Magda Writes About Her Winter Training In Flagstaff

Although not exactly what I expected, 2009 was a solid year for me. I feel like I am in a much better place right now, both physically and emotionally. Last summer I resigned from coaching at CAL to explore the world of a full time professional athlete. To be honest I struggled for a while with the total readjustment of my routine that I had worked so hard to make over a period of years. I missed the team that inspired me on a daily basis, I missed my fellow coaches who became my friends and I missed being a role model for the athletes I coached. I suddenly felt like a fresh-out-of-college athlete, who, not longer had a support system around me. I needed time to figure out my new routine. But all that has changed since the formation of our new Bay Area Track Club.

Currently I am finishing up my altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. After 3 great weeks in the mountains, I am ready to go test my fitness in Houston on Jan 17^th. I will be racing the USA Half Marathon Championships there. Then I will switch gears a little and race the cross-country nationals at the end of February. My training here in Flagstaff has always prepared me well for the spring racing season. In 3 weeks at 7000 ft I have completed 360 total miles of running comprising: 3 hill workouts, 3 interval workouts at around 10k pace, 3 tempo runs and 3-long runs (see the graph above of my typical week at altitude).

All right, off to Houston next week to face great competition. Wish me fast legs and great weather.