Hi Folks,

Absolutely a beautiful clear calm Monday at Bolinas while we stay with Sister Marion at the Dominican nun’s vacation house that overlooks the channel between Bolinas and Stinson Beach. I rode my bike along the Bolinas Lagoon to Stinson and back to see the shore birds – and the two Kingfisher birds who sit on the same power line that’s suspended over the water’s edge. My Dad and I have seen them “fishing” from the same spot since the 1980’s as we drive home; however, I’ve had little luck taking a photo of them; anytime I stop, they fly away! The view is always beautiful from the Hwy 1 road that follows the coastline.

I’m wishing all our workout group members a safe and an enjoyable family and friends get together for Thanksgiving; we have a good weather week ahead of us too.

New WR Half Marathon set last Sunday at the Lisbon Half Marathon: A remarkable 57:31 run by JACOB KIPLIMO, Uganda which is roughly about 13:30 per 5K, averaging 4:20 per mile. He passed the 15K ( 9.32 miles) in 40:30. You can appreciate that fast pace by going to your local track and run a 65 second 400; then repeat that for 52 laps total!

11/23/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO. After the warm-up mile or so: 4′ T pick-up (2′ easy) – 12′ (4′ easy) – 7′ Tempo…..continue with run. Those pick-ups are at “comfortably stressed pace”; about what you can hold for 10K.

11/24/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING CIRCUIT. Goal to include something with hip hinge movement (swings/DL), Back work, a squat, something overhead, abdominal work

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlifts

TRS L/R Deficit Reverse Lunges

Inverted Row

BB Wipers (use 45# Olympic bar if you have one; 85-105 lbs on it; work up to 145# weight

Stationary Weight Plate O’Head Hold (25#, 35#, or 45# plate)

DGB /DB Sit-up and Reach

X 15 Swings

Farmer Carry / 2nd round do KB Bottom-UP Carry

11/25/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK. (Thanksgiving day). At a track is best. See if you can hook up with others on this Holiday morning for one of our standard workouts:

8-10 x 400 (on 1:30 if running sub 6-pace; on 2:00 if running sub 7 pace; on 2:30 if running sub 8 pace; 3:00 if running the 400’s over 9′ pace).

No official Saturday HR/XT/SPRINTS due to Holiday weekend. Consider a RRGrade Run on what will be a good weather day.

Hi Folks,

We have a new addition to the Tuinzing family with the arrival of Hendrix Matteo Tuinzing on the 13th. He came in at 8 lbs, 7 oz; delivery went well. We go down to Menlo Park on Tuesday to see him in person. Andre and Rosy say the work Stanford Hospital did for them during their two days in the “Postpartum room” was impressive with the constant monitoring, answering the many questions new parents have, providing guidance, and expertise -plus time to

recover.

The strength workout will be at Warren’s as usual, the Saturday workout (11/20) at the Seminary College in Strawberry; though we will not have the Saturday workout on 11/27 on Thanksgiving weekend.

11/16/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO. After the warm-up mile or so: 6′ Tempo (3′ easy) – 8′ (4′) – 6′ ..finish run.

11/17/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING. 8:15 am start at Warren’s gym. Circuit routine for this week:

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlift / PVC O’Head Squat

TRS Alt L/R Deep Reverse Lunges (or DB Step-ups)

Incline Push-Ups

Wipers

DBL KB Clean & L/R Standing Press, repeat

Weighted Plank

Swings x 15

Farmer Carry / Rack Carry

11/18/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK. On the track if possible. After mile or so warm-up, 6 x 30 meter quick cadence pick-ups, 2 x 100 (100), 1 x 200 (200):

4 -6 x 800 (easy 200)…run at 5K goal pace (GP)

11/20/21 SATURDAY. HR/XT/LOADED CARRIES/SPRINTS. 8 am. At Seminary College off Seminary Drive up in to Lot C . Arrive a bit earlier to get in your warm-up run; then be at the exercise station by 8 am.

Remember to push the pace on Sprints and Shorts; the longer repeats run at 5k effort.

