Track? What is that?

I'm really looking forward to racing on the track again this weekend. Fortunately I'm able to take advantage of the tail end of the collegiate racing season and enter an open meet at Occidental College. Although I raced it sparingly in college my favorite event remains the 1500. How can it not? Compared to all the laps in a 10k it's over before it starts!

Since I have been testing out how my back responds to training again I have purposely avoided setting any sort of expectations on what I could/should accomplish. Everything has been taken one step at a time with blinders on. If I don't look forward into the future and project where I want to be I can avoid being disappointed if I haven't met a self-imposed standard.

I'm not shirking away from hard work or limiting my ability to reach a new level of fitness. If I maintain a positive attitude and take each day one at a time then I will find over time that I have dozens upon dozens of days strung together with positive work and steady training.

And isn't that a distance runner's manifesto? We champion our sport as always giving back what you put into it. I may not be at the top of my game today or tomorrow, but after hundreds of positive and resilient days of training I will be.

So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, stay positive. Be patient and take each day one at a time, they add up. Finally, persevere through the small (or big) ups and downs that will undoubtedly cross your path - find solace in the fact you will answer the challenge, when many would not.

To the track! It's back!