Over the course of 2020, some runners took time to rest and reset, others built new levels of fitness then put it to the test.
Erin Jaffke ran some of the best workouts of her life in early 2020 while training for Boston and didn't want them to go to waste. Working with Heartbreaker & VISION21 Coach Jonny Phillips, Erin and a small group of close friends & training partners decided go big. Then all their PRs fell. Erin and crew had set personal bests in everything from the 5k to the half marathon so, we had to get to the bottom of it.
Conor Cashin: So how did it all start? What was the deciding factor to start running all of these time trials together and chase PRs?
Erin Jaffke: For me, it all started with a couple virtual race series (Run Free Grand Prix & Trial of Miles last spring/summer). In January and February, I was feeling in the best shape of my life after nailing pretty much every workout in preparation for the Boston marathon, and I didn't want to see that fitness go to waste. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself really enjoying time trials and seeing my 5k, 10k, and half PR's drop significantly! In talking with Jonny over the summer about "what's next", we decided that time trials were a great way to focus our training for the rest of the year & to keep the momentum rolling!
CC: Which distance and time improvement are you most excited about?
EJ: I'm super pumped about the sub 80 half marathon- that feels the closest to a "marathon PR" that's been my focus for years now! Based on how smooth it felt, it gave me confidence for running a sub 2:50 marathon PR once races return. A close second is the fact that I now really enjoy 5k's (my former, sole marathon focused self would be ... perplexed? Maybe ashamed?) and am now within striking distance for a sub 17!
CC: The improvements you're all seeing are a testament to Jonny's training. How has Jonny's guidance positively impacted your running besides the obvious(PRs)?
EJ: I've told pretty much anyone who will listen how grateful I am to have a coach this year. Jonny in particular does an amazing job with tailoring training to individual strengths & preferences, and is clear behind the reason for each workout. Last winter, when we were training for the Boston marathon, it was amazing to have marathon specific training that prevented me from always second guessing workouts. Throughout this crazy 2020, running has given me structure in daily life and Jonny has helped us pin down target "races" to stay motivated. Besides the obvious PR's, Jonny's guidance has also helped me take down weeks and downtime more seriously (a serious struggle for anyone who knows me).
CC: Tell us about "Tempo Loop Magic"?
EJ: The magic is real! I think Emily puts it best- "the loop is net downhill" (it really does feel that way). According to Strava, I've ran 243 tempo loops (and all of those are within the last 1.5 years), but I think that's a low estimate considering partial laps that aren't counted by Strava.
CC: What does time trialing like this do for your confidence when the time comes to pin on a real race bib again?
EJ: I have so much more confidence in myself now that I've seen what I can do in time trials. I've always been a "racer"- I thrive off the race energy and am able to push myself much harder in races, so it's been uplifting to see what I can still hit fast times without real races. I'm excited to see what I can do once racing returns!
CC: How important has it been to have each other to lean on during this crazy year?
EJ: I can wholeheartedly say that my training partners (and now, real life friends) have gotten me through 2020 in more ways than just running. During weeks when I felt a bit of despair about the state of the world and a lack of running motivation, I knew that I just needed to show up to meet my friends and the world would suddenly seem a lot more okay. Those cold, dark winter mornings just wouldn't happen without knowing your friends are waiting. I've always stated that races & times are the least important part of running for me- I genuinely enjoy the day-to-day training grind. But, it wouldn't be any fun without people to grind with, and I'm endlessly grateful to the Heartbreakers for introducing me to the best people and training partners. Running a sub 80 with Rachel and Emily really was a perfect way to celebrate 2020 and all the hard work we put in all year- I'm still riding the high from it days later!
CC: Anything else you'd like to add?
EJ: 2020 has really made me more grateful than ever before for running and the Heartbreakers: 1) The running community and support it offers each other 2) A continued chance to push myself to persevere in hard times 3) Continuing to show myself that "impossible" goals become reality with days, years, and months of commitment and dedication. I really don't know how non-runners survived the year- running gave me a purpose and sense of community that helped me persevere throughout the hard times.