LMK by Friday if joining in:

Hi Folks,

A number of us were on top of Cardiac to provide water aid and cheer on the runners while they crested that tough hill on a perfect day for running. I saw from our group Tom Oprendek, Carrie Basham, Ann Charlton, Olivia Lloyd, Kathleen Helmer along with many Tamalpans. I missed a number of people I know because we were filling and handing out water cups.

Brian Pilcher came over the top first, then the next runner came by 30″ later. I thought for sure Brian would take the win, but he did get passed by two other over 60 year old national class runners from Colorado. Amazing downhill running by Mike Tatum who ended up taking the win. It’s always interesting to see how the order in top 35 changes by the time runners hit the finish line!

Two weeks ago KEVIN PORTER did the Olympic distance triathlon at Lake Berryessa and found himself in the unique finishing position ” I was first and last in my division of 60+”. The bike and run portions turned out to be quite hilly. Fellow triathlete, KATHLEEN FRASER placed third in her division of the Sprint triathlon. Kevin said the entry fee was more reasonable than most triathlons (around $200, depending on the distance). The offered the Sprint, Olympic, Half and Full ironman distances. Though the fields were smaller this year due to COVID, I would expect more of a turnout next year. So if you’re looking for a triathlon that’s within a modest driving distance; keep this one in mind.

Some upcoming events: 11/14/21 Clarksburg Country Run: good course for a PR in the half and 20 miler; a good prep for the upcoming Cal Int Marathon in early December.

12/19/21 Christmas Relays at Lake Merced 4.5 mile loop around the lake. Teams consist of four runners with a slew of categories. I think we can form teams from our own workout group and join in with Tamalpa runners if we need to fill specific age groups.

11/9/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO day. (If you ran Dipsea take a rest day or just easy flat run day). After the warm-up run portion get in a 2′ pick-up to acclimate (1′) – 12′ tempo (4′ easy) – 8′ tempo and then continue with run to finish. If you are on Crown Rd. can get in that uphill near the end of the road for a long pull.

11/10/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING Circuit for this week:

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlifts

Alternate Foot To Hand Placement

Inverted Row

Ball Transfer

BB Romanian Deadlifts

R/L Standing Presses while opposite hand holds kettlebell overhead

Weighted Plank

Figure 8’s

X 15 Swings

Farmer / Rack Carry

11/11/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK preferably at a track. Leg speed for the 5K. After the usual warm-up run, 6 x 30 meter pick-ups, some skips and butt-kick; do 2 x 100 (100) stride-outs, do:

4 x 200 (200) at under 5K pace, 1 x 600 (200) at 5K pace, 2 x 300 (100) at under 5K pace, 4 x 150 (50) at mile speed, 1 x 600 (200).

You should notice that after the 200’s, 300’s, 150’s, the 600’s should feel “mechanically easier” and run with better flow because the pace will be slower than the shorter intervals. I observed that when my runners focus on the 5K distance as a test of high threshold running and fitness; they run personal bests (PB) for their 10K and half marathon distances. For example work on the 5K speed, improve that time, you can predict your 10K time by doubling your 5K time, plus a minute. It may be more productive and require less recovery time when you focus on improving your 5K speed.

11/13/21 SATURDAY. HILL REPEATS/XT/LOADED CARRIES/SPRINTS. 8AM at Seminary College off Seminary Drive in Strawberry area. Drive up the entry road and park in Lot C; arrive earlier so you get in a warm-up run and be ready to go at 8 am. A few members of the group who are injured or simply not running; can some get in the LOADED CARRIES and kettlebell swings.

LMK if you are joining on Sat:

Note that we will NOT be holding the Saturday workout on that Holiday Weekend, Saturday, 27th; we may be away for Thanksgiving and others in the group may be out of the area also.

Hi Folks, You’ll be juggling around a wet week, which is wonderful: we need that rain. Those of you running Dipsea on Sunday will get in an easy week with a last abbreviated quality workout on Thursday.

Saturday workouts for November.: We’ll hold the Saturday sessions on 11/6, 11/13, 11/20. So far I’m not holding the workout on the Saturday of Thanksgiving because it is a holiday weekend and a number of our group may be out of town. If you think you would attend Saturday, 27th; let me know by the 23rd. Update is that we meet as usual in LOT C. We will also have our own combination lock for the cable gate.

