Author Archives: Nick Berra

About Nick Berra

I am a 45 year old masters runner from Central Pennsylvania. I have been participating primarily in track events since turning 40 in 2009. This season has produced marks that I have not run in several years, I believe primarily due to starting a strength and flexibility program here at Elite Athletic Performance - I've felt stronger and faster than I have in a long time. That, coupled with lots of underwater running, has kept me healthy and fit - at this age those are things I no longer take for granted... I run USATF events with a team out of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Track Club. They are a great group who have played a big part in making the sport enjoyable for me again. I also run local races for HydroWorx Track Club, supported by HydroWorx here in Harrisburg PA. Their underwater treadmills and training center has proved to be a crucial part of my training, rehabilitation, and recovery programs. I set personal records in the 800m (1:56.06) in 2010 and in the 1500m (4:02:63) and mile (4:23.48) in 2011. Despite the fact that I am not getting any younger, I nearly PR'ed recently and set the M45 indoor world record in the 800 meters at the New Balance Armory in New York City. I ran 1:56.10, besting the 9 year old record by less than a second. I feel like there are still more big things to come... I am married and have two daughters. I am an assistant XC coach at my alma mater, Cumberland Valley High School here in Mechanicsburg PA. I am also a 1991 graduate of the US Naval Academy, currently working as a pilot for FedEx after serving 10 years on active duty flying in the Navy. Beat Army! Beat Army!

1500m Gold, With the Bonus Plan…

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Nick Berra

Well, Saturday was a whirlwind day with the 1500m final, a parting gift from World Masters Athletics, and an evening train to Vienna. It’s now been over 3 days since taking the track for the 1500m final, and while it … Continue reading →

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Into the Final Final

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Nick Berra

  Quick update – 4:20.2 today in my 1500m semi-final heat, think I finished 5th.  Led the heat through 1450m at a pace we knew would get us through, got passed by two guys at the end.  When they made … Continue reading →

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WMA 800m Gold

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Nick Berra

Quick update on the results from today’s 800m final.  Victory!  (in case the title and picture didn’t spoil the surprise)  Was able to avoid trouble, got in a groove, dictated the pace a bit and finished strong – worked out … Continue reading →

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To the Final

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Nick Berra

Two down, one to go.  After yesterday’s strange advancement rules (by straight time), today’s more traditional format made things much more predictable.  Top two in each heat advanced, along with the next 5 fastest times.  Being placed in the early … Continue reading →

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Into the Semis…

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Nick Berra

Not much to report, what should have been a formality was.  Was third in my heat, which turned out to be third overall, in 2:08.  Advancing was done strictly on time, not the usual top 2/3 from each heat plus … Continue reading →

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Let the Trials Begin…

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Nick Berra

  Tonight begins the final push of what has become a marathon month.  Tomorrow will mark one month since I turned 45, and since then every weekend has been brought significant travel and hard racing.  Boston for the 4×800 record, … Continue reading →

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Borscht – Food of Champions

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Nick Berra

Not to get ahead of myself, but after arriving in Hungary this evening I settled in for a bowl of borscht to begin the acclimation process.  I know a bit about Mihály Iglói, old school Hungarian distance coach, and while most … Continue reading →

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Vacationing, Track Style

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Nick Berra

After punching the two world record tickets on my first two tries, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  With the US Indoor Nationals this weekend, then the WMA Indoor World Championships in late March, there is still … Continue reading →

Posted in Aquatic Fitness, Competitive Races, HydroWorx Exercise Pool, Interval Training, Masters Running, Masters Track, Outdoor World Championships, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Look What I Found… (times 2)

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Nick Berra

Re-reading this title one could be led to believe I was referring to this blog.  I actually wasn’t, but I guess it could serve as a double entendre.  (I’m not going to admit how many tries it took for spell … Continue reading →

Posted in 5th Avenue Mile, Aquatic Fitness, Competitive Races, Hartshorne Mile, Hydrotherapy, Masters Running, Masters Track, Millrose Games, Running, Uncategorized, Underwater Treadmill | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Order Restored

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Nick Berra

Well, all’s well that ends well.  I am happy to report that after receiving requests to review the matter from both me and Peter Brady, New York Road Runners shot us an email this evening that said that they would … Continue reading →

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