On The Run
Jay Kumar
Running can be a solitary sport, but for those runners interested in training with others and improving their technique, there are several area running clubs available to join including Wicked Running Club of Salem, North Shore Striders of Beverly, and Gil's Athletic Club of Topsfield.
Now a new club has launched, headed by former Salem State University track coach Dennis Floyd. After Salem State decided to discontinue its track program, Floyd decided to create Max Potential Training & Racing (http://maxpotentialtraining.blogspot.com) to fill the void left in the program's wake. Floyd explains the philosophy and goals he has for Max Potential:
Q: What do you hope to accomplish with Max Potential?
Dennis Floyd: I want to create a community of runners, triathletes, and other people who like to stay healthy and fit. Some of us race and some do not; some of us run every day, and some just two to three times a week; some of us have full-time jobs; some are in college; and some are full-time parents. I want Max Potential to be a place where everyone can help and support each other. I believe college students can learn a lot from an experienced athlete holding down a full-time job and the same person with the full-time job can benefit from the enthusiasm that a college or even high school athlete brings to practice.
Q: What's your basic running/training philosophy?
Floyd: Periodization (training using progressive cycles), being safe and having a good time. I believe that training should not happen without a purpose. Everyone on the team is on a year-round training program that builds as the season goes on. Base training, tempo run training, hill training, interval training, race preparation, and recovery are all phases that take place at certain times of the year to make sure our athletes are building their fitness safely and we reach our goals. Different runners have different goals. While some may want to run a marathon, others may want to only run 5Ks or focus on track. Some people may be new to running but want to start in a safe and supportive community.
Q: The North Shore has undergone a real running resurgence in recent years. Why do you think that is and how can the scene continue to grow?
DF: I think that the North Shore running scene is amazing. I grew up here on the North Shore and I am so happy I did. We have many races that happen in our own back yard. I think we need to give thanks to the high school coaches who have introduced running to us at an early age and race directors and clubs that give us the opportunity to run in races. Opportunity is the leading factor to athletes being successful, and a runner has that here on the North Shore. I think in order for the running boom on the North Shore to grow and get better, you need more runners with a focus and direction. Runners need a coach to say, "Yes, great job—you accomplished your goal; now let's set a bigger goal because I know you can." I realized as an athlete how valuable my coaches were and really missed them when I was training on my own. At Max Potential, what we offer is a year round coach and a great community full of opportunity.
Q: Do you feel Max Potential fills a need that's not currently being filled by other running clubs in this area?
DF: Yes. Many clubs offer community but almost no coaching or maybe limited coaching. MPTR has year-round coaching, community, and a plan. MPRT runners are well-rounded athletes that have a training program to help them achieve their individual goals in a team setting. I want to create a setting that develops runners who like to run the local charity runs and local races on the North Shore but also runners that will represent the club regionally at USATF-sanctioned races and even on the national level.
Q: What are the main benefits of a running club for a runner?
DF: There are so many: community, opportunity, a team to be accountable to, form and technique work, strength and conditioning, interval training, and the list goes on. Having teammates to train with on a regular basis is key. Many runners just throw on a pair of shoes and go. They wonder why they are not getting better—or worse—hurt. Running is only a piece of the puzzle. Runners need to do certain types of running at certain times of the season, as well as strength train, practice proper form and technique drills to stay efficient with their stride, and, importantly, they need someone to tell them when to take some time off. Most of all, we need motivation to reach our goals. Too many runners try to do it on their own. The problem with that is most runners will do the things they like to do, day in and day out, but they won't go to a hill and run up it a bunch of times because it's hard and they hate it. And if you look at their racing, that same runner most likely does not do well in hilly races. Max Potential has planned hill running days and teammates there to help you through. It's always more motivating to do thing as a group and more fun.
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Upcoming races
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011: 4th Annual Wicked Frosty Four, Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, 10 a.m. Very fast and flat course, Technical Shirts free for the first 350 applicants.
Contact: Alison Phelan (Wicked Running Club) at 1-978-998-0118 or e-mail alphelan2@aol.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 12: Danvers 5K Fun Run, Sweet William's Garden Center, 141 Pine St., Danvers, 7 p.m. Free, timed run. All welcome. These events are part of a weekly 52-race series. E-mail adam@danvers5k.com.
Saturday, Jan. 8: Olde Salem Greens Snowshoe Classic, Olde Salem Greens Golf Course, 75 Wilson St., Salem, 10 a.m. Approx. 5k course with both single and double-track trails. Contact: Eileen Dunn (City of Salem Park Recreation and Community Services) at 1-978-744-0180 x20 or e-mail edunn@salem.com.
Visit http://coolrunning.com/eventcal/index.php for more race listings.
