Oh my god, it’s already February! The masters outdoor track season is well under way, and I personally don’t feel like I am in the shape I was in this time last year. What is your assessment on your fitness level and mental readiness of taking on another track season? If you do feel reasonably fit and mentally ready, why not go to an all-comers meet and see how you do in the event(s) you are going to train for this season. I know some SFT&FC members have done this in the past, and it is a good idea for a few reasons. Let me explain.
Know your fitness level
Unless you are injured or totally out of shape, the mark(s) you get will give you good indications as to how close or far you are from your last year’s mark(s) or your target marks for this year. Great if you are within a close range of your target mark or last year’s mark. Don’t get discouraged too much, though, if your marks are not good. It should give you good ideas as to what and how you need to train to get back to the shape you want to be in the next few months. Compare your marks with your last year’s all-comers meet if you took part in one.
Analyze your results
Whether your marks are on the right track or not, revisit your event(s) and check what worked good and what didn’t. Analyze your block start, pacing, strength, endurance, racing strategy, equipment, technical points, mental strength, arm swings, relaxation, etc. Bring your teammates and ask them to watch or video record your performance. Check with your coach and teammates if your analysis is valid.
Plan your training
Once you have your analysis, you know what to work on. Talk with your coach and develop a specific program to work on your weakness and to correct bad habits.
All-comers meet on Feb 20 at UC Berkeley
Some of you have done this meet before, and it is a perfect venue. Most likely it will attract a good number of athletes, ranging from high school to college to senior. Following events will be offered:
Track – 4x100m Relay, 1500m, 60mHH, 400m, 60m, 800m, 300mIH, 200m, 3200m, 4x400m Relay
Field – Hammer, Weight Throw, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, Javelin, Discus, Pole Vault, Triple Jump
For schedule and other details, see California Golden Bears 2016 All-Comers Track & Field Meet Info.
If you are injured or not mentally ready yet, go see your teammates at the all-comers meet. That will definitely motivate you to work on the injury recovery or to get mentally ready for the 2016 season. Good luck!