PM: 5.1 miles
Running thoughts on track/runners
Me- Yesterday was kind of disheartening. I know I am in better shape than all of those splits. I suppose recovering from the long run definitely plays into it, however I was still surprised. I should be pretty easily running these all in the 2:22-2:25 range, instead I'm 10 seconds slower per interval. Yikes, that's not even close. There is only much I can blame Florida. I did enjoy running with Jeremy and Anthony in the morning, although I kind of just locked into cruise control in the front. I know this is a mistake and won't make me better, it's just so easy sometimes to not get uncomofortable.
John. I like John in the afternoon since he is always pushing himself. He really has the mental capacity to do something special if he wanted to. He would have to make a dedicated decision to add mileage and revamp things a bit, but it could happen.
Anthony. I was definitely impressed with Anthony this morning too. The last two weeks he seems to have been trying to exit his comfort zone a bit more on paces, which is exactly what he was doing when we first started running together and he ran a 1:14 half and some 16 flat 5ks. I'm excited to see this continue, because he is a fun runner to watch. He mentioned he isn't feeling it running-wise, but I'm seeing the exact opposite. I think he is finally back with it, and willing to get uncomfortable.
Jeremy just ran a 1:14 half marathon which is no slouch time, however I am just surpised by his efforts at the track. There is no reason why he shouldn't be challenging for the front. I know he works hard, but I can tell he's got more in there.
Jacob (freshman in high school) is on fire. He ran a 16:40 5k this weekend on a cross country course with great competition. He will be off track next week, but should be back for the week following that. He really will be an ignition for this group, since he is not afraid to fail, and is willing to try paces he logically shouldn't be ready for. This is exactly the runner that you can build a team around. Hopefully humility and humbleness are qualities that stick as he progresses.
Dylan (freshman in high school) should be in the high 16s on Thursday. He ran a great workout two weeks ago and put together a 17 flat on a tough cross country course as well. I'm excited to see what he runs. On that track? I don't understand this kid. He can run a bunch of 3-minute 800s and then go run a 16:45 5k at Gasparilla. I just don't get it. He locks in for races different than I've ever seen another runner do. Workouts just aren't meaningful for him- he can almost just will himself to run faster without the muscle-memory to do so. Absolutely goes against my ideology, but I roll with that- every runner is different, and a coach should always tailor to that. But seriously, how in the world...
Elia- he is just so hard on himself. He's either all-in, or doesn't see a purpose. Right now I think he is still leaning towards the latter. He doesn't have to compete to be a runner. He can just run for health and hit the gym too. It doesn't have to be in a competitive atmosphere. He is very competitive, so I would be surprised if he took that route, but the pressure he is putting on himself is odd. I think his niche is in longer distances however- he seemed to really find his calling. Plus, if he chooses those, I'll always have someone to talk me into random 100ks in the forest like last January!
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