When I first looked up training plans for my half and full marathons I was overwhelmed at the amount of different training plans. I was half expecting it. However, what I was not expecting was all the list of different types of runs included in the training plans. Long runs, Slow runs, Tempo runs, hills, repeats, fartlek, the list went on and on. Since my goal was to finish each race without injury, I only concentrated on running the distances outlined in my plans. I learned what pace was a good pace for me to start and tried to continue on that pace throughout the run. Guess I did ok, because it worked and I have both races under my belt.
With that said, I am now in between training sessions. My marathon is finished and my next 1/2 marathon isn't until September. It's a nice place to be. I went for a leisurely run in the park the other day and ran as far as I felt like (6 miles) without feeling overwhelmed because I had to get in a certain amount of running. I was able to just run and enjoy it- something I didn't really get to do in training. Just knowing that I could stop at anytime and walk away without any guilt was great!
However, I am starting to shift the way I think about my runs.
I have decided that I am going to run at least 3 times a week until my training starts.
2 short runs of about 3-4 miles and one longer run that can be anywhere from 5-8 miles.
My long run is going to be my relaxed, no pressure run BUT I am going to use my short runs to really try and step up my game. I am NOT a fast runner by any means and I am not in any rush to change how quick I can run a 1/2 or full marathon. I am interested in uping my runs for 5 K's since I would like to do a few more this year.
So I have decided to add in some tempo runs where I work on getting my time mile by mile quicker. Eventually I might add in some hill work and fartleks but my goal of running is to ultimately have fun so the last thing I want to do is overwhelm myself! Once I get going on my quest for a quicker run, I will post how it is going and what I am doing.
Do you have any advice for me? What are your running or fitness goals for the rest of the year?
3 comments:
I'm still training for that first 5k of mine at the end on July.. I got of track for a while, time to step it up again! Good job on all you're races!
I'm not a fast runner either, hopeffully spped will come with time and paitence!
What race are you doing in September? I'm kind of thinking the same thing you are. I might start working on getting faster and/or adding more cross-training/strength training/yoga to help with running. I'm also enjoying the break in between right now though.
Tara- Good luck on your 5K! You can definitely do it!!! Just concentrate on finishing and you will be fine. :) A motto a lot of marathoners were saying during the race was "Someday, I will not be able to do this But today is Not that day." I found that very motivating! :)
Brittney- I'm going to run Melissa's Road Race in Banff (Canada). My boyfriends sister-in-law is running it and asked me if I wanted to run it with her. :)
I think it's good to switch it up a bit, I don't want to get burnt out or hurt myself!
Have you picked out your next event?
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