Since I was away in Florida, this is a TWO week run down.
Two weeks ago –
Monday – So today was week 7 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. All my Sole Sister friends skipped this run. I was proud that I dragged my tired body to it. In fact, I felt great which surprised me. The “advanced” group was running 5 one mile sprints… tempted but “no,” cautiously downgraded with my friend Deb to the Intermediate group and ran 4 easy miles. And it was one of my better training runs. Stan said it was because the day before we walked so much as recovery from the 15k on Saturday. Go figure!
Tuesday – Rest (and rainy) day ’cause I had a much needed hair appt.
Wednesday – Had planned on a FTC group run but didn’t want to wait so ran a quick few miles right after work and then went home to pack.
at the Corning Bike Path which was on my way home today
Thursday – Off to Florida on a very early morning flight. After we arrived, picked up a rental car, lunched, we chilled at the pool at our rented villas (the same ones since 2006). Of course we went to our first of many dinners out in Naples.
Friday – Started the day with a run,
followed by tennis, the beach and dinner out. Slowly acclimated to the heat and humidity.
Saturday – A lot more tennis and beach. Went for a early walk instead of a run.
After dinner, we all went to a show in town (Lost in Yonkers). A fun time, of course.
Sunday – After a late night, I had an early morning race (what was I thinking?) For the 3rd year in a row, I ran the Tropicool 5k (it was anything but cool). Too hot to be speedy but won my age group anyway. Then I rushed back to play tennis, followed by the beach and dinner out. See the pattern?
Last Week –
Monday – A similar day as the rest. A run,
tennis, the beach and dinner out. Tonight we ate at the Ritz so we could watch the sunset on the Gulf.
Tuesday – More of the same. A run,
tennis
and beach.
But we stayed in for book club night and birthday party. Lots of laughs and food.
Wednesday – Road trip day. Just a walk
and ride north to Osprey to visit Historic Spanish Point,
lunch out, and then a visit to Selby Gardens in Sarasota.
Gauguin was the featured artist this year
For my pre-birthday dinner, I requested pizza and ice cream on Fifth Avenue in Naples. (sorry no pix)
Thursday – My Birthday. So I ran with tennis sandwiched in the middle.
had to run in my tennis clothes
Then we packed and hung at the pool. One last delicious meal out before we headed to the airport. The weather had been perfect for the week. Not a drop of rain. That is until we got to the airport. A long thunderstorm caused our plane’s departure to be delayed and so we missed our connection and got stuck in Charlotte sans luggage.
Friday – I was supposed to be back at work. Instead had to fly home and skipped work and Mah Jongg. But I did manage to get in a walk in the park.
wanted to get pix before the crowds of Tulip Fest the next day
Saturday – Exhausted from my trip but had committed to run the Summer Smith Addiction Awareness Memorial 5k. Felt like crap when I got up (headache & nauseous) but felt better when I arrived and chatted with all my runner friends and STEM participants. Again the pre-race festivities moved me to tears.
the race is dedicated to someone whom I trained several years ago and others who have died due to addiction. No prs today but I did win my age group
I rushed home because I had planned to go the the Tulip Fest with Amanda (my mentee and her sons Richard & Matthew – which is an annual tradition for us.
um…they dyed their hair?! but still the cutest and we had a blast
Sunday – I had wanted to do a long run today…I have a half marathon in ONE week and my long runs have been 8m, 9m, 3m, 3m since the last one. Barbara agreed to run with me but bad weather prevailed. She went to the Y and I skipped the run entirely.
the best gifts are handmade – from Richard (mentee’s son)
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big or small races on the horizon? Please share.
my daily breakfast in Paris (thinking about Notre Dame 😦 )
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that May is about as busy as April. 2 5ks and a 3.5 miler
The same ones that I did last year and the year before:
2018
5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5K
5-17-18 – Workforce Challenge 3.5 m
Racing season continues in the NE.
Does your racing pick up this time of year?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I have my 4th half marathon of the year scheduled for this month.
