I know she meant it as a compliment, but at first I was a little confused. I mean, why wouldn't I train for the 10 mile race?
But then I realized that I really don't train specifically for most of the races I run. As a New Yorker, I'm extremely lucky to have NYRR races available practically every weekend, year round. Most of the races are 4miles to 10k's, but there are some longer ones. The only shorter races are meant more for kids (I think) than adult runners and I can't remember ever seeing a 5k on the calendar. Anyway, I usually sign up for races to set a goal, to have an 'end game' (although there's never really an 'end'), and to enjoy the race day experience. I just love racing, even though I'll never win and I inevitably feel like a cow being herded during those first few yards, there's no feeling quite like running along with thousands of others exerting every inch of effort in us to get to the finish line. Granted, I would like to run a smaller race one day, but I think the same vibe will be there.
For these typical weekend races, I don't set out a training plan since they are usually the same distance, or shorter, than my typical weekday runs, and I'm doing them more for fun. I have different goals for the Broad Street Run and the Brooklyn Half. I have never run a 10 mile race (automatic PR), we're traveling for this one and, well, it's a big race. I want to run this well. For the Brooklyn Half, which is only 20 days after Broad Street, I haven't run a half marathon since 2008 and my time was 2:02. Obviously, I'm hoping to break that time.
With these races so close together and the distances being what they are, I knew I needed to properly train for the Broad Street Run. I'm not a pro, I don't pretend to be, and I need structure in my training to do the best I can. So, I turn to the pros for help! I want to get to the starting line on May 1st feeling more confident then ever. I also believe that following a training plan will keep me injury free!
I have to say, that I absolutely ROCKED my tempo run this morning!! I had a 30 minute tempo run on tap and decided yesterday I'd do it outdoors. I slept in 20 minutes (stayed up late to watch White Collar and I prefer to have a little sunlight with my runs), put on my cold weather gear, stretched and headed out. Right from the start my legs felt fresh and I just went. I love that I don't have to contend with too many commuters for most of my run when I start at 6am or earlier and only had to pause briefly at two stop lights! The wind was crazy strong along the Hudson River though, and that might have slowed me down a little, but I still finished with an 8:17 pace!!! That's crazy! Almost doesn't seem right to me, but maybe being outside gave me the extra go!
I had to stop at Trader Joe's on my way in so now I'm enjoying my overnight oats at my desk then getting to work! (in the mix: oats, water, cinnamon, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, raisins, banana)
- Do you train for all your races?
Last night's workout -
Zumba
Today's workout -
30 minute tempo run
stretching
