Well, things have started up again in full swing. Beginning in September, my training has been going very well. The fall was full of lots of mileage, some 3-4km time trials, and of course, Dennis' favourite- HILLS! And lots of them. A new weight training program has also been in effect since September and it's showing some great improvements.
The new year has got off to a great start. I did my first indoor competition at Grand Valley State University where I ran the 1 mile (1600 m), followed by another meet at the Notre Dame Meyo Invitational. ND boasts a large indoor 320m track so races always seem to be quick. It was my first 800m of the indoor season and it went GREAT. I couldn't have been more happy with the time, and the race felt smooth. The time was 2:03.72 and a new field house record. I didn't run 2:03 until the end of May in 2011, so I'm really looking forward to this outdoor season. Following the Notre Dame meet I travelled to the University of Arkansas and ran another 800m (on a 200m track) and came out with a time of 2:05. My last race is coming this weekend in Ottawa on their large 400m indoor track. I'm really looking forward to it and hoping a good time will come out of it.
From then on I say 'Welcome' to the outdoor season. I have been lucky enough to be invited to the Olympic Development Camp hosted by our governing body, Athletics Canada. It will be held in Arizona from March 28-April 4. It's a chance for me to train with fellow 800m runners in the country and get some exposure to the elite class of athletes and coaches that may be representing Canada at the Olympics this summer.
Just a few weeks after that I will be heading back to Arizona for a high altitude training camp. This camp will be 3 weeks in length and I will be attending this camp with my coach and fellow teammates from Windsor. The camp is lengthy due to the fact that it is at altitude, and to get the full effects of altitude on your training and your body you must train there for at least 3 weeks.
Following those training camps the competition begins. Out first meet will be in Puerto Rico or in Georgia around the end of April. From then on I will be competing in local races in Windsor and London. As well, we will heading back out west for the West Coast series. And then, its the big show. Nationals will be held in Calgary again this year. The last weekend in June is when they will be taking place. Nationals this year are very important as these are the selection trials for the Olympics.
So stay tuned for some more updates. I have attached my race and interview from Notre Dame at the bottom :)
Enjoy,
Melissa
2012 Notre Dame Meyo Invitational Race
2012 Notre Dame Meyo Invitational Interview