With a 8 day Florida vacation in the middle and the short races above, it will be another…just get me through the finish line kind of race.
It’s an inaugural race…so no reviews but I think it will be HILLY!!
And the cut-off is 500 racers.
Do you train seriously for your big races? Do you like to run inaugural races? How have they been? Hilly, flat or downhill? What is your preference? Small or big races?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that we our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has made himself at home in our house. He is very active and has even caught his first mouse (in our basement eek). Unfortunately, our older cat is not a fan.
Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I always say that I am ONE and done when I run a half marathon. But I enjoyed my recent local half marathon so much, I think I will run it again in 2020. And even train for it LOL.
Do you repeat big races?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that as we speak, I am in Naples, Florida on my annual tennis vacation – (with 9 other women that I used to play tennis with). We have gone here this week every year since 2005.
Yes, a tennis vacation and I no longer really play.
These women are my closest friends and we will do a lot more things than play tennis.
Do you like to go on girls vacations? Do they always involve running?
It’s also Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. After our girls weekend in Montreal, we were anxious to plan another.
Plus, there some others who couldn’t go to Montreal and wanted to join us – Barbara, Deidre and Jan.
I stumbled upon this NEW race and everyone agreed that it would be fun. This racing series is popular around the country and this would be the first time it was offered near us.
Well at least a train and hotel away.
So I signed up for the Hot Chocolate 15k because:
Duh…Chocolate!!
NYC!!!
A weekend away with my running tribe.
Enough pts for free hotel room for 2 nights.
It would be close after my previous half 2 weeks ago so I would be sorta already trained for it.
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I did run 13.1 miles two weeks prior to this race.
After my February Half in Florida, due to possibly walking on the beach, I experienced leg discomfort.
So, I skipped many runs and sought the help of a chiro who did ART on my leg. I completed about 8 ART sessions (with minimal relief.)
However, on race day, the pain disappeared and I was able to run 13.1 miles!!
even 5 minutes faster than before the injury
Whether or not, my calf injury was cured or it was just adrenaline, we’ll never know.
I still felt discomfort from time to time after that race and cautiously trained for my April 13 half marathon. None of the usual 10, 11, 12 mile runs 😦 but again I completed this race PAIN-FREE!!
took another 5 minutes off my finish time
That was a downhill course and this course would be HILLY!!!!!!!!!
So, again my goal for this race was just finishing, not re-injuring my leg and having FUN!!!!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Since I travel to NYC for work often and I have done numerous races in Brooklyn, I took the lead and picked the hotel, train times, made reservations for all our fun activities and meals.
In other words, we were all set with the logistics.
Unfortunately, the info for the race start and finish was not provided until only a few weeks before the race. Our hotel was near where the RnR Brooklyn, Brooklyn Half and NYC Half began (Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park) not near where this race began.
However, it did begin near where all the 5ks that I have run in Brooklyn began the Lefrak Center.
Since I wasn’t sure about my work schedule, I paid the extra bucks and had my bib and swag mailed to me.
cool sweatshirt (hoped to not need to wear it at the end of April) – spoiler alert: I did wear it
One runner, Barbara, got injured and dropped out of our group and then 2 days before the race, another runner Jeri (who had paid for all our activities) got injured and cancelled. We were now down to five of us. (You’ll see in the photos than there is one guy. I mentioned the race to Stan on Monday and he signed up. Since I had paid tickets and restaurant reservations, he agreed to participate in all our shenanigans.)
look out – upstate girls invade the city!
So we took the train to Manhattan, hopped the subway (not exactly a hop – 14 stops) to Brooklyn and checked into our hotel.
we are loving being here at peak cherry blossom time
Then we walked from our hotel through Prospect Park (and got kinda lost) to find the expo.
oops – wrong path
just a little wet but we found it!
