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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Sara Hall: Patience
(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #3)

Posted February 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 PM by Sara Hall

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Elite Athlete Blogs, Sara Hall

Welcome to the official blog of U.S. middle-distance runner Sara Hall. Sara’s list of running accolades include being a former NCAA All- American at Stanford, the 2006 USA 5K road champion, 5th place finisher in the 1500m at the 2007 USA Track & Field Championships and the 2006 champion at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile. Check back every other Friday for her latest entry!

Sara Hall When Ryan and I were first dating during our Freshman year at Stanford, he used to jokingly call me “Sara Patience Bei”. Patience is far from my middle name. It first became apparent in the speed at which we both walked. Freshmen weren’t allowed to have cars at Stanford, so we walked everywhere. Ryan would always whine that I was walking too fast. But the way, he dragged his feet even if we were late. That would make me wonder how somehow who is so fast can walk so slow! The difference in how Ryan and I handle traffic, lines, to-do lists, and overall pace of life is incredible!
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Kigen Looking for Third Win at Frankfurt Marathon

Posted October 26th, 2007 at 11:15 AM by David Monti

Section: News & Results, Marathons

wilfred kigen frankfurt marathon The sheriff will be back in Frankfurt on Sunday as course record-holder Wilfred Kigen goes for his third straight victory in the German capital at the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon.

Kigen, a 32 year-old Kenyan from Great Rift Valley city of Eldoret, got his first victory in Frankfurt in 2005, running a then-personal best and current course record of 2:08:29. That victory was a squeaker; he prevailed by just one second over compatriot Jason Mbote. Although he didn’t run as fast last year due to warm and windy conditions, he dominated the race, winning by nearly a minute and a half in 2:09:06.

At Kigen’s last outing over the 42.195 km distance in Hamburg last April, he was involved in another thrilling finish, losing by a single second to former ING New York City Marathon champion, Rodgers Rop. He was, however, rewarded with a new personal best time of 2:07:33.
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How Old Is Too Old to Get Faster?

Posted October 12th, 2006 at 4:00 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Training Tips

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

A runner can improve for up to 10 years, regardless of the age at which s/he starts. This assumes that a runner trains consistently. If s/he is inconsistent (start/stop or with no plan) so s/he is always restarting, the total period of improvement might be extended, but the eventual level reached might be lower.

I think that progress is best achieved through a long term program that includes a balance of speedwork, endurance, strength, and rest…that is, long runs and high mileage with speed training, hill training, weight training and scheduled rest periods. And it should be based on a plan…and the longer term the plan, the better.

I think you should set out on a multi year plan. I suggest the type of plan I like to follow…alternate marathon and 10k seasons. I prefer spring 10k and fall marathon programs, but the reverse works just as well. You can even fit three programs into a year with shorter “racing” phases following the training cycles.

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The Trail From Beginner to Boston

Posted October 5th, 2006 at 12:01 AM by Jim Fortner

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Motivation, Training Tips

Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.

In order to qualify for Boston, it is necessary to be able to do two things…..run long and run fast…..and both in the same race. The qualifying time for females under 35 years of age is 3:40, or 8:24 per mile. For men under 35, it is 3:10, or 7:15 per mile. Neither is easily done. But, with the right combination of desire and my three P’s…..Patience, Perseverance and a Plan…..many runners can get there. Those who have formed the Boston Training Group have certainly demonstrated the strong desire. Your Patience and Perseverance will be tested over the next year or more. What is needed now is a long range Plan.

The plan should extend at least a full year to allow a buildup to a fall marathon. It should be designed to develop yourself in progressive stages to the point where you can take on a marathon program. Read the rest of this entry »

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