oh i can’t wait for u to embrace ur inner speedster, trust me you’re going to not only surprise yourself but you’ll be falling in love with the track! 🙂 (or shorter road races…haha)
I’ve never run a race on a track. I didn’t run track in high school, so the only time I spent on the track was for Mile Monday for soccer and field hockey (which later turned into 1 and a half mile Monday and then 2 Mile Monday). I did do my first speed workout on the track this past week and I have a new respect for those who run races on the track. I was so intimidated to just step onto the track to do the workout.
i’m so glad u got out on the track! many runners who get into the sport post high-school/college can feel intimidated by the track but there’s no reason to be! keep up those speed workouts. 🙂
Raced on a track…twice in my life? Both times as part of a 5K – 1 mile – 400 m series (all in on evening). The experience was intense, but long enough ago that I don’t really remember much, and certainly not indicative of how each race would feel on its own.
But no matter what distance I’m racing (and this seems to hold for your observations above), it’s the middle section that is a no-man’s-land. Too far from the start to still feel fresh, and too far from the finish to “gut it out”. It’s easy to zone out and/or get discouraged. So I focus on that chunk ahead of me: “Get to mile 2.” (in a 5K) “Get to mile 5.” (in a 10K) “Get to mile 10.” (in a 21K) I’ll stoop so low as to break THAT section up into sections, if necessary! 🙂
it really is the middle of any race that tends to be a mental trap…wat u’re doing to break it up is a perfect mental trick! for the track, i take the race in sets of four…only one mile/4 laps at a time.
I remember the 3rd curve (no matter what distance I was racing) was the loneliest place in every race for me. When I became a distance coach at a university – I always tried to be stationed there – for all laps!!!
talk about the ever-awesom cheerer…that third curve for SURE is perfect to give those runners some encouragement. 🙂
As wannabe track runner I love this post. You inspire me so much to get out there and start some track running. My volatile spot where it’s all a constant negotiation with the brain for me is the 3rd km in a 5km and 6-8km in the 10km. I swear once I get over those sticky points I can finish just because I am “close enough” :=)
first edit: delete the ‘wannabe’ part!! oh i can’t wait for u to embrace ur inner speedster, trust me you’re going to not only surprise yourself but you’ll be falling in love with the track! 🙂 (or shorter road races…haha)
I’ve never run a race on a track. I didn’t run track in high school, so the only time I spent on the track was for Mile Monday for soccer and field hockey (which later turned into 1 and a half mile Monday and then 2 Mile Monday). I did do my first speed workout on the track this past week and I have a new respect for those who run races on the track. I was so intimidated to just step onto the track to do the workout.
i’m so glad u got out on the track! many runners who get into the sport post high-school/college can feel intimidated by the track but there’s no reason to be! keep up those speed workouts. 🙂
Raced on a track…twice in my life? Both times as part of a 5K – 1 mile – 400 m series (all in on evening). The experience was intense, but long enough ago that I don’t really remember much, and certainly not indicative of how each race would feel on its own.
But no matter what distance I’m racing (and this seems to hold for your observations above), it’s the middle section that is a no-man’s-land. Too far from the start to still feel fresh, and too far from the finish to “gut it out”. It’s easy to zone out and/or get discouraged. So I focus on that chunk ahead of me: “Get to mile 2.” (in a 5K) “Get to mile 5.” (in a 10K) “Get to mile 10.” (in a 21K) I’ll stoop so low as to break THAT section up into sections, if necessary! 🙂
it really is the middle of any race that tends to be a mental trap…wat u’re doing to break it up is a perfect mental trick! for the track, i take the race in sets of four…only one mile/4 laps at a time.
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