The 800m time trial proved to be more successful than I. even hoped.. For a number of reasons I felt in the dark regarding my level of fitness for an 800m track race. One year ago in the same meet I ran 3:24 on a similar relay running essentially by myself on the anchor leg 200m behind the field. That was disappointing. Since that time, and passing the 80 year old mark, I have become much more concerned about the development of injury my approach to training. I take more days off for recovery and limit my longest distance efforts to 4 miles, only rarely exceeding that mark. Plus I run exclusively on dirt and cinders and rubber tracks now, no roads. The result has been a decrease in total miles, albeit hopefully an increase in quality of workouts. So, the outcome of that change was to be determined with yesterday’s time trial.

The race evolved in an interesting way. There were three of us on the starting line. The other two were younger and sure to break three minutes. So, I would be chasing from the start. During the first 200m I was surprised at how springy my legs felt.

The other two guys were gone, but it seemed like the first lap was going well. As I passed the 400m mark the clock read 1:35, and I realized that I might be able to actually run a decent time. Drawing on decades of coaching advice, I determined to run the third 200m with a little balls. I reached the 600m mark exhilarated that I was still standing and pushed excitedly for the finish. Approaching the finish, I saw that it was possible to break 3:15. I tried to relax and close. It was a thrill to see 3:14 on the clock as I passed the baton.

Next week I will run a 1500m trial with, I hope, a similar outcome. Then off to Nationals!!

Stats are stable and positive.