by Larry EderFriday, the day before the big race, is a day that is fraught with emotions. Coaches use their great skills to help athletes focus, and relax, both at the same time.
Good luck to all who are racing the big season race tomorrow. State meets, junior college state meet in California, and NCAA Champs are all happening this weekend.
Perhaps the smartest thing to do today, after your run is to take a nap.
Adrian Martinez Classic, photo by PhotoRun.net
Week 13: Focus on the finish
Monday : Warm up; 6-mile run; 8×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest between; cool down.
Tuesday: 1-mile warmup; 20-min tempo run, 1-mile cool down. To determine your tempo run pace, add a half-minute to your present mile pace for a 5K. So if you can run 18:30 for a 5K now, that means a 6:00 pace. Add 30 seconds to get your tempo run pace of 6:30 per mile. Recalculate your pace as your fitness improves, about once a month.
or,
Warm up, Three times six minutes at current race pace, 4 x 150 meter strideouts, cooldown
Wednesday: Warm up; 6-mile run; 8×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest between; cool down.
Thursday: Warm up, three miles on track, sprint straights, jog turns, easy cool down.
Friday: Warm up; 6-mile run; 4×150 yds relaxed strideouts on grass, jogging back to the start after each, no rest between; cool down. Focus on the race.
Saturday: Race day. Warm up, listen to your coach, race, cool down
Sunday: Easy 11-mile run on grass or dirt with friends.
