Tony Young, back on employment track, hopes for sub-4:10

I wrote M45 Tony Young after his spectacular 4:13 indoor mile over the weekend. When he replied, the best news wasn’t that he thinks a sub-4:10 outdoor mile is possible. It’s that he won’t sweat meet expenses. Last October, I wrote about how he had lost his bank job as a loan officer.  Now he informs us: “I have been employed at Peoples Bank in Washington now for the past three months as a  business loan officer.  Times are tough all across the board (in every industry) with no real relief in sight.  We are still looking to loan $$ — (it) just has to make sense.  Going to be a tough 2009, though.” Whew!  That’s a relief. Now Tony can focus on track and his superstar son Mack. So without further ado, the interview:

Here’s my quickie Q&A with Tony:

Masterstrack.com: You seemed to run your own race and pace (in the 4:13). Did you hit your intended
splits or were you shooting for a faster time?

Tony Young: First race since cross country, so no real mile pace confidence going in.  Just
run in lane one all the way, (thinking)  don’t fall and finish it out hard.  Real simple
plan when most everyone is faster than me.  Just enjoy the ride.

Did Mack see your race? If so, what was his reaction?

No, several friends there, but family was not.  Wife was cross-country skiing with
friends for the weekend; kids were sleeping in that morning.

Will you race any more indoors this year — at least on a record-kosher
track?

Hopefully 2-3 more indoor efforts.  800 in two weeks (at the University of Washington’s oversized track), 1500 in
Boston, then mille (UW) again.  I will road race some while my kids run their
track seasons (high school and junior high).  Then get on the track again in the summer.

 

Is a sub-4:10 mile outdoors possible for you this season?

Sure, a 4:10 or better is possible.  After Saturday’s race, I think a 62-second (per 440) rhythm could have been in the cards (lost it on the 66 second 400).  I like to
get into a fast pace from the start and just keep at it, if I am fit and
confident!

What’s your training secret?

Speed drills (2-3 times a week), race pace workout to get familiar with
pace, two-hour long run once a week — very slow.  Sleep!

What outdoor meets are on your agenda?

No real outdoor schedule.  There are lots of local races to choose when
the time is right.

You mentioned in your runnerspace.com interview you’d like to go sub-1:55 for 800.
When will you try? (The M45 WR is 1:54.18)

Maybe the 14th at UW.  Whatever it is, it won’t count officially, but I
don’t care.  If I can run 1:54 or 1:55 high, then I know I can handle a quicker
pace for a faster mile.
If Mack weren’t in the house to motivate you, would you be running this
fast at 46?

Not sure.  There are plenty of other folks that motivate me.  Pete
Magill, Jim Sorensen, John Hinton, Sal Allah,  Alisa Harvey, Nolan Shaheed.
  But
sitting across the dinner table every night is my 16-year-old son, bursting with
confidence that his old man is going down.  I gotta make him work for it!

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February 3, 2009

2 Responses

  1. jesus borrego - February 4, 2009

    hola saludos desde españa y felicitaciones por ese fantastico record i el video y me inpresiono esa forma de correr como unautentico master saludos desde españa

  2. tony young - February 4, 2009

    I apologize for leaving Mr. Borrego off of my inspiring athlete list. Pete sent me a story w/picture of Jesus B running an incredible 1500m last year. His form was great. Great lift and stride length. Trying to retain that form has been my mission the past 6 months. Thanks Mr Borrego!

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