Good morning!
This past week NFLR started our training group for the Saunders 10K in August. This offers 2 running session as well as a complete training plan to prepare the runner. The great thing about this training group is that we have a certified coach led track workout every Wednesday night at the Dover high school track.
Track workouts are definitely a love hate for many runners. Most bemoan being pushed around the oval, but when done, those same moaners are brimming with greater confidence. With a goal of continued improved pace as they progress through each interval, the runner may not believe that, the final interval can be faster than the previous intervals. However, as each runner in fact completes that final interval faster than all others, you can see the joy of not only being done, but the sense of accomplishment.
As a running coach, I absolutely believe in the power of the track. Yes, it is a speed workout and while it is a great tool for someone that wants to get faster, I like it more for getting a runner stronger. Leg turnover, pumping those arms and lifting your feet up are all components of picking up the pace and repeated practice helps the runner get stronger. Stronger often helps with better running form as well and if you know me, you know I am all about improved running gait.
Another great component of our Wednesday night group track workout is the camaraderie that the group shares. While I encourage the runners to run their pace intervals at their pace and not stay in the pack, they do tend to find others to help pull them around the track. That is a great strategy and makes for a more enjoyable experience. Also, when they are on their recovery intervals, they all group together back to their larger pack and get back to social time. As a coach I like both.
If you want to come train with NFLR for Saunders, we meet at Dover high school Wednesday nights at 6pm and 8am on Saturday’s at Bagel Grounds in downtown Dover. If you cannot commit to a training group, by all means come out on Wednesday and do our track workouts with us. This is a great group and I promise you will have a lot of fun. If you have any questions, contact DeeJ at DeeJ@nofinishlinerunning.com.
Have a great week!
God Bless!
Mike
