Well, we're a week and a half away from the big race, so I figured it was time for an update about how the training was going. I known I've thrown a few snippets in here and there, but since I have nothing else to talk about (yes, our lives are THAT exciting), I figured to dedicate a whole post to my training.
And really, it's not been that spectacular. Sometime about seven/eight weeks ago I came up with a plan to follow, with the logic that I'd be more likely to stick to my workouts if I made them with a consideration of my schedule (squeezing in a three mile run when I work a twelve-hour shift is just a recipe for disaster--or skipping a workout). And for the most part, that held true. I've been pretty good about getting long runs in when I scheduled them, and cross-training days have fit in nicely. Sometimes my cross-training ends up being a walk with Darrell... But at least it's something. However, while I've been sticking to my running pretty well, the whole lifting thing totally fell by the wayside. It's not that I don't enjoy lifting, but lately I've been rushed at the gym, and since I'm getting ready for a 5K running has trumped lifting. And I know it's good to do both, and I always mean to do some free weights when I get home... But it doesn't happen. I may have to re-evaluate that aspect of my training plan if I embark on another road race.
The running, though, has been pretty decent. I can definitely notice a difference in my comfort level while running. And maybe that's partially because I've become more comfortable running on a treadmill, but whatever it is, I'll take it. I even ran an 8:40 mile yesterday and then continued to run for another mile (at something resembling 9:30 pace). So those are numbers that have been really encouraging to see, even if I can't yet maintain them for as long as I'd like. I keep telling myself that it'll be easier to keep a quicker pace at the actual race because I'll be outside and running with other people, but who knows. And I've talked to some people who did the race last year and they said the course was still partially covered in slush and mud, so that'll definitely help me run faster. The weather for race day sounds fairly decent, although we're supposed to get another bout of "wintery mix" between now and then, so it looks like I'll be on a treadmill up until race day, which isn't ideal but will work.
My unofficial "goal"? Finish in under 30 minutes. I know that sounds fairly doable, but when Darrell and I ran a 5K on our honeymoon, it took me over 33 minutes to complete. I blamed it on the hills and higher elevation (we were in the foothills of the Appalachians in NC), but really, I didn't hardly train for it. So I'm hoping that by training I can knock at least three minutes off. And who knows, maybe if it goes well I'll be ready to try my hand at a 10K!!
FYI, it's harder to run on regular ground than a treadmill so if you have a chance to bundle up and run outside at least once before the race, I'd do it. There's no belt on the ground to help move your feet along. It'll be good to get a fell of running on the regular ground again. Also, slush/ice and mud on the course will more likely slow you down than speed you up. That's good though because you don't want to slip and injure yourself.
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