We picked up race packets, sampled all the goodies (Chris & I won a $25 gift card for race apparel) and headed off (by subway) to carb load on Brooklyn’s best pizza.
yup – the best pizza ever – I had 3 huge slices myself – if you are ever in Brooklyn, go to Baroncinos
I set out my race outfit and went to bed early (not that I slept well but the intent was there.)
pretty optimistic about the weather – also packed a rain poncho, sweats, jacket and more…
Race Day:
As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home – Starbucks k-cup and oatmeal w/raisins. Up at 4:30 am and ready to leave the hotel at 5:30 am.
Though, it was not a long walk and we also could have taken the subway, we cautiously decided to take an Uber.
So we called one at 6 am and he appeared minutes later. After a slight detour, we managed to show him where to drop us off outside the park so we could walk to the start.
Thanks to signs and other runners, we found our way. A chilly morning but no rain and less wind than predicted.
I was glad to be wearing my throw away shirt and also kept on my hoodie until I checked it (as did the others).
As we headed toward the corrals, we bumped into my friend Stan. Sherry, Stan and I were in Corral A. The others were farther back.
There were 2000-2500 runners registered (small by NYC standards). Everything was so well organized with plenty of pre-race communication and signs.
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
yes the animated version above – 2 1/2 times around
Miles 1-3:
9:45, 9:25, 9:02
After the national anthem, our corral started. It was very crowded and hard to run fast (which was good). I lost Sherry and Stan right away but luckily Stan caught up to me. He was my savior and the reason that the race went as well as it did.
As I mentioned above, we ran 2 1/2 loops. We started with an uphill which I actually ran…slowly. But I ran it. I remember running in this park and the hill did not feel as bad as I remember for some reason (at least the first time up it).
There were some rolling hills and downhills. It all blended together after awhile. There were mile markers though hard to figure out since we were repeating the loop. It kept you focused on just running, looking at the scenery (lakes, etc).
Each loop had two water stops, I believe. I stopped at each one and walked. There was always Nuun, water and a cup of chocolate (tempting, but no).
Stan is the guy in the back in orange. I am to his right.
Stan and I ran together surprisingly since he is so much faster than me. I often lost him at a water stop but he always waited for me to catch up. We chatted and that made the miles go by so painlessly. But the best part was that talking while running made me slow down!!!
The weather was perfect for running. A little windy but not too bad – the trees blocked things probably. I was cool at times but warm enough to roll down my arm sleeves during the race.
Miles 4-6:
9:52, 9:56, 9:44
So Stan and I continued chatting. I never looked at my watch and was surprised to be able to run at Stan’s pace. Around 5 miles, I ate my first and only Gu.
Since this was our 2nd loop, we had to conquer that same big hill and some minor hills. Again since I was not running as fast as I may have been if I was running alone, I was able to run up the hill (at a slightly slower pace.)
I usually hate races that loop but it didn’t bother me at all during this race. The scenery didn’t seem repetitious and you couldn’t see the finish line from the course.
Miles 7-9.41
9:30, 10:30, 9:48, 8:22
Finally the last time up the big hill. At around mile 7 or so, I told Stan to run ahead and I am sure he was relieved to be able to run at his own faster pace.
My legs finally gave out up the last hill. I ran/walked it so that I would be able to finish the last few miles strong.
The happiest moment of the race was not having to run another loop and turn left toward the finish line. Lots of crowd support at this point made up for the fact that the end seemed a long way away from the course (and a little rutty/muddy).
Finally I crossed just over 1:31:00 and happy!!
Stan was waiting. He had finished 3-4 minutes ahead of me.
We quickly retrieved our refreshments and hoodies and waited for the others to finish.
banana, rice crispy treats, marshmallow, pretzels to dip om melted chocolate
and soon they were all done… Everyone was happy and met their goals for the race.
Stan won first in his age group (Thank God I didn’t wreck it for him) and I even won 2nd!! (Awards will be mailed.)
After gathering all our chocolate rewards, Stan led us out of the park to the subway so we could get back to the hotel for hot showers.
We had big plans ahead for the day: bagels for lunch, subway back to Manhattan to see a Broadway show and then dinner near Times Square.
