A secondary goal for 2018
My serious, most important goal for 2018 was to eat a vegan donut. Which I have completed, but am conflicted about. Sigh. This post is not about that, though.
It’s about my secondary goal for 2018, which is to see how close I can get to my 5K PR of 21:45! That PR was set at the Frosty Footrace in 2016 and will be two years old this February, eek!
Old photo from my 5K PR (I’m #79)
When I ran 21:45, I was lighter (in weight) and had been for some time, had been running faster in general (because of being lighter), was hitting race pace or slightly faster speeds in interval training, and was running about 45-50 miles a week. I was doing kind of nutso training for this 5K – things like doing 18 mile runs with six one-mile long hill repeats in them. I enjoyed it, that’s for sure. (Also, yay, record keeping – I knew I’d need all this info someday, ha!)
So, because I know that worked, I am working to get back to that weight, and that level of miles per week. The thing is though, I can’t hit the paces now, because I am heavier. As I mentioned in the 5K training plan I created, I have to see how I speed up, as I get lighter.
So I say I’d like to see if I can PR at the 5K I’m signed up for on April 7, but I really have to see where my training is at! The weight won’t do it all – I need to train at those paces, too.
However, part of me knows that racing on a flat course will help. My PR is on a hilly course on a quite windy day. The race I’m targeting in April is flat, flat, flat, with a few turns. And hopefully no wind. Ha. Also, I’ve run a 21:48 (3.5 months before my PR), without being light in weight for very long, on a flat course. So… who knows. Maybe I can just gut it out?!
Just kidding, I know I need to do speedwork at those paces!!! And despite the dread and fear of speedwork, I love how accomplished it makes me feel, when I am doing it, and especially when it’s over. I love training, and won’t be upset if I don’t hit my goal (<— not coping out, just mentioning I am aware it’s JUST running).
So, yeah, that’s goal #2! I feel like I do need to reach some resolution with goal #1 though. The way it was accomplished is putting me in such a funky head space, I am not sure I can devote the energy I need to, to goal #2. Sigh.
Ha ha ha.
And there’s one more thing motivating me for the race in April – it’s in my hometown and I’d love to get a PR that my parents get to see! I don’t think that part of wanting my parents to be proud of me will ever go away.
Themocracy
I’m sure that if you stick to the plan you will make yourself proud!
Definitely!!!
Are you thinking about doing any races this year?
I’m definitely running the Chicago marathon and have entered the lottery for the NYC marathon. I’d like to run faster than last year but am not truly embracing these as races if that makes any sense. I do plan to incorporate speed work this year (I didn’t last year).
Cool! Are you running for the same charity? Or did you mention a new one?
Oh yeah, I get what you mean. The marathon is an adventure for you 😉
This year I’m running for Team World Vision. I trained with them last year and they really are a wonderful group of people working for a great cause: Clean Water for Children in Africa.
Oh right, awesome!!!!!!
Maybe you can find a plan that focuses on the speed without the high mileage b/c of all of the other strength work you do? Like the 6 x 1 mile hills with 1.5 warm up and down – so a 10 – 12 mile workout instead of 18. Good luck!
Oh yeah, I totally don’t need to repeat that long of long runs! Ha, I was doing them at the time because I had the time and was stressed about closing on our house and taking it out on my runs. Thanks!!!!
I didn’t realize that you loved training so much. I mean, I knew you enjoyed long runs, but I didn’t realize you liked the whole process of training. I think I don’t love it because then I’m sad if I don’t meet the goal (instead of enjoying the process).
What if you go for another vegan donut after your race? Would that bring you closure?
I love how it makes me feel! The more I run, the better I feel. And it’s a bonus if I am running with goals (speedwork, etc) and hitting them! Do you feel sad not meeting goals immediately, in other areas of life, too?
That definitely would! That race is NO where NEAR vegan donuts. Maybe a vegan cupcake. Sigh, that goal.
You’ve totally got this!
Thank you!
Now this is a goal you can really sink your teeth into! 😉
Good luck – I’ll be cheering you on along the way!
Ha! Thank you! 🙂
My coaches CB and Ze pequeno have graciously offered their coaching services for you to reach your goal. They mainly only care about being fed first thing post run, but they totes want you to succeed.
I think if you’re close to your paces at your current weight, that once you are closer to race weight the pace should be attainable. (For me at least this worked for the half. So it is a big part!)
I’m excited about your training and race 🙂 I love hearing about it.
Wow! They will wait until POST run? Awesome coaches! Mine require PRE run feeding.
I hope it works out that way! I think I’m about 30 seconds to a minute off now, but still have 10+ pounds to lose. I hope it all works out, ha!
Thanks! I love sharing it with you, and hearing about your training, too!
Speedwork is the way to go! I am getting back into the groove after taking some time off from serious training and it feels good because I feel like my easy runs are becoming easier. I love looking back at previous runs. 6x mile repeats on hills sounds awesome! Beast mode for sure!
Isn’t that awesome when the easy runs become easier and faster, naturally, because of the speedwork? It feels so good to have that all pay off. I am excited you are getting back at it!
I am so glad I document all my training and can look back at it! It helps with planning, and when I need motivation!
I loved that one mile hill. We only lived near it for two months, but I visited it a lot!
I don’t think I’ve seen that picture before. Wow, you look SO focused!
I remember how blustery it was that day. Can you imagine how fast you could have finished in more ideal conditions? Weight aside, I think a flat course without 50mph gusts will make a pretty big difference in and of itself, not to mention with your hardcore training.
I’m looking forward to getting a PR in my hometown in April too, so yay, common goal 🙂
Thanks! I was!
Gawd, that day was insane! I bet I would have finished 20-30 seconds faster that day, on that course, had there been calmer winds! Thanks for your vote of confidence! Ahh, we are totally goal twinsies. Will mom and dad be there too?!?!!
Oh definitely! I’m working on a spectating map for them LOL, since their usual spot on the 5k course isn’t part of the HM course (and if it was, it’d be mile 12 or so, which would hopefully not be the only time I’d see them!)
Oh good! I hope they can see you several times!