GBRC Weekly Track Workouts

The GBRC weekly track workout is open to all ability levels.  Ages range from 13—70.  These workouts are designed to be progressive and build upon the previous workouts.  In general, we start the year with slower-paced (“Tempo” runs = “comfortably hard”) runs of longer duration (up to 22 minutes continuous) and we gradually build to shorter repeats (1-2 minutes) at higher intensity (“Mile” pace or even sub-mile pace = “hard”).  We always begin with a thorough warm-up, and we always finish with a cool-down and core-strengthening exercises (“UTA’s”).

The UTA acronym comes from one of the most successful marathon runners of all time – Uta Pippig.   The 1990 Berlin Marathon was her first major marathon win which she repeated in 1992 and 1995, as well as three victories in Boston and a win in New York City.  Uta founded and supports several charities including Take the Magic Step Foundation, an organization that is committed to helping disadvantaged children and young people.

I try to learn every person’s name, and I look forward to new-comers joining our group. We have a very dedicated and supportive core group. Those who attend the Wednesday evening (6:00-7:00pm) workout regularly see the greatest gains in speed and fitness. We are a long-distance running club; we are not sprinters. Most long-distance runners tend to run the same pace, day after day. These workouts are an excellent way to practice “switching gears” and to experience the thrill of “lifting” as you increase your speed.

Location: Track workout location varies during the year from WWU, Sehome High School, Battersby Field, etc.  Please contact Coach Craig as noted below to determine the current location.  When at WWU, there is free parking at the big lots across the street from the Wade King Student Recreation Center.

Time: Every Wednesday from 6:00–7:00 pm (beginning February 12th).  We suggest arriving about 10-15 minutes early to warm up and be ready for the workout at 6:00 pm.

For more information or to get included on workout emails, contact Craig Bartlett: craigb@fairhavenrunners.com