News_

On Track

Saturday 23rd September 2017

On Track

Nigel Herron gives his account of moving to track racing....

"I have enjoyed the Phoenix/BMC races and have competed at the Sussex Masters' county champs in the past.
This year I decided to concentrate more on the track and especially some shorter events to see how I would fare as an older athlete.
I worked with Andy Fozzard and his sprint group in spring/early summer to learn some new drills and practice block starts for the shorter events.
I cut back on the longer endurance sessions and worked more shorter reps at the track and tempo runs on the road.
I worked on a small number of S&C drills to improve explosive power and leg speed/drive
I set myself a target of sub 30 secs for 200m (along with 80% age grade for everything from 100m to 1/2 marathon & 3 county medals - but those are different stories) which I eventually met at my last meeting of the season.
It was not just 200m, I also raced at various meetings - Ewell, Crawley, Portsmouth and Lewes at 100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, mile and 3000m
Although I failed to achieve target times at these distances, I have enjoyed the atmosphere and intensity of track race.
It's completely different to road and even to training at the track - much more tactical.
My pacing judgement has improved along with an improved knee lift if I have to sprint.
I am looking forward to the indoor season which will be another new adventure (a 2 lap 400m race breaking lanes after the 1st bend!)
I would love more company outdoors next season - a lot of races are graded so you will be with athletes of a similar speed - maybe even me!"