Train hard. Train safe.
By JEANMARIE TARMANN-DERRY, Special to The Pinnacle
For power walkers, new runners, and experienced joggers there
are many groups in the area which help us train. South Valley’s
Running Club trainer, Marti Renz, timed us all on Wednesday night
at Gilroy High School’s track.
Train hard. Train safe.
By JEANMARIE TARMANN-DERRY, Special to The Pinnacle
For power walkers, new runners, and experienced joggers there are many groups in the area which help us train. South Valley’s Running Club trainer, Marti Renz, timed us all on Wednesday night at Gilroy High School’s track.
Fellow member Gretchen Yoder-Schrock ran with the “fast” group whose members ran the 400, coming in at times like 1:39, 1:48, and 2:11. My first time once around the track was 5 minutes, 40 seconds. Yesterday I ran 3.25 miles in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then we ran a 400, 800, and 1200 around the track.
The actual Bay to Breakers race day will be a challenge for slower runners because all members must be off the Bay to Pacific course by 11:30 AM. San Francisco requires traffic back on the streets at that time. We’ll then have to run around a lake in the park. So increasing both distance and speed is our goal.
As a warm-up, Marti had us run, hop, trot with a sort of leap, and kick our heels into our bottoms. As a group we ran between two or three lampposts on the right side of the track. Asking questions of Marti, she’d say, “Step out of lane 1, Jeanmarie.” That’s when I noticed the first group was already around the track.
The quick runners had their runs broken up and timed. I ran in lucky lane 6, running the whole hour and 20 minutes with just one powder room and one water break. Slowly but surely this turtle will finish the race.
Marti, who recently finished the Wildflower Run with daughter Elena, encourages aiming for endurance not speed. Jeannette Lejardi-Sawyer, long-time half marathoner, says that a runner shouldn’t try to increase time and distance at the same time.
“Map out a plan. Increase your distance one time. Go for speed the next. Alternation of these goals helps you increase distance and speed healthfully. Rest and recover in between.” Jeannette always runs safely with her dentist friend or sister.
“Pay attention to your body. It talks to you. Train, don’t strain. If you feel even a twinge, listen to your knees or ankles.” She knows from tough experience. Formerly running 6-8 miles this season, she’s been sidelined back to the tennis court and leisurely jaunts of 20-30 minutes due to knee injuries.
“Always warm up for 20 minutes, and then pick up the pace. On your shorter days, go fast.”
South Valley Running Club’s contact person, Craig Lore, invites new members to join the 80 member strong club. Simply call him at (408)686-1002 or email Craig at bo******@pa*****.net. The SVRC club is very encouraging to newbies like me.
Remember, if you plan to register for Bay to Breakers this season the correct email address is ingbaytobreakers.com. Don’t wait for race time to get prepared. Purchase good shoes now and break them in. With membership in SVRC, we get discounts on shoes and entry fees.
My daughter is thinking of running the race with me. She runs 4 miles in 30 minutes, so she’ll be the one to cheer me in at the finish line.
Whatever your goal, power walking for health, training for a race to keep your enthusiasm up, or just jogging around the neighborhood so you can slow down and appreciate the purple iris and pansies in bloom, train safely. Drink plenty of water. Enjoy.
If you have questions, comments, or details about upcoming races, contact Jeanmarie at mi**********@ao*.com.
Linda and Jeanmarie successfully completed the 2003 Leukemia Lymphoma Society Treasure Island Triathlon. They look forward to competing in upcoming runs like Bay to Breakers.