11/2/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO. More threshold timed pieces to acclimate your body to race pace effort. After the warm-up mile you’ll do; 4′ pick-up (2′ recovery jog) – 8′ ( 4′) – 6′ and then continue with rest of run.

11/3/21WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING for this week. One shorter and one regular length workout.

Short workout: 3 rounds of: X 12 Swings,; x 5 R/L KB/DB Clean & Presses; X 5 DBL KB/DB Front Squats

Regular full workout:

11/4/1 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK. ( Happy Thanksgiving!) Do the right thing and get in a solid, but brief workout so that you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with a clear conscience and the satisfaction knowing you got it done! After the warm-up mile do 2 x 30 meters of Skips; 2 x 30 meters Butt Kicks; then 6 x 30 meter pick-ups.

Those running Dipsea this Sunday: 4-6 x 400 (on 2:30/3:00)…a last sharpener before the race.

Those not running Dipsea: 10-12 x 400 (on 2′ if running sub 6′ paced; on 2:30 if sub 8′ pace; on 3′ if running under 9′ pace)

TRAINING TIP for the 400′s: Keep the repeats effort under control because the effort will accumulate, i.e. it will become more difficult to maintain pace as fatigue sets in. If you run the first six x 400 too fast you’ll pay the price by the time your start lap seven. This is very similar to running a 5K, 10K or longer race: run a too-fast first half, then be struggling through the second half; especially the last 1.5 miles. Track workouts such as the repeat 400’s provide an opportunity to work on accurate pacing. Pay attention to your effort level, not to simply hammer the 400’s; have a plan and do perfect practice.

11/6/21 SATURDAY. HILL REPEATS/XT/LOADED CARRIES/SPRINTS. 8 am At Golden Gate Seminary grounds, off Seminary Drive. Go up the entry road and park in Lot C. That’s where the exercise stations will be set up. Arrive about 20 minutes early to get in a short warm-up run prior to our group start at 8 am.

LMK if you will be attending: Judi, Tom, Elizabeth, Tom, Shirley, Denise, Hans

two new variations for this week

Work on keeping the Sprints and Shorts at strong effort for leg strength and leg speed; the longer repeats at 5K effort level: a good steady high aerobic level for fitness.

Hi Folks,

We’ll be returning home Wednesday afternoon from Montana and see how our house and yard fared during the recent storm. I’ll miss the WEDNESDAY morning workout, but Warren will be leading you through a new Circuit for this week. You will be able to keep the strength training going without missing a beat. If you miss a session with the group be sure to carry out a shorter one with 2 x R/L Turkish Get Up to warm-up and work mobility for entire body; then it is 5 x 12 swings on the minute (OTM), alternating Goblet Squats / Standing Presses with 3 x 5 reps; finish with 4 x 5 heavier swings.

Saturday, 10/30/21. SATURDAY (10/30/21), HR/XT/LOADED CARRIES/SPRINTS workout is a go; unless stormy weather arrives that morning.

10/27/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING/CIRCUIT and finish with Trap Bar 3 x 3 lifts. Time is 8:15-9:15 am and Warren will be helping guide and move you through the workout and form on a couple of the lifts. (I don’t have the Circuit stations with me to post, but Warren has the exercise station cards).

10/28/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK at track (Judi and others show up at 7:30 am at College of Marin track, so you have others to train with; as long as I’m not leading the workout you won’t be kicked out). After the mile or so warm-up run, 6 x 30 meter pick-ups, skips and butt kicks, run 2 x 100 (100). You’ll be alternating sets of 400’s with 200’s; the 400 run at 5K GP and 200’s at mile pace. You’ll be running 8 rounds of:

(400 (then on 2:30 or 3:00 go into the 200 (200))….The idea here is to get in the pacing, controlled 400 until you hit the times within 1-2 seconds for each 400, followed by the faster 200 for leg speed. You will likely find that the 200 ‘s take some of the zip our of your legs; you have to find the sustainable balance between the two distances: effort does catch up.

