There are 11 days to go before Christmas, it’s 60 degrees, humid and sunny here in Lancaster, Pa. and my thoughts are on running and today’s workout instead of the melting polar icecaps, global warming and our consumer culture.
Then again, it could be 60 below and my thoughts would be on running and how to complete the day’s workout.
Nevertheless, I stumbled upon a great site this afternoon that is sure to keep me motivated during the next year of training. The site? Flotrack, described by the publishers as:
An extensive video collection of the greatest Track and Field athletes from all over the country. Who you want, what you want, when you want it. Learn about the greatest athletes, their life stories, training styles, opinions, and philosophies. Get to know past legends, present stars, and the future faces of running. Follow coaches to practice and learn their strategies. View athletes before, during and after competitions. Listen to the sports most influential figures and be inspired by their stories.
Frankly, I can’t get enough of it. So far I’ve watched Deena Kastor talk about the virtues of high mileage training, Frank Shorter discussing drugs, and Mark Wetmore – the top coach in the U.S. – with his CU team on a long run at 8,500 feet of altitude.
There are also interviews with Alberto Salazar, Jorge Torres and Ed Eyestone.
For running geeks, Flotrack will quickly become the go-to site.
Anyway, last night I did 15-to-20 minutes of light yoga as a recovery aid and to help my all-around fitness. We'll see how it goes. I'm hardly the most flexible person, nor am I very adept at the poses. Right now the emphasis is on the form and getting a nice stretch.
However, if it gets in the way of the high-mileage training (if 100-110 miles per week can even be called high mileage anymore) I have planned for the next 10 months, then the yoga has to go-a. I feel a little trashed today, but we're going to try and get in 13 to 15 anyway.
A much-needed rest day is approaching.