Stan replaced Jeri and joined us for all our post race shenanigans
But all we talked about was how much fun the race was and how glad we were that we did it.
Brooklyn bagels …YUM!
Additional Race Reflections:
The race was fun. It was even better running it with friends and with good weather. This race company has organized races all over the country and they have thought of every detail – bags to carry your uneaten refreshments, water fountains to rinse your hands, etc.
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up. Organized expo. Not very large but had samples of the sponsors’ goods – Honey Stinger, Nuun, etc. Located indoors (in case of rain)
Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
Many porta potties at the start/finish area.
Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end.
Water, Nuun and chocolate stops along the course.
Well marked course.
Pacers for all paces up to 15 m/m.
Very cool medal.
Gender specific hoodies.
No lines for post race refreshments.
Plastic bags available for carry uneaten refreshments.
Hot chocolate refills.
Water fountains to wash your hands (from the messy chocolate).
Free photos.
Awards announced for top 3 but age group awards mailed.
5k option in addition to the 15k.
Great weather.
The Bad:
Looped course.
Course a little long (aren’t they all?)
The Ugly:
Nothing 🙂
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Do it if you can. So fun.
Final Stats:
Super thrilled.
Not sure I have ever negative split a race especially not a long one. My 15k time was about the same as in my recent downhill half marathon and this race had HILLS.
We walked a 15k the next day and my legs did not feel like I had run a race the day before.
to the Botanical Gardens (and back) and around the Cherry Blossom Festival
to Hudson Yards from Macys and climbed all the stairs to the top of the Vessel
This was planned forever ago but our girls weekend to NYC happened and it was a blast. And then next week, I’m off to Florida for a 8 day vacation with my tennis friends.
Last week –
Monday – So today was week 6 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. I had planned on doing my long run on Saturday so I could tackle the “advanced” drills today. Well, the weather did not cooperate and I ran 4 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. That meant, my legs would protest if I encouraged them to run fast. Once more, I wimped out and ran with the “Beginner” group – Better safe than sorry is my philosophy (esp. with a 15k and a half marathon coming up.)
twinning
Tuesday – Rest day finally. I hadn’t played tennis in forever so I decided to sub in my old group. It was fun playing and catching up over dinner. I have resumed my short lunch time walks too.
greenery = flowers & Starbucks
Wednesday – I had planned to run with the FTC group at 6 pm near where I live. Then, there was this fun event:
But after standing for 8 hours in uncomfortable shoes, I was too pooped to do either. Instead, I stopped off on my way home at the Corning Bike Path. The run sucked but the scenery was good.
Thursday – One more run before the race. I decided on a quick one at UAlbany and then home to pack. A little bit more energy than the day before but not much.
jumping in excitement for my weekend away
Friday – Off to my girls weekend away. After checking into our hotel in Brooklyn, we headed to the expo and then to carb load with pizza to prepare for the next morning’s race.
Saturday – Today a group of the Sole Sisters ran the Hot Chocolate 15k in Brooklyn. Not an easy race but a fun one. We all met our goals and ate lots of chocolate.
not a PR but negative splits, 2nd in my AG and NO PAIN!!
After the race, we spent the rest of the day in Manhattan. This included a Broadway show (Avenue Q), and dinner near Times Square.
If you are wondering who is that guy. One runner in our group got injured so my friend Stan subbed for her (in the ALL of our planned activities).
Sunday – Another full day planned for our group. Lunch in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival there, then back to Manhattan.
We checked our luggage in Macys (for free) and then climbed to the top of the Vessel at Hudson Yards before heading home that night.
Such a fun weekend away. We are already trying to figure out what to do for our next one.
