January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
In Between the lines
Add running to your cross training regime
I am not a “runner” but I do run 5k’s to mix up my cross training. The MAAC (Mid Atlantic Athletic Club) sponsors speed training for runners looking to improve on their times and all-around fitness level.
Coach Steve Burgess organizes and runs the training sessions. Steve Burgess is an indoor record holder in the 800m (1:48.34) for the University of Georgia, and also a SEC (South Eastern Conference) Champion in the same discipline (1984).
The SEC schools boast many former and current Olympians, NFL, NBA, MLB and pro tennis players. It is arguably the strongest Conference in all of Division I college sports.
This past Wednesday at least fifty runners turned up to the training session. Most people trickle in at around 6pm and do a few warm up laps.
A stretching session then takes place followed by a few running drills. Now is when the fun begins. In week one the sessions comprised of 10x 400m (10x 1 lap of the track). Week two’s workout was 5x 800m. Week three 4x 1 mile, and last Wednesday was 16x 400m. The runners are divided up into an A, B, C and D group.
The A group is the fastest. Each group has a target time to achieve.
Whether or not someone is training for a tennis tournament, or a race is irrelevant. What is important is the basic know how of progress towards a goal.
I always assumed that runners were all highly motivated. Runner’s have trouble like other athletes staying motivated. Having a coach like Steve can help you through the rough spots.
At the training sessions are runners of all levels. It doesn’t matter if you are training for the Olympics or a beginner trying to finish a 10-k. The basic needs are the same. Runners at all levels can benefit from good coaching and a well organized programme.
Steve has a methodology and system in place. If everyone is disciplined and sticks to his system they are bound to improve. I don't know that much about training for distance running but I have confidence that I am training correctly because Steve has trained and competed at the highest level, and I don’t mean May 24th.
Motivation is very important when trying to achieve new performance goals.
Reporting on a regular basis to a coach will help you with being consistent.
Average athletes tend to not be as motivated as elite or advanced athletes.
Most people in Bermuda do work 9-to-5 jobs and can’t be expected to train twice daily and get massages. Having a once a week session lets you know where you are and where you are going.
If you are worried about injuring yourself there is no need to worry.
Runners can stop whenever they are tired. For some out there who like to push themselves then a coach can be even more important. A coach is an unbiased observer. He can look at your workload and evaluate it more objectively than the athlete can.
If you are like me and complain about how boring Bermuda is try something new. It is an opportunity to interact with different people. Steve Burgess varies the training sessions from week to week which makes it fun. Those of you who run for enjoyment may receive the most benefit from an organized, well structured programme.[[In-content Ad]]
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