Track and Field Blogs - Jon Pierce

So 2007 is winding down and even though i've been at ZAP for over three months now i'm finally getting around to writing my first blog. Quickly a few words of introduction: I grew up in upstate NY running for Canton Central High School and attended Stanford University, graduating last spring with a degree in Human Biology. I'm primarily a steepler but will look to move up in distance over the next few years, possibly to the marathon. I spent most of my fifth year last year injured with several serious foot problems but in '06 ran pr's of 28:54, 13:56, and 8:40 with a 7th place showing in the ncaa steeple final. Naturally i'm pumped to be at ZAP and continue my running career full time.

This fall was very productive for me, i mostly just focused on training well and trying to build a base which i really missed getting last year. I ran lots of good mileage and we did a lot of hills, tempo, fartlek and no running on the track. It was a nice to de-emphasize peaking and anaerobic training and just work on getting stronger and staying healthy. I also had a few good races, the best being my 3rd place finish at the club championships in Ohio. It was a fun race and great to win the team title. Individually, i was pleasantly surprised to be leading at 3 miles and feeling fine since i haven't had a good race in the mud since high school. I did have a couple down weeks before clubs with a sore foot but it healed and i saw a great podiatrist so i should be good to go for the upcoming season and everything that '08 has to offer.

As i type this i'm actually on my way to NY from my girlfriend's in Maine because i'm running the Emerald Nuts Midnight 4 miler put on by the NYRR tomorrow night. It seems like a great event and my first experience with the the New York Road Runners (as well as in Central Park) so it should be a great way to kick off the next season. I have an exciting schedule of races lined up for the winter including my first crack at US cross and a trip to Ireland for a road and cross race each so i'll hope to have something interesting to blog about from here on out. I'm usually not a big resolution guy but i've decided to make blogging more of a priority this year so we'll see how it goes. happy new year!