If you’re an avid reader of Runner’s World, then Bart Yasso needs no introduction. In fact, I bet you’ve even cursed his name a time or two doing the famous “Yasso 800s” workout.
If you aren’t familiar with Bart, he’s the Chief Running Officer at Runner’s World and all around running celebrity.
Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Bart over the phone and ask him a few of your last minute New York City Marathon questions.
Question #1: What should I be thinking about when I see the NYCM starting line?
BY: This is as close to an Olympic event a non-professional athlete will ever get to participating in. You’ll line up at the start and cross the same start line as the world record holders and professionals do. You’ll be running the exact same race. It’s the largest sporting event in which you’ll get to be a participant and not a spectator. You will also be embarking on one of the most culturally diverse sporting events in the world and millions of people all over tune-in to watch you race.
When you’re waiting for your countdown to the start think these two things:
#1) How physically lucky I am to be doing this today. Many others wish they were physically able to do this.
#2) How culturally lucky you are. Women in other countries aren’t allowed to do physical activities like run a marathon. Marathons have become the cultural fabric of America. It wasn’t until 1971 that women actually ran marathons and it wasn’t until 1972 that a woman was allowed to run the NYCM.
Question #2: Is running 5x800s enough to predict marathon finish time or do you really need to run all 10 800s?
BY: Absolutely. You need to run 10. It’s important that you do this during marathon training when your legs are fatigued. It should be done a minimum of two times before you begin your taper. The ideal days to do this workout are Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
Come back tomorrow to read more tips from Bart!
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As much as I’ve been disappointed that I’m not running this year, somehow the tears of disappointment have been replaced with marathon giddiness. I got off the phone with Bart today and almost forgot that a mere 5 weeks ago, I too was training for this race. Social media is a wonderful place and I look forward to sharing the rest of marathon madness week with you all. xxo
“It’s the largest sporting event in which you’ll get to be a participant and not a spectator” – I LOVE this. Such an amazing perspective. I need to start quoting that to everyone I come across for the next week.
Gotta love Bart. When I’m feeling miserable, I will definitely remind myself how lucky I am….
Love this! I met Bart in Hawaii this Labor Day, for the Kauai Full/Half. Fun guy, great advice.
Just enjoy Jess & you are still having fun & an amazing time!
Yay! Love this interview : )
LOVE this Q&A series!! Been dying to read it all week and finally got my chance today. I am totally bookmarking this for when I run my own marathon next year — he has such great advice, and um – I guess I need to figure out these Yasso 800s huh??