Thankfully, the race is literally five minutes from our house and we had picked up our bibs the night before, so Dr. G. and I left about 20 minutes before race time to minimize the amount of time we were just standing around outside. As a result, neither of us did a very good job stretching or warming up.
This is a tricky race for me to critique here, since I was kind of involved in the planning/publicity of it, so I’m saving my feedback for my fellow ladies on the planning committee. But let’s just say it was one of those races that had a LOT of kids and novice runners, and there was no time seeding, so the beginning of the race was a bit of a traffic jam (I used another choice word – beginning with the word “cluster” – post-race). But once I broke free, it was smooth sailing, and I finished the first mile in exactly 8 minutes. But then my lack of preparation caught up with me between miles 1-2, and by the time I was able to regroup and sprint toward the finish line, I knew I had missed my sub-25 again. However, I did accomplish my major goal, which was to beat last Sunday’s 5K time.
Final time: 25:55 (8:20 min/mi pace). 9 of 45 in my age group, 84 overall out of 459. Not bad for my second race in a row, especially considering the elements.
Next race: James Joyce Ramble 10K on my birthday!
Now that I have my two 5Ks out of the way, it’s time to really focus on my half marathon training, considering the race is in exactly 76 days. I based this plan on a 10-week training plan in Women’s Health, but adapted it to my schedule, which includes 10 days in Disney World, my 10K birthday race, and a few other standing events I need to work and train around. I also wanted to make sure I incorporated cross-training, like Body Pump and boot camp, since I don’t want to ignore my upper body while I’m in training mode.
The tempo runs are a mile at a normal pace, then running for the designated amount of time at a comfortably hard pace, then finishing up with a mile at normal pace. The intervals are basically that: start off running the first mile at an easy pace, then alternate between a minute (or two) of a faster pace, followed by a minute of jogging. A rest and recovery run is 3-4 miles at an easy pace (but more than a jog).
I haven’t been doing much outside running this winter, but that ends now (unless we have a freak late March or April snowstorm, which is entirely possible). I could definitely tell during these two 5Ks that I haven’t been running outside, so that is something I need to work on over the next 10 weeks (and is something that will hopefully get easier – and be more pleasant – as the weather gets warmer). This plan is also subject to the random curveballs that life throws at you: sick kids, a traveling husband, freak snowstorms, injury, etc.
Wish me luck!
Sheri says
I can’t handle anything under 45 degrees…good for you!! I like the idea of making a schedule. Keeps you more committed. I should start doing this.
jen @ keekoin says
Your time is great! I know how much harder it is in the frigid temps. I’m not a cold-air runner, either. I’m not a cold-air person in general! LOL. Great job!!! Keep it comin’!
Jessica says
Me either – give me 65 degrees any day π
Leah DeCesare says
Congratulations! I’m not a runner but love the idea of racing! I once cheered on my brother and SIL in a half marathon in NH – it was beautiful and inspiring and in the end, I wanted to do it …. but only for a moment until I realized I didn’t really want to do it – I just wanted to FINISH it! π
The most I’ve run is 9 miles on a treadmill – I usually just do 3 -4 to give me a boost and I’m perfectly happy stopping!
Outside feels so different to me! At the time I was running regularly 7-8 miles indoors, my brother told me to run the little 4th of July 5K – PAINFUL! As cold as your Shamrock Run was as HOT as this run was – I did not have fun – I’m back to cheering from the side in a sundress! π
Your training schedule inspires me to go to the gym, though!
Jessica says
I love the camaraderie of races!! My favorite part, for sure.
Jackie Hennessey says
You are too hard on yourself- you did great! Nice time. And despite the cold weather (something I can’t stand)…um…YOU DID IT, girl! You GO!
Jessica says
Woot! Thanks, Jackie!! π
Stephanie Kay says
Way to go!! I’m impressed that anyone could run in this cold weather!
Jessica says
I wasn’t much of a happy camper that morning π
Chelley / AisForAdelaide says
YOU DID GREAT!!! Nice work π Your training schedule looks awesome. Keep killin’ it!!!!!!
Jessica says
Thanks, Chelley!! No turning back now π
Sarah B says
You rocked! Far too cold for me! Nice work!!
Jessica says
Thanks!! I think I’ll be ok if I never tun in those temps again π
mel says
You rock!!! That time is awesome!!! I did my first 5K in 35 minutes and I was ecstatic. You blew me out of the water!
Jessica says
But you went out and did it, that’s all that matters!! Keep it up! π
candice says
You are one determined Mama! That is a bit chilly for my taste although I am having my own personal summer now that I am pregnant!
Jessica says
Oh yes, I remember those