10/30/21 SATURDAY. HILL RPEATS/XT/LOADED CARRIES//SPRINTS and finish with Trap Bar Deadlifts. 8 AM start in Lot C on the grounds of the Golden Gate Seminary College off Seminary Drive. Be sure to drive up the entry road and park in lot C; we have good space for packing and the workout stations. Arrive about 20 minutes early to get in your warm-up run and mobility exercises.

LMK if you will be attending the workout: Lisa, Tom, Robert are in.

Bottom half of the Get-Up to sit-through and back to elbow; X6 R/L Lunge Torso Rotations

2 x Short , 2 X Sprint

X12 DB Thrusters

Sprint – 1/2 “A” , Short

X8 DBL DB/KB Clean & Press; X8 DGB Russian Twists

2 X Short, 1 x Long

X8 DB Plank Row; X 12 DGB Sit-up & Reach

2 X Sprint, 1 X 1/2 “B”

New WR for the WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON of 62:52 was set last weekend by Ethiopia’s LETESNBET GIDEY who also has the WR for 5000 meters (14:06), and 10,000 meters (29:01) and is considered one of the greatest running performances ever! She is the first woman to break 64:00 and 6:300, but dis so on her debut at the half marathon distance!

Her average pace was 14:53 per 5K with a 44:29 split for 15K (9.3 miles); those are terrific 5K stand alone times! A superb performance brings up questions of blood doping and other performance enhancing drugs (PED), but those close to the sport don’t think this is the case here because Gidey lives in a remote part of Ethiopia where access to these enhancements are not likely. She also holds the world records for the 5000, 10000 meters, and 15K (44:20) so the ability is there and didn’t come out of nowhere. I think more of the improvements for half and full marathons can be attributed to the new shoe designs that came out and have been developed during recent years. Kipchoge, the first man who ran under two hours for the marathon did so wearing the Nike shoe that has the carbon fiber plate and thicker foam padding under the forefoot. The CR and WR times at a good number of the major international marathons have come down for men and women since the new generation of Nike and Adidas shoes have been introduced during recent years.

New WR for the BEER MILE: 4:28 set by COREY BELLENMORE of England! You’d think the attempts for setting records in the off-the-wall Beer Mile event would fade away over time. Heck no, a remarkable new WR. It consists of each competitor drinks four cans or bottles of 12 oz beer and runs four laps around a 400 meter track. It starts with chugging a beer as fast as you can, then run a lap, until four laps are completed. Beer supplied by Flying Monkey Brewery!

The awful challenge is dealing with the carbonation from the beer and then sprinting around the track while the contents are churning in your stomach. Corey’s remarkable time meant he had to chug each beer under 8 seconds ( that takes a special technique) , then run under or around 60″ laps! So he chugged the 4 beers in less than a half minute. His laps were roughly 55-60-62-60 seconds.

Hi Folks,

We take off Wednesday for Montana to see the grandkids; though I just found out the thirteen-year old requires ACL surgery. Such a bummer for him and it happened when making a sharp cut to the side while running; no contact with another player! Those of you who have had to go through the surgery and rehab know it requires patience and

The Wednesday morning 8:15-9:15 am session will continue with Warren helping with your circuit training and extra coaching on O’Head Squats, Deadlifts and any other lifts. You’ll do 5 x 12 sets of Swings after warming shoulders and legs; then it’s do the circuit will be 35″ carrying out the exercise followed by 25″ moving to the next station and recovery. am

10/19/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO. Warm-up mile; then go into the long pick-ups: 10′ 10K race pace (4′ easy) – 6′ (2′) – 4′ (2′)…..Basic goal is to acclimate your body to race pace with a variety of time periods.

