Within the training plan I’m following, there are two “optional” races scheduled. There is a 5K scheduled in Week 6 and a 10K in Week 9. Basically, if I understand him correctly, this is geared towards those who have never entered a formal race of any kind.
Here’s the thing: There are no races close to me that line up with my training schedule.
Here’s the question: What do I do on those days I have a race scheduled?
I’ve come up with three different options.
Option A: Run an “informal” race by myself.
The main problem with this option is when I’m not in a race environment I don’t push myself as hard. There isn’t as much adrenaline pumping. There aren’t any crowds cheering you on. Boo.
Option B: Run the same mileage as I did the week before.
Option C: Keep building my mileage until I reach 13 miles and run that distance on each of my long run days for two weeks until the half-marathon.
On the current plan, I build up to 12 miles the week before the race.
With this option, I would just keep pressing on . . . .
What would you do?
P. S. I sure hope this made sense. If not, welcome to my brain. ::snort::
Just a little confusing.
I would get my son to run an unofficial race with me. Maybe your son and husband could run and push you a little? I don’t know the dynamics of your running family and that may not work, but that’s what I would try.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..Sweet Shot Tuesday/Wordless Wednesday
[Reply]
Just run the mileage and skip the race aspect. I ran a 5K a couple weeks before my half because it was local and I wanted to run it anyway. I think that day was actually supposed to be a 10K but whatever. I just did the 10K the next day. I think it’s for people who don’t really have the racing experience. You’ve done enough of them, you don’t need that part.
(everytime i comment here and your commentluv shows the same dumb post that i posted over a month ago, I am reminded what a slacker blogger I am. I better get blogging!)
Emily@remodelingthislife´s last [type] ..2011: A Look Back
[Reply]
I would go with the self supported races, and just aim for a PR. Those are great recovery weeks to add a burst of speed & allow you to cut back on mileage & rest a little. Any way you go, running will win every time over sitting on the couch!
[Reply]
Personally, I would do the “self-supported” race (you know, run it on your own). Since running is so mental, this could be a good way to “talk yourself through” any rough spots that day. I would not suggest continually increasing the mileage until race day. Your plan has a built in taper in order to keep you at your optimum for race day….the real race day! Don’t overdo it!
Jennifer Ferguson´s last [type] ..Blogs and Twitter
[Reply]
It made absolutely no sense to me, hahaha. But whatever you decide you kick its butt
Sarah-Anne´s last [type] ..bullet update
[Reply]
Run the race distance with a faster friend?
[Reply]
Skype me and we’ll countdown 3…2…1…GO, run the race and the first one back to Skype wins.
[Reply]
Do you have someone else that is training on the same schedule, even far away? You could do a virtual race and compare times at the finish…you could do it via FB or Twitter
. That might get the motivation going…do you have any ‘running stuff’ contacts? Maybe a small giveaway based on the honor system? Good luck! I am starting to train for a 5K, I’m so slooooow.
[Reply]
I wouldn’t worry about the 5K and 10K weeks. I’m training for a half marathon that’s in March, and I have a 10K scheduled, but it’s nowhere near the week I’m “supposed” to do it. I also started training way too early, and I’m going to hit the end of my schedule a few weeks before my half. I plan to just keep upping the long run by a mile until it’s time to taper off. I think it’ll eventually have me running 15 or 16 miles, but I figure 13.1 will feel easier if I’ve done a couple that are longer. We’ll see.
Audra Lynn´s last [type] ..Training – The BAD Week
[Reply]