Track and Field Blogs - CFred Joslyn

This year has certainly not been my best year for running, in fact it is likely the worst I have had in many. Although I have been very frustrated, I am not giving up. Tom Carter, a great runner and friend of mine once told me, if it's not working, change it. That is exactly what I am doing. I have taken a good look at my training and environment and have planned this summer/fall to get back to some of the things that have worked for me in the past. One big change is the move back to NY. I have made some great friends in Michigan and had some great times, but it is time to move on. I have already started my 'new' training, although it is more like 'old' training because my training plan is very similiar to what I was doing in college and the first year after. Today I ran a small race in Clark Lake, Michigan and it was a big confidence booster. I went into the race without any expectations. I just wanted to get out there, have fun, and test myself...mission accomplished. Paul Aufdemberge was in attendance, who is a fine runner. The race started and I immediately took the lead. Aufdemberge ran off of my shoulder for most of the race. Although I felt pretty good, I never made a hard push at the front. Aerobically I was ready to make a big move, but I just did not have the confidence that my legs would be there to back it up. So I waited, and waited, and as we ran neck and neck until the 7 mile mark, finally something needed to happen. Aufdemberge made the first move, and I quickly decided to go. I just ran the last half mile as hard as I could and ended up winning by 5 seconds. Although my 12k time of 37:53 is nothing spectacular, it was exactly what I needed for a few reasons... 1. I won, and that is why we race. 2. My confidence is back where it needs to be. 3. $100 prize money, I can really use that right now too.

This is the best I have felt in a long time and I am finally excited about running again. This fall I will be racing the USA 20K and Marathon championships in New Haven, CT and New York City. I am excited for both events and ready to put in some solid training to get ready for some big PR's.

So it is Goodbye to Michigan and Hello to New York, I can't wait to get back to Cortland, my Alma mater where I'll be the assistant XC coach, and back to some of my old training partners.