10/20/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING/CIRCUIT. 8:15 – 9:15 am. Warm-up with strap shoulder dislocates, halos with weight plate, goblet squats. Prior to starting the circuit do 5 x 12 Swings on the minute (OTM); then:

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlift

R/L Lunge Torso Rotations ( concentrate on rotating the torso and simply brings arms to a “T” line)

Inverted Row (rnd one) / Incline Push-ups (rnd two)

Wipers (gradually increase the weight on the bar that you are balancing as you do the leg raises)

PVC O’Head Squats (this is also a good stand alone exercise for mobility, leg strength and shoulder stability. Warren will help you with form on this one. If ankle flexibility is a challenge, place 10 lb plate under each heel). First work on executing the movement with PVC pipe; then the hollow bar, 12# bar, #18 bar prior to using the Olympic bar.

KB Alternating Presses (smooth press to lockout , pause, then return KB to start position)

KB Swings (outside of garage)

KB or DB Farmer Carry / 2nd round do KB Rack Carry (hold that arm locked with bicep alongside ear).

10/21/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK at track or other measured course. “1000 Meter Breakdown“. Warm-up mile or so, stride-outs, 6 x 30 meter pick-ups, skips and butt-kicks.

Those running Dipsea or getting ready for an upcoming race, add an 800 or the old “Macho Mile”.

2 x100 (100), 1 x 200 (200), 1000 (200), 800 (200), 600 (200), 400 (200), 2 x 300 (100), 2 x 150 (50)…..From the 400 on down the pace for each interval increases.

10/23/21 SATURDAY. No official HR/XT/LOADED CARRIES/ Sprints this weekend; I’ll still be away. Those running Dipsea get in the out/back to the Rain Forest or Cardiac.

Hi Folks,

We’re on track for this week to train with the Wednesday and Saturday sessions to get your strength work and recover what gains we’ve lost ( it declines quickly) due to missed days. The Wednesday workouts will continue at Warren’s “Madison Avenue G” from from 8:15-9:15 while I am away the week of 10/20 – 10/27; he will help lead the workouts.

10/12/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO session to practice running at “comfortably stressed” pace, i.e., about 5 mile race pace effort. After the warm-up mile, get in 3 x 8′ tempo efforts with a 3′ recovery jog between 8′ tempo.

10/13/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING. After the warm-up Halo rotations around the head with a weight plate, DB or KB; hip thrusts, shoulder rotations and dislocates; and a set of light full range 5 Goblet Squats you’ll begin the workout. I suggest that on another day to simply get in 3 R/L Turkish Get Ups to improve mobility, core, balance your right and left sides, and connect upper and lower body. ….Start with 5 x 12 Swings OTM (On The Minute).

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlift

Alternate R/L Lunge Torso Rotations

DB/KB Step-Ups ( use heavier weights; some of you are employing too light weights)

Incline Push-ups / Inverted Rows on second round

Wipers

X5 R/L KB Press

Weighted Plank

X 15 Swings

x 5 Goblet Squats

KB Rack Carry ( try and use a weight that has you panting by the time you finish the time period.

10/14/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK at the track. After the warm-up mile, drills with skips, butt kicks and leg swings, complete 6 x 30 meter pick-ups to get in the leg turnover practice.

2 x 150 (50), 2 x 300 (100), 6 x 400 (on 2′ for those running sub 6′ pace; 2:30 for those under 8′ pace; on 3:00 for sub 9′ pace); 2 x 200 (200).

10/16/21 SATURDAY. HILL REPEATS/XT/LOADED CARRIES/ SPRINTS. 8 AM. In Lot C at the Golden Gate Seminary College off Seminary Drive. Arrive early to get in a brief warm-up run after parking in Lot C; be ready to go with the first set of exercises at 8 am.

The SPRINT and SHORT hill repeat intervals are run with power; the longer 1/2 “A”, 1/2 “B” and LONG keep at 5K race effort level.

I’ve observed that a number of the group have stayed with the same weight when doing the THRUSTERS; it’s time to up the weight! It’s the same with Loaded Carries, it is safe to use heavy kettlebells with FARMERS CARRY and RACK CARRY. I am more conservative on the WAITERS CARRY; you don’t want to overload the shoulder girdle, but make sure you own the weight you are holding overhead. It will be a gradual process to increase the overhead weight you use. It is a “Hurry up slowly” program. What I like about the Loaded Carries is that they safely build good strength! because you’re not moving the weights; it’s your entire body that’s under load. Great strength builder.