This Coming Week and Next –
Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt
Wednesday – 3 miles (S.O.A.R – Sisterhood Of Athletes and Runners)
Thursday – rest day, fly to Florida
Friday – 3 miles, tennis, beach and fun in the sun
Saturday – rest day, tennis, beach, theatre in town
Sunday – 5K race, beach
Monday – 3 miles, tennis, beach
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, book club night
Wednesday – rest day, road trip
Thursday – 6.6km, fly home *MY BIRTHDAY*
Friday – rest day, chiro, mah jongg
Saturday – Summer Smith 5k race, Tulip Fest, birthday dinner
Sunday – Long Run (8-10 m) – ONE WEEK UNTIL HALF #37, Mother’s Day family celebration
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races coming up? Are you enjoying spring temps where you live? Please share.
Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!
Something Loved.
It may be a repeat but I couldn’t help myself. It is spending time in NYC. It never gets old. The day above, I didn’t even run. But there was lots of eating and lots of walking.
This past weekend, I spent time there with friends for a 15k race plus many other fun activities that we squeezed in – Brooklyn pizza, a Broadway show, dinner in Times Square, brunch in Prospect Park, Cherry Blossom Festival, trip to the top of the Vessel…
Then next month, I’ll be back for 5 days working there. You’ll see pix, I hope, of me running in Central Park and along the East and Hudson Rivers.
NYC – Central Park
Something Said.
This is quite simple but so true. We get down on ourselves if our pace is too slow or we walked too much or we cut short the run.
But we did RUN!
What was good about it? The scenery, the negative splits, the company, conversation, the music, the time alone, the podcast, or just the fact that we didn’t stay home.
Something Learned.
Intervals make long runs more bearable. I know that I’m late to the party. I definitely need to re-think this as I train for a full marathon next fall.
Something Read.
Every year during our May tennis vacation in Florida, we have book club night. This book was this year’s choice.
I do like mysteries and I have already read a few of Lisa Gardner’s books.
I won’t give the mystery away but basically this is the gist of this one:
A man was shot three times in his home office. His computer had been shot twelve times. When the cops arrive, his wife (Evie), is holding the gun. A detective (DD) arrives on the scene and recognizes the pregnant wife from a case sixteen years earlier. And a woman (Flora) who had been abused and held hostage sees the news of this murder on TV and immediately remembers that her kidnapper knew this man.
Of course, there are a lot of twists and turns, secrets and deceptions. The story really did hold my interest.
I did like that it was told from the perspective of three incredibly strong women – Evie, Flora and D.D – and with each chapter labelled with the characters name.
I found them all likeable and engaging. I felt sympathetic toward the characters which helped me become invested in their outcomes.
This is the first book of the series that I have read. Some of the characters have appeared in previous books – Find Her (2017) and Look For Me (2018).
Now I want to read the rest of the series.
Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
a day late…
I runfess…
After I had pain in my calf, I decided to switch from Neutral shoes to Stability shoes.
Mizuno Wave Inspires for long runs
I bought both Mizunos and Brooks.
Brooks Ravenna for short runs
I planned on returning one pair (because I have a dozen Nikes…)
it was going to be the Brooks pair but Champ said “No, keep them.”
Do you have a running shoe obsession?
I runfess…
I signed up for the Freihofer Training Challenge “Advanced” group because I always run with the “advanced” group. I like the coach and I wanted someone to make me do the drills so I could run my 5ks faster.
However, I have not run with them once on Monday nights. That means I have not done any of the speed drills.
I have either done a short easy run with the Beginner group or with the Intermediate group.
Because…
either I was recovering from my leg injury or I had raced the weekend before.
Would you have done those drills since that was why you paid for the training?
I runfess…
I had long runs on my schedule to prepare for my April and May Half Marathons. But you know me. I’m racing obsessed.
My April consisted of two 5 mile races, a half marathon and a 15k race (today.)
2019 – First H2H HM
Would you have chosen to race or go for your long run?
I runfess…
I really do think I can have faster finish times. But somehow, I can’t get motivated to do anything to get faster.
Work..time..laziness…family and friends events. I have all the excuses.
I did ALL my long runs for the first time ever before my Florida half marathon.
