OK its that time of year. Early track season.  For those who have been toiling the last couple months getting ready for the 2013 season all comers meets provide an early competitive opportunity to test your mettle. With that said inevitably comes the question; how fast should I run? I understand my job as a coach is not only to train but also provide perspective for my athletes concerning their performances and expectations. So here goes. In my book I consider an athlete look at their performance through this list of perspectives.

  1. If you can beat your last seasons opener your on the right track.  That is, given close to identical race conditions. You cant compare running in 75 degree weather with a performance  in 60 degree rain.

  2. Were you able to execute all of the technical points you trained on and learned during your pre-season training? Maybe you ran fast, but did you run right? Running fast in January with poor execution means nothing. Running correctly will win championships in May.

  3. Given good conditions a personal best should come within the first 3-4 meets of the year.

  4. Early season consistency will likely result in a nice drop later when its  more important.

  5. Get early feedback to make corrections, laying the foundation for more successful races later in the season.

So to illustrate these points lets look at some GS tracksters who have just opened up their early season competition. Funny how it all works out.

Dash Oliver CAL, Sprinter 60m,100m, 200m

2012 Season best: 60m: 7.03           200m: 23.10

2013 Opener: 60m 6.91, 6.92, 6.90                      200m: 22.24 Personal record

In Dash’s case he is ahead of last year with three runs under his personal best at 60m and a personal best in the 200m all within his first three runs. On target!

dash 2013

Sarah Herron San Ramon Valley,Sprinter 100/200m/400m

Sarah beat her 200m time posted March of last year  in just her second race of the pre-season.  She was just .3 shy of beating her 400m best which she set in March of last year.  Both runs were fluid and executed well. I saw exactly what we’ve been practicing  done under race condition. She did’nt even run all out in that 400m so shes good to go!

Harris Miner Sprints 200m/400m

In his first open 400m race Harris  looked smooth, controlled and composed. He ran a smart and aggressive race notching a 57.76 second place finish amongst high schoolers. Not bad for an eight grader.  In the 200m he posted a 25.13 which is his second all time fastest. Not to shabby for the first meet of the year.

Daytrelle Scott  Albany High  200/400m

In Daytrelle’s first 400m of her career she was timid about her pace but soldiered on. Though her time was not what we expected she learned a valuable lesson on pacing so I’m sure she wont make the same mistake again. Its better to figure it out now than when the season starts.

Enzo Villadolid Taylor Middleschool Sprints   60m,100m, 200m

Enzo also opened his season faster than his sprints of last year.  His father commented that his races looked strong and controlled.  We want what we practice to manifest itself on the track. I define performance as the ability to recall skill and competitiveness when it counts, under pressure! Sounds like hes doing that to me.