Hi Folks,

So WEDNESDAY is out and SATURDAY Oct. 9th HR / XT is off as we have the group participating in the Asti Tour de Vine ride near Geyserville. We have a good number from the workout group taking part in this delightful event. I may ride the short distance with casual effort.

10/5/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO workout. After the warm-up run get in 2 x 8′ minutes (4′ easy) and one 4′ modest uphill grade at 5K effort level. One example is Shaver Grade by Phoenix Lake area or Las Galinas Av if on pavement; any upgrade that is about half mile long will do the job.

10/6/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH TRAINING day (or on a Monday/Friday). There will be no class for Wednesday; I post workout for at home:

X 12 Swings / X8 Push-ups ( can be on ground, handles or on incline)

X12 Swings / X 6 Push-ups

X 12 Swings / X5 Push-ups

X 12 Swings / X 4 Push-ups

X4 R/L Lunge Torso Rotations ( emphasize rotating the torso and bring arms to a “T”

X8 R/L DB/KB Stem-ups

X 12 Swings

X 15 Wipers or DB Sit-up and reach

X 12 Swings

X 5 R/L KB Presses

1′ Plank

X 12 Swings

X 8 R;L Side Plank Sweep & Reach with light DB/5 lb plate or full water bottle.

10/7/21 THURSDAY. SPEED-WORK. Several of the group meet at COM track at 7:30. (make it look informal or college staff will want to charge a fee). After the warm-up, high skips, butt kicks, 4 x 30 meter pick-ups:

2 x 150 (50), 4 x 200 (200) at mile pace, 5 x 600 (200) at 5K pace. By the time you’ve completed two 600’s you should be within two seconds for each rep: pacing practice that is comfortably stressed threshold level…We’ll work you up to 8 x 600 (200) for 3 miles of speed-work. The 600’s will improve your 5K and 10K race times

10/9/21 SATURDAY…No Saturday Hill Repeats this week due to Oct 9th ride event and for me to avoid lifting any weights. If you want to do the Hill Repeats at the Seminary site, see sample workout below.

Those who are running Dipsea on November 7th should be getting a solid run to Cardiac and back!

2x Short

1/2 “A”…….at 5K race pace effort ( not speed)

2 x Sprint….work on the speed and power with Sprint distance.

1 x Short

1 x Long

3 x Sprint,

1 x Short

1/2 “B” + Long …all in one interval, go for sub 3 minutes , keep it under 4′.

Hi Folks,

A bit of change later this week because I have cataract surgery on Thursday and will have to avoid any exertion for about ten days; therefore, I have to cancel this Saturday’s Hill Repeats.

9/28/21 TEMPO workout for this week: After the warm-up mile or so get in 3 x 8′ tempo pick-up at 10K effort level followed by (3′ easy running between each rep).

9/29/21 STRENGTH TRAINING for this week. 8:15-9:15 am workout. We should be able to have you complete two rounds of the Circuit and finish with Trap Bar Deadlifts.

5 x 12 Swings prior to beginning the Circuit;

Deficit KB Sumo Deadlift

Inverted Row

Wipers

X6 DBL KB Swing Cleans & Front Squat

L. Muay Thai Planks

R. Muay Thai Planks

X15 Swings

KB Figure 8’s

Waiter’s Carry

9/30/21. SPEED-WORK on the track. If you missed running your Max VO2 1.5 mile test last Thursday, get it in this week. Then refer to the chart in last week’s posting to see how your time translates to your oxygen uptake. For this week do THREE rounds of:

800 (200 easy

400 (200)

2 x 200 (200)

that is an 800-400-2 x 200 repeated for three rounds ; all with 200 recovery.

10/02/21 SATURDAY.….Saturday Hill Repeats are cancelled for this week (need more time to recover from eye surgery).

Hi Folks,

Cataract surgery: I am having cataract surgery done on 9/30/21 and will have to avoid any activity, lifting – or even chores for a number of days. Doctor says no Sat. October 2nd workout either; a good solid week of no exerting to avoid eye pressure which could affect healing.

