Runners Club

[from David S.]

We tried this a while back – to start a running club in Petworth – but this time I’m ready to do it right. And with the help of the brand new gorgeous track at Roosevelt High, I think we can kick start things immediately.

The track is open to the public from 6:45am to 8am and from 4pm to dusk. Distance runners who want to increase their speed will find success with a timed track workout. I don’t really know what I’m doing, today was my first day. Each lap is a quarter mile. I ran 3 laps at regular pace than ran as fast as I could for the 4th lap, noting my mile time. Then I rested a few minutes and did it again, shaving about 20 seconds from my previous mile. On my third mile, I shaved 40 seconds off my initial mile.

I plan to do this every Tuesday morning at 7am. Thought I’d see if anyone wants to join, has comments on the best approach to track runs for distance runners, or otherwise wants to start up the Petworth Posse Runners Club.

Comments

[David]

I've started a Yahoo Message Board for this group - subscribe by sending an email to

[email protected]

If you have trouble signing up, write me at [email protected]
and I'll get you in - free message board, just a good way to meet other runners in Petworth.

[David]

Just a reminder that the Sunday run is on for tomorrow; meet at 10am at Carter Baron, atop the hill.
Let's give the Tuesday morning run a couple weeks before we look into switching in the eve. A lot of people like to get the run out the way - the beer tastes better at night that way.

[mjbrox]

So who would be up for a Wed night run on the Valley Trail? It would probibly be best to just drive over there

[amy]

i run the valley trail from upshur often...great trail and links to many others. i'll be in CA for a long trail run next week, but would love to meet up after that. i plan to start doing some speed work on the track after next week as well, although i prefer to do it after work, and wednesdays works better for me.

[David]

Walkers - I wouldn't suggest going to the track runs because the runners will be moving and will need the inside lanes for timing consistently. But there's no reason you couldn't come to the Sunday park meet-up.

Trail running- I've never tried the trail off Upshur but would like too. After work, we'll benefit from when we have more daylight, but I think it would be great to add a weekday afternoon trail run. Why not?

[mjbrox]

I hate running in the morning. My morning workouts are normally swiming at the Tacoma Pool.

Anyway, I am all about some after work group runs. Something like 3-5 miles?

Also, does anyone else love Trail running as much as I do? If you go to the end of Upshure you will hit the valley trail at Rock Creek and can park right next to the trail. It is a great place to get some trail running in.

I plan to start going there after work starting next week, if some one wants to join me.

[amy 2]

What about walkers, are we welcome too? :) Not sure if I can make the weekday mornings but I think I will check it out after 4 on weekdays. Thanks for the info!

[David]

Also starting 10am Sunday, March 16, we'll do long runs in Rock Creek, meeting in Carter Baron at the entrance to Rock Creek. People can run out and backs as far as they want to go. I know all of the distances down to P street. I'm planning on about 7 or 8 that day. But if others want to do 2 or 3, that's easily arranged.

[David]

The only open gate is the one by the teacher parking, (opposite the Upshur street side). The custodian, Stuart, will open the gate if it's not open. Yes, it's supposed to be open daily (not when schools are closed though) during those hours. It's a great track and we're lucky to have it so close.

Wayan, do you mean for the last 3 laps, you run 1 and 1/2 laps at a sprint then 1 and 1/2 laps at slow run?

[Wayan]

I'm a ex-triathlete (no time!) who would love to join you Tuesday mornings - that's my run-to-work day. I'll be in Boston this coming Tuesday, but the week after would be a good time to co-run.

A tip on the running - you're doing something akin to an interval, but to do it better do this:

1. Run a lap at normal place.
2. Then run the next three laps as a 1/2 sprint and 1/2 slow run.
3. Repeat till exhausted.

If you do that every week for a month, your mile time will improve. Over the summer, you'll get blazing fast.

[amy]

the track is open to the public? yay! is it always open during those hours mentioned or will be opening? it has seemed odd to me since moving to the neighborhood in oct that i have yet to see a person on the track and just assumed it was locked. i've never seen an open gate. would love to join a neighborhood running group and look forward to some speed work on the track. i can help w speed plans for distance runners.

[David]

I spoke with Matt and Rose at Looking Glass/Temperance last night, and they said I can post a flyer there for the Petworth Posse Running Club. Feel free to spread the word. 7am Tuesdays at the track starting March 11, 10am Sundays at Carter Baron starting March 16th.

[Heather]

Hi David -- great idea!

Right now I'm training for a different athletic goal so no cardio for the moment....BUT, I hope to be adding cardio back in real soon and would love to join you at the track. Plus, when I add cardio in I'm going to be doing sprints and maybe throw in running some bleachers too...ya know...just for some sadistic fun ;)

Keep us posted if people are joining the group and I'll post back just as soon as I get the green light from my coach to add the cardio into my plans.

Thanks for posting this! I think it's great that we start using the gorgeous new track!