The fall season has come and gone. And it went pretty well. After running mediocre races for much of the summer, it was nice to have a consistent and strong season. While I really enjoyed racing on roads, it's time to get back to the track for an indoor season. I'd probably prefer a 2/3 track, 1/3 roads approach but with so few quality road races in the region during Winter (and potentially terrible weather), It'll be mostly track. I'm looking to move away from the track, or at least track seasons but would like to lower my PRs first. So will take a little bit of time off/down and then get going with the focus on shorter track distances.
The thing about indoor track is there are quite few open meets. Enough to make the entire season around rather than trying to run unattached at college-only meets. Between BU meets, USATF-NE and a few others there are plenty of pick from. This isn't the case for outdoor unfortunately and I'll likely have to compete mostly in collegiate races (for some reason the collegiate season is April-May but the open season is May-July which I don't want be doing track then). It'll take me longer to configure a year long schedule, but for the next few months I feel good about this schedule. Unlike the road racing season I just completed, this is one is not locked in at all. I'm only signed up for the Millennium Mile and as track races don't sell out or have early deadlines I'll use that as an opportunity to have bailouts if needed.
I started writing this in November. The original plan was race the BU Mini Meet, NYRR Night at the Races and USATF-NE Night at the Track in December. After having some rough indoor workouts, I decided not to race until 2023.
January
January 1st- Millennium Mile: Londonderry, NH
This fast and competitive downhill mile is one I wanted to do in 2021 and 2022 but didn't for various reasons. So with no reason not to this year and having a millennium running credit, this is the only race I'm currently signed up for. Don't have high expectations for a road mile but should be faster than Bottone given the competition, downhill course and zero turns. Probably not a legit PR attempt given the downhill course but should be fun.
January 8th- USATF-NE Winter Series #1: Wheaton College in Norton, MA
There's these two meets at Wheaton college which are convenient located- a little over an hour driving and not having to get around in a big city. So an easy meet to get to/run in. But I'm not sure if they'll be competitive and the 3PM sunday start is pretty late in the weekend. It's an option though and I don't think there are other close by meets those weekends.
January 15th- USATF-NE Winter Series #2: Wheaton College in Norton, MA
Same thing as the previous entry except instead of a 3K they have a 2 Mile here. My 3K PR is worth about 8 seconds faster than my 2 Mile, so might be worth a go for a PR/sub-9:30 attempt. That being said, it might be challenging to do a flat track especially if there isn't much competition.
Alternative meet: Suffolk Ice Breaker Invitational: January 14th at the Track in Boston, MA
This looks good and would certainly appreciate an opportunity to race at this new track, just not sure if it's open to non-collegiate athletes.
January 22nd- GBTC Indoor Invite: Harvard Track in Boston, MA
I raced on the Harvard track in 2020 and it was one of my
favorites. So this is a good opportunity on a fast track with likely pretty good competition. There's nothing about it on their website however (found it on the USATF-NE calendar) so who knows if it's a real meet.
Edit: It does look like it will happen as it's on their website now. Will likely do this.
January 28th- Riverhawk Invitational: The Track in Boston, MA
Will likely do this one as they are allowing open athletes. Perfect opportunity to get to race at the new track as well as get in a fast race. Originally was considering terrier but I don't like the super crowded late night meets.
February
February 4th- Rutgers Indoor Invite: Armory Track in New York, NY
Originally I was shooting for the Ocean Breeze Miles Mania as it's a great track that I'd really like to race on. But the long drive through NYC very late on a Thursday night doesn't seem worth it.
I don't know much about this one, but it's likely competitive and they are allowing open athletes. The armory is my favorite I've raced on and it'll be a lot of fun to go back.
February 12th- Super Sunday 5 Miler: Cambridge, MA
Pancake flat course, few turns and has been very competitive in the past. Would be a great opportunity for a 5 Mile PR attempt and break up the season with a road race.
February 19th- USATF-NE Indoor Championship: Harvard Track in Boston, MA
I'll very likely do this one as the competition is pretty great and it's nice to compete in these championships when I can. Probably target a 3K here.
February 26th- BU Last Chance Meet: BU Track in Boston, MA
This would ideally be the season ender and a sub-15 5K attempt. It's the perfect race for that as it's not super crowded and high standards like the other BU meets but still is really competitive. However, for some reason BU took this off their schedule. The race page still exists but is on another website managed by another organization. So unknown if it'll actually happen. Alternative is the USATF-NY/NJ championship on the same day which would allow me to cross off Ocean Breeze.
March
March 4th- Gate River Run: Jacksonville, FL
I've always thought this race looks really cool and there isn't much going on this month unless I want to extend the indoor season. It'd be fun to try a longer road race after being stuck indoors for much of the winter. As the USATF 15K championship, it's very competitive as well. My only hesitation is that the flights are quite expensive but I'm still leaning towards doing it.
I'll probably race again in March but that's kind of the next season for me so I'll have a separate post down the road with other plans. Considering New Bedford half and/or a competitive outdoor meet but really not sure at all.
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