Mammoth Track Club’s Season is Off to a Flying Start

Winter is finally winding down here in the Eastern Sierra, so we’ve commenced our weekly club membership practices. These practices take place at 7 am every Tuesday at the Whitmore Track Facility. Our group consists of a wide array of abilities, from the first-time runner to the Boston Marathon Qualifier, and everyone in between. The Mammoth Track Club also has an Elite Athlete division. They’re the athletes competing in major track meets and marathons around the world.

Speaking of our elite team… Update! On April 17, 2017 the Boston Marathon was contested. This second stop on the World Marathon Major tour is considered by many as the “Daddy” of all marathons, meaning, it’s the most prestigious… and oldest. The Boston Marathon (BAA and John Hancock) assembles the best and brightest marathoners in the world on the elite side, pitting them against one another and against the famed, rolling 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston proper. Amongst those toeing the line at the front of the field was none other than Mammoth Track Club’s very own, Shadrack “Shaddy” Biwott of the United States.  The goal for Shaddy going into the race was to improve upon his already stellar 5^th place finish in the New York City Marathon last November. Two hours and twelve minutes and eight seconds later, Shaddy crossed the finish line in 4^th place, making him the number 2 American in that race, a proud moment for him and the Mammoth Track Club.

Anything is possible with persistence. Developing great fitness through running takes time and patience. Greatness does not come overnight, it comes through hard work, smart work and dedication to a craft that you’re passionate about. If you start a season off too quickly, that can swiftly backfire on you. If you start a training session off too aggressively, that can have ill affects on your body. Some words of advice: start off slowly, allow your mind and your body to align themselves before you start pressing the pace or increasing the effort. Some days your mind and your body will align in the first few steps of a run, other days it may take several miles! The point is, be patient, don’t force the pace or the training. As soon as you apply force, something is likely to break!

We are currently recruiting new runners to join us on Tuesday mornings at the Whitmore Track Facility on Benton Crossing Road (about 9 miles south of the Town of Mammoth Lakes). We have a good core group of supportive runners looking to improve their fitness. After every practice we distribute bagels to each runner to enjoy, just one of the many perks of being a Mammoth Track Club member. We also welcome drop-ins—runners who are in Town on vacation and looking for a kick-butt workout at 7000’ altitude!

If you have any question regarding the Mammoth Track Club, our workouts, the benefits, please email Andrew@CoachKastor.com for more information.

May the wind forever be at your back,

Coach Kastor