George Banker, master writer
involved in D.C.-area running and race organization for many years, has shared a profile he wrote of Virginia neighbor
Alisa Harvey. It reminds me of the incredible work
Louise Mead Tricard did in her histories of American women’s track. (She wrote two books, with long transcripts of major stars.) George’s story runs close to 5,800 words, so I won’t post it all here.
(Just read the PDF). My favorite first-person section: “I confess that I am a bit embarrassed when I line up with women that are less than half my age. I privately vowed that I would stop racing against collegiate athletes once I turned 50, but I broke that vow this past indoor season. I have finally come to the realization that it is all about performance. If my competition is 19 to 22 years of age then so be it. Most of the women just look at me in astonishment. I am sure that it is pretty sobering to line-up to race with a woman that is probably older than your mother. I think most of the young runners are cued in by their coaches who know me from back-in-the-day.â€
Alisa also details her training and diet — and mistakes she made.
I suggest to athletes to take vitamins. Eat a nutritious diet. Always keep a protein drink handy. Set the goal of having at least 8-hours of sleep per night. Rest when you are tired. Enjoy racing. Don’t follow a training program that feels too difficult. Don’t be afraid to ask your coach questions. If the coach is professional and confident they will answer your questions. Keep your body strong with supplemental and weight training.
George, author of “Marine Corps Marathon: A Running Tradition,“ has done a masters mitzvah. Mazel tov on a model of masters portraiture.
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One Response
I love Alisa Harvey. Announcing someone who was NCAA champion in the 1500, a many-time All-American at Tennessee, a veteran of multiple Olympic Trials, etc., made me feel a little pressure, but I got over it. What a champion she has been, but to use some words I have employed before: She’ll never tell you that she’s better than you.
All the best, Alisa, and I wish you continued success as a masters athlete.
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