11.11 pace
My NYC Half finish time was more than 4 minutes faster (and I had not done the long runs) and my recent half marathon was more than 9 minutes faster (also with no long runs).
10:02 pace
Yes, I know that there are a lot of factors that influence whether or not your finish times improve.
But this is not motivating me to train harder.
Do you follow a plan? Are you serious about improving your finish times? When you put the work in, do your times show it?
5. I runfess…
Due to my injury and lack of training, my so-called goal for this last half marathon was just to finish pain-free.
Secretly, I was hoping to finish under 2:12…
Yup…I could now qualify for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon & NYC Marathon
Do you set time goals for your big races?
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
If you follow me, you probably know at least once a year, I go away to run a race with the “girls.”
It just wouldn’t be as much fun with the hubby. I am sure you know what I mean.
Well, I am so excited because my next one is THIS WEEKEND!
April 27, 2019
My topic for today is: The Benefits of a Girls Weekend for Racing
1. Training Support.
When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.
2. Cost Savings
It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.
in Montreal
In Panama City, Holly had graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person.
Panama City Beach
3. Visiting New Places
I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Philly or Panama City Beach or Corning, NY or Montreal (without my French students). I had stayed in Las Vegas before (but not in many years and not to run a race.)
Cooperstown, NY
LV
4. Sharing Your Race Experience
I have raced most of my half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly, Panama City, Corning, Las Vegas or Montreal. We went to the expo together, carb loaded the night before, lined up at the start and met after the race to debrief.
Philly
I am sure the same will be true this weekend and I expect it to be totally awesome!!
5. Forging New Friendships
The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.
Andrea from Philly race
I only knew my housemates in Panama City Beach virtually but after that weekend, we definitely became friends. Many of us even repeated that experience in Vegas.
My current group of local running friends (Sole Sisters) will be embarking on our third girls weekend. First there was Corning, NY, then Montreal and now Brooklyn…
we do local races together as well
I can’t wait to share everything that happens next weekend in NYC!!!
(Maybe not everything – What happens in NYC stays in NYC, right?)
Happy Running! Do you go on Girls Weekends? Do you race during them?
Grete Waitz is a legend and I always think of her when I hear people complain that they are running a race but they didn’t train well. (Often it is me LOL)
She had never run farther than 12 miles before her first marathon in New York in 1978. Not only did she finish the race, but she won it – and set a course record. At age 25.
Most unprepared runners aren’t so lucky.
So if you are signed up to run a big race and have not adequately trained for it, here are some things you can do:
Consider your alternatives.
Some races allow runners to switch from a marathon to a half-marathon, a half to a 5K, or to enter a relay with friends rather than completing the entire distance alone. You can also try contacting the race director to see if you can transfer your bib to next year’s race. Volunteering to give out water or simply cheering are also good ways to be part of the race without risking injury.
my friend Tina downgraded to the 5k in Montreal from the Half.
But if you’re committed to running the entire race. All hope is not lost. You just have to approach the race with the strategy and mindset of a champion – even if your training was anything but.
Prepare Your Body
Sometimes life or your body gets in the way of your training.
So two weeks prior to the race, do not do anything crazy. The last thing you want to do in the final two weeks is squeeze in those long runs because you think that you will be better prepared for the race.
The best thing you can do is just get a few short runs in to keep your legs fresh.
Calf injury curtailed my Half training – had to cut back rather than doing my long double digit runs.
In other words, don’t cram in those miles.
Prepare Your Mind
It’s even more important to manage your expectations when entering a race with little training.
It is very unlikely that if you didn’t train for the race that you will achieve a PR or BQ.
thrilled with finishing the NYC Half Marathon
Remember to celebrate FINISH LINES not FINISH TIMES.
Race Strategically
substitute RACE for RUN
Once the gun goes off, hold yourself back. Pace yourself, take walk breaks and even take time periodically to stop, stretch and massage any muscles that are getting tense.
You can also play mind games with yourself. Think about the race as smaller segments – a half marathon could be broken into about four 5Ks races, for example.
