I don’t want the title to put you off this blogpost but I
thought it about time I updated you on my progress at track.
Despite being the slowest runner at the track in Doncaster
(hence the title of this post), the support I receive on a weekly basis is
amazing.
Let’s take last night for instance.
The main set was 1 rep of 1600m with 2 minutes rest, 6 reps of
800m with 90 seconds rest and 1 final rep of 1600m.
I set off with the slower runners and by half way round the
first lap I was on my own. Now do you see where the loneliness comes from? I
had 1400m of running to do on my own. The faster runners overtook me and
muttered words of encouragement as they did. I soldiered on and completed the
1600m in 7 minutes and 50 seconds. I could have gone quicker but saved
something for the rest of the workout as it was one of the longest workouts I
have been to.
When I completed my 4 laps, I had about 30 seconds of
recovery before the faster of the slow runners set off on their first rep of
800m. They set off and I stayed in place ensuring I had the prescribed rest of
2 minutes. After my two minutes were up I set off on my first rep of 800. Again
on my own but being encouraged whenever I was overtaken or passed a resting
group.
This continued through reps 2-6 and the further back I got the
more encouragement I received. Some runners even appeared to extend their rests
to encourage me on my way and for that I am eternally grateful. This is one of
the reasons I love the group at the track. They are such a tight knit community
and want their compatriots to succeed.
I missed one lap of 400m on reps 3 and 6 as I was starting
to struggle. Holding sub 8 min mile pace after a day at work is something I
find difficult. So in total I completed 18 of the prescribed 20 laps around the
track and I bloody loved it.
Three months ago I could never have believed that I was
capable of running sub 8 min mile pace consistently. Going to track has made me
such a stronger runner and I urge people to go down to their local track to
reap the rewards that are available through hard work.
Three months ago I struggled to do 12 lots of 400m which is
12 laps, in fact I only completed 7 of the prescribed 12 laps and most of those
were half laps. So as you can see the fact I completed 90% of the set show how
much improvement I have made.
Yes each week it is tough hanging on at the back but I am
getting better and if I have the mental fortitude to slog out these tough
sessions out then so do you. After all I’m a 15 stone ex smoker who has only
been running for under 18 months.
So thanks to everyone at track last night, all 36 of you for
helping me improve as a runner. Thanks for the encouragement. You have no idea
how motivating it is to me. It keeps me going when I really start to struggle.
I even received my own personal grand stand finish as all 35
of the other runners where at the finish of my 18th lap to encourage
me home.
Thanks for reading,
Michael AKA Blogger
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