Before this season, the last race I ran was the NYC Marathon in 2013 just before I knew I was pregnant. I ran it in 3:37, just 2 minutes short of qualifying for Boston. I was conditioned and sharp and primed to compete. That’s how it’s always been for me. So maybe I did take it for granted, because now, with two kids and preparing to move (and unfortunately I’m not getting any younger!), running is just not topping my priority list. 🙁
Last week I wrote about finding my fire, because I was starting to feel like I was straying too far from what I need to be a balanced person.
Don’t worry…I found my fire.
This weekend, prepping for yet another 5k on minimal no run training, I set aside part of my brain to focus on myself. I fueled pre-race and I had a plan. These two pieces made a huge difference. I sucked up my pride and let my husband pull slightly ahead with the stroller (he’s freakishly strong with that thing!), and in doing that, I was able to be in control. I paced myself appropriately for my current fitness levels and ran a consistent and comfortable race.
Time-wise, I can’t compare it to the previous 5ks because this 5k ended up being a 3.8er for most of us (race directors worst nightmare!), but that was fine with me…I didn’t set out to break any records AND I got in a longer run.
I haven’t even been wearing my Garmin during this little running hiatus (my Chromebook doesn’t support Garmin Connect), but I think I might start again anyway just for pacing. It was a doozy when the mile 2 marker flashed 22:00! Clearly we had made some wrong turns before that point!
Anyway, no amount of burpees or HIIT workouts or yoga are going to change the fact that I am just plain out of running shape. But that’s ok. Being smart has already significantly improved the quality of my runs and the training will come soon.
So I’m going to be patient.
I going to continue inspiring others here with my knowledge and experience–and in turn inspiring myself.
Have you ever been part of race gone wrong?
Are you in the midst of being patient while out of shape?
