Monday, July 14, 2014

Road Race Series 2014- A Year Later

I love the Road Race Series.  For $70, you get to run 2 x :  5k, 5 mile, 10k, 10 mile, 1/2 marathon.  1200+ runners take part in the racing, but it has a good, low key feel to it.  You just can't beat it!

Last year I jumped in to kick start my return to self after Isla was born.  I set a lot of PWs and didn't wow anyone out there, but I went from c-section, no sleeping, stressed out new mom to a half-marathoner in 4 months.  It was ugly and at times painful, but lots of fun as well.

If I gave you the impression that I have quit triathlon and running, I apologize.  I got a pat on the back the other day for retiring to a jogger, and I thought...really?  Not so fast there, buddy.  I plan on racing for many, many more years.  I never said I quit or was slowing down.  What I did say is that I am redesigning my racing and training.  Change or die! 

So here I am- first 5k finished in the 2014 edition completed.  I had zero expectations and could not even guess what time I would run out there.  I actually hate that feeling.  How fast to go through the first mile?  Hell if I know!  I would check my splits and I had no clue if they were reasonable or not.  So, the 5k was done by feel.  I even split the first 2 miles with some slowing on the 3rd.  I started way too far back, and I also settled near other runners towards the end as if I were happy to be in their company as opposed to trying to race.  But, I think that is just what happens when you don't race often.  You lose your feel for the little things that make a big difference- where to start, when to push, how to speed up when everyone else is slowing down, etc...

So, like last year, I am going to do the Road Race Series and improve my fitness.  (except this time I really am going to get fit!).   I am not going to do any speedwork at all to get ready for this.   Speed, the track, tempo runs, etc....none of that is my problem.  My problem is 10mpw and no consistency.  I need to get miles on my legs, rebuild my aerobic system, and get my head and spirit engaged in racing.  So, let's see if I can have a stronger showing in 2 weeks.  I might be am out of shape, but that is a temporary condition in my mind.  :) 

xo


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