Saucony 2009 - Molly Huddle

I’ve done a lot of analyzing and looking backwards in the last few journal entries. I’ve looked back into the season’s mistakes to glean from them morsels of wisdom and lessons which I can apply not only in sport but also in life. (In fact, I’m writing this article backwards, from the last sentence up. It just sort of worked out that way (I didn’t do it on purpose). Anyway, for a change I’ll be looking refreshingly into the future with this entry. Actually, one more look back at this week: I wanted to mention that I was glad to end my season on a high note at the US 10k champs in Boston. My coach had actually lightened up my workouts a lot before that race, in combination with being more diligent with the dietary supplements I take, and it helped me feel more lively in the last miles when I was previously fizzling out. It actually came down to a kick the last 300m or so between myself and Aziza Aliyu and Tebya Naser of Ethiopia. Aziza went all out just a few steps too early, something I’ve done before myself, so I was able to get a step ahead of her just as the tape came up. It was the highlight of the season for me and despite the slow time, a national championship win is just that and I am grateful for it.

Moving on, a popular question is, what is next? For most people, the time to start the year anew is January 1st. But for the professional track athlete, that time is right about now, give or take a few weeks. So I’ll be taking the obligatory two week break from running. Some years I skip this but I’ve been stale for a few months now so I thought it was a good idea. I’ve also changed a few small things for when I start running again, to carry through the year with me. I’ve added a few things to the strength training plan and learned a few new stretches as well. In general I’m going to be more organized with “all the little things” like seeing the chiropractor and getting massages and all that. As for the race plan, I’m hoping to run a few indoor meets in the winter which I want to do for numerous reasons. Firstly, a donkey can always benefit from racing under distance. Additionally, the big indoor meets have the unique atmosphere of intimate spaces with rowdy crowds, strobe lights and techno music. For those of you that don’t know me (a small number I’m sure otherwise I’m surprised you’re reading this), anything involving DJ Sammy is my idea of a good time. After some of the indoor meets I hope to go to warmer weather to train for a month or so. I loved training in Tallahassee FL last year, and want to return, but coaches and training partners are moving around this winter so I may go somewhere new. Then I will be back in Providence in early spring and prepare for the early season meets in California. The goal for next spring is not unique-I want to make the World Championship team for Berlin, along with a lot of other fast ladies, so I have a lot of work to do.