Just posted the conversion from 1.5 mile Cooper Test to Max VO2 uptake below. You’ll now have an idea what your oxygen uptake number is for future use. Runners Bill Rodgers (in the 80+ range), Frank Shorter (72 ml of O2), Prefontaine (85), Greta Waitz (70+) along with a good number of cross country skiers (a bit more demanding because of additional arm use with that sport).

Saturday HR 9/25/21: So far joining in are TJ, Jill, Robert, AJ, Denise, Lisa, Chris,

Just back from a satisfying week break at Tahoe with Sandy and Sister Marion Irvine, 92 and known as the “Flying Nun” based on her many running records and being the oldest woman to make it into the Olympic Marathon Trials held back in May of 1984. She gets in 1-2 1/2 hours of walking per day with Sandy; we picked a different location each day near Lake Tahoe. I got in some daily cycling in that beautiful setting along with recovery and much reading. After the Saturday winds and some light rain, Sunday became clear of all clouds by 11 am and the day turned out crystal clear. Once the system passed through temperatures dropped during the evening; Fall has arrived!

This weekend Gerald will be tackling “The Beast” Spartan Race Championships held at Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley) ski resort area. It is a tough one covering 13 miles of steep, rocky terrain with 4800 feet of elevation gain, 30 exercise stations along the way which feature upper body demands, obstacles and all-out effort – at altitude! Every exercise station you don’t complete successfully; you have to do 30 burpees! That can really add up over the 4:30 – 5:30 hours it takes to complete the course. I miss cheering him on by a week, but we wish him all the best!

9/21/21 TUESDAY. TEMPO run, i.e., acclimating to race pace with controlled threshold runs. After the warm-up: 15′ at comfortably stressed effort; close to 10K race pace followed by 5′ easy run; then another 7′ tempo/ 3′ easy pace. Then finish the run at moderate pace.

9/22/21 WEDNESDAY. STRENGTH workout. tba. The Wed group will meet 8:15 – 9:15 am at Warren’s for a Circuit training session

9/23/22 THURSDAY. Running a field test of 1.5 miles ( 6 laps) to determine Max VO2 based on the work done by the “Father of Aerobics”, Dr. Ken Cooper of the Cooper Institute in Dallas. He’s one of the first fitness researchers to help quantify dosage for cardiovascular exercise. He came up with the field test after putting thousands of people of varying ages through a max test on the treadmill; he took that data and came up with the 1.5 mile field test – much easier and cheaper than a lab test!….remember your time for the 6 laps; I’ll update later.

You’ll go to your local track site, do your warm-up run, a few drills, 30 meter pick-ups and 2 x 100 (100). Then run your 6 laps and note the time. I’ll have a chart to post so you can translate your time to MaxVO2. It is number that measures liters of oxygen you can process per minute. When factoring in bodyweight the number is measured in ml of oxygen per kilogram bodyweight. The number varies with age, sex and declines with age. Quality running such as hill training, tempo runs, and speed-work help slow the decline.

It’s interesting to note that after years of emphasizing cardiovascular exercises, primarily running; he’s placed a solid emphasis to include resistance training. He’s noted, as many of of us in the fitness industry, that from age 30 on we all lose lean body mass ( LBM) or muscle tissue.

I can tell you that with each decade you lose LBM more rapidly! But, you can slow the decline and even gain muscle weight with resistance exercise. I encourage gradually increasing weight or other resistance training over endurance exercise. You can retain cardiovascular fitness with fairly modest amount of running, cycling, rowing and other exercise choices, but keep the resistance workouts throughout the later years! Research has shown that people in their 80’s, and 90’s can gain muscles weight – very encouraging! A good number of our over 50 group members are experiencing strength and muscle weight gains by only lifting twice per week!

9/25/21 SATURDAY. HILL REPEATS/XT/LOADED CARRIES/SPRINTS. 8 am. At Golden Gate Seminary College off Seminary Drive in Strawberry area. Drive up the entry road and park in LOT C. Arrive prior to 8 am to get in a short warm-up run if doing hill repeats; some people come to focus on the weight training and loaded carries.

those joining in: Robert, TJ, Lisa, Chris, Denise, Jill, AJ,