I don’t know about you, but my Mom went to many of my cross country and track races. She also helped me buy my first real pair of running shoes. I bought a pair of Onitsuka Tigers for $32. I had not paid for more than $5 previuosly, getting in 400-500 miles a pair. In the real running shoes, I ran 1000 miles in them!
In the summer of 1974, I ran 18 miles a day in the am, to get ready for fall cross country. She signed my workout sheets each day, and when I cut back to 12 miles a day, she was happy as she was worried I was a bit too enthusiastic (I was).
Mom encouraged my running. She saw many events when I finished last, so it was fun to know she was there when I lead a mile my junior year until the last 50 meters, taking third. I had never finished anything but last until then.
Larry and Mom, 1981
In college, Mom and Dad saw me win my first event, a XC event in Quicksilver Park. It was rugged, but I knew it like the back of my hand. I won by a minute and my folks watched me win, after 350 plus events.
On 20 September 2016, I was there when my Mom, Marilu passed. Dad, my brother Brian and I had been there, doing hospice at home for 4 weeks. I think about her each day and think about the lessons she taught me. She was a sprinter, as was her mother. We laughed alot and I feel her spirit each day. If I could get another hour with her, it would be to laugh and tell her thanks. Today is the third anniversary of her death.
Thank your Mom or Dad today.Let them know that you do know they exist. It is a good thing. And, enjoy your run.
Week 12, Summer mileage, Training week 12, building racing fitness
Monday: 55 – 60 minute park run
Tuesday: 20 minute warm up run, 20 minute tempo run, run this 20 minutes on a track or flat road, at 30 seconds per mile above last weeks 5k race pace, 10 minute jog, then, 6 x 300m, cut downs, with each 300m faster than one before, 20 minute cooldown
Wednesday: 30-45 minute run, relaxed
Thursday: 20 minute warm up, six times 100-150m hill, jog down, 10 minute jog, 30 minute fartlek, 15 times 1 minute, 5k pace, 1 minute easy, 20 minute cooldown
Friday: 30-45 minute minute park run, relaxed
Saturday: warm up, 5k race, similar to league or conference race, jog ten minutes, then 6 x 200m strideouts, cooldown
Sunday: 85-90 minute long run
