One Workout
The Long Run Workout
During my younger years in competitive f ig ure skating in Vancouver, I relied on running as a source of off-ice training to stay in shape and build endurance. As an adult, I coached figure skating for 20 years, with two of my three kids very involved at a national level. Running became my activity of choice after I retired and moved to Calgary with my husband eight years ago.
In the past five years, running has become the sport I plan my day around. It provides time for st ress relief, personal ref lection, social interaction and a competitive challenge. Working with my coach, Janice McCaffrey, I have learned how to train smart by putting in workouts designed to get the best results. Workouts are both hard and fun, and they have been very rewarding. It is very motivating to be competitive in my age group and I am very excited to continue to push myself and expand my limits.
The long run can really play a mental game with runners, who may doubt whether they can run 42.2 km at their desired pace. I have learned, after running a few marathons, to trust the process. As long as I have done everything in my power – put in the training, the miles, speedwork, tempo runs, intervals, strength and nutrition – the race just falls into place.
Allison Blackmore of Calgary is a former W50 Canadian record holder. She ran her PB of 2:55:04 at the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2019, where she was first in her age group. This year she will “age-up” into the 55–59 age category, and she is excited to try to attain some new records.