Yesterday I started reminiscing about all the weekends I spent running at the Armory while in High School. The Armory is an indoor track located in NYC (Washington Heights), it has banked turns and is often referred to as "The Fastest Indoor Track in the Country." My days at the Armory are some of my fondest High School memories (I didn't go out at all in HS, XC/ Track was my life), they held HUGE HS races almost every weekend throughout the winter.
I consider myself very lucky that my HS was close enough (about an hour away) to use this facility so often. I decide yesterday to check and see if they had any open race being held there and. . . THEY DO!!!
The New York Road Runner's Club has a series called "Thursday Night at the Races," it is 4 Thursday nights where they hold 3-4 events that anyone can enter. The first 2 past already, but I am eyeing the one on February 24th! There is also one on February 10th, we'll see maybe I'll try for that one too. The 24th is great because we have winter break that week, plus the music theme is 80's :D
The event on the 24th features a 3000m race, 1500m race, and a 10,000m relay (10 person relay, 200m legs only, each athlete runs 5 200m legs). The relay sounds like a blast, but I don't have 9 other people to do it with :(. Right now I know I want to do the 3k and I might decide to do the 1.5k too. It is $15 whether I do one or both and if I run the 3k the way I want I shouldn't have much left for the 1.5, but I can attempt it anyway :)
I am really, super excited to run a track 3,000 m, that was my race in High School! My best HS time was 11:13 (6:01 mile pace). I'd love to break 6 min pace in this race!!! I'm hoping running this shorter faster race will help me towards my sub 20 5k goal. I think my training was more consistent (daily practice with a coach) in High School, but I feel stronger now and hopefully this will help me match or beat my old PR. Sub 11 would be a-freak-ing-mazing (another dream of mine since HS).
Anyone who is located close to NYC should definitely consider doing these races with me, I am psyched up :D
The Armory is also home to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame Museum
Proceeds from the Thursday Night Races go towards the Armory Foundation. From the website:
"The Armory Foundation, a NYC not-for-profit and home to the premier indoor track and field center in America, is committed to serving youth by promoting excellence and fitness through a broad range of athletic, educational and community programs.
The Armory Foundation's primary emphasis is reaching and motivating the youth of all five boroughs by offering them competitive track and field activities and broadening their horizons with computer classes, college preparation programs and a variety of cultural and school-coordinated educational activities.
The Armory Foundation promotes excellence, fitness and community by hosting over 100 track events each year, maintaining the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, operating the largest after school activity center in New York and offering a variety of community support programs in its world class facility."
This morning I did some incline/ speed intervals (20 mins) and and two fast, but controlled miles (7 min pace), I really want to see what kind of speed I can bring to this race :DLOVE that!
No comments:
Post a Comment