Another hint is to “Run the mile you’re in” rather than thinking about all the miles you have YET to run and how hard it will be to finish the race distance.
with no double digits runs done for this half…my legs were indeed weary at this 15k point!!
Try to maintain positivity, not panic. This is the real trick to finishing a race when you’re under-trained.
I’m certainly not an expert but something special happens on race day. You have support, you have crowds, you have water stops, and more.
You will be mentally fired up in a way that you cannot be for any training run – that’s why we do races. You have to have faith in race day magic.
Believe me, it will happen.
This was my slowest half marathon (in 2011). I walked half of it due to recovering from an Achilles injury but I had the BEST time!!
Have fun!
If you are under-trained for race, the race will most likely feel tough but it can still be enjoyable.
Often, the greatest joy comes from the toughest challenges.
As they say: “Pain is temporary. Pride lasts forever”
I say “GO FOR IT!”
so glad I did!
** None of the above applies to racing with a serious injury or against Doctor’s orders!!!
I survived Half Marathon #36 but I still have 2 15ks and another half marathon in the next few months to train for.
Last week –
Monday – So today was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. Finally a session where I had not run the day before. However, I did run 13.1 miles two days before and my uninjured leg seemed sore. It rained most of the day and the temps really dropped from the weekend. It was also VERY windy. (out came the winter running gear.) Hopefully next Monday, I’ll do some Advanced drills but not today.
Tuesday – My leg felt better today so I met Christina for a short after work run. We decided on the Corning Bike Path since it was close to where I was working. Even had a little sun to combat the wind.
Wednesday – Rest day after a long work day. A fun evening at my monthly tennis meet-up.
Thursday – Another after work run. With Christina again at the same location as Tuesday. No sun today but less wind.
Friday – Rest day and the first night of Passover. I celebrated it at our annual Mah Jongg seder.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Lots of options. FTC run or Rabbit Ramble 4m race or just a long run. But it was raining, I am a weather wimp and almost bailed on the whole thing. But I did go to FTC, even ran 4 very speedy miles with the Advanced group. Because the skies opened up, instead of continuing our miles, we went out to brunch.
Sunday – Since I only ran 4 on Saturday, this morning I did my long run. The weather was absolutely perfect. I met Deidre & Christina at the Nisky bike trail (where we have not run since fall). We did 8 miles together with varying intervals and it was almost painless.
Easter Sunday and dinner with the fam…yes, I celebrate all.the.holidays. It’s all about the food. LOL
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races? Do you run any half marathons or marathons just for FUN. Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.
If you follow me, you probably know that I love to race and am a big proponent of signing up for lots of races. I posted about this last Friday.
My FTC coach tells me all the time that I race too much. “Just pick a goal race and train for it,” he says.
My topic for today is: The Downside of Frequent Racing
1. Money
It costs a lot money to race all the time. Money that may be better spent on other things (like a race-cation, pair of shoes, etc. even non-running related items)
2. Scheduling
You can run any time and anywhere. But when you sign up for a race, you are locked into the day and time of that race. You may have to forget that you have family and friends.
3. Weather Conditions
Yes, you wind up running in the rain or snow or sub-zero conditions.
If it weren’t for the race, you may run indoors, later in the day or on different day.
a wet 5 mile race
4. Injuries
Of course, if you are injured or feel that you may be injured, you might rest for a few days or run easy. Not if you have registered for a race. You go out there and run. And if you competitive like me, you race it.
The consequences could be making your injury worse and being forced to DNS an important race.
I was very lucky that a 5 week calf injury did not get worse by running this half marathon
5. Training for Long Races
If you run long races, your training plan usually includes a long run each week. These runs should be at an easy pace. Running shorter races on the weekend does not allow this to happen. Yes, you can race (as I do) and add on miles before or after the race.
5k race + 7 = 10
But it probably doesn’t prepare for race day as well as if you do those LSD runs.
Happy Running! Do you race frequently? Why or why not?
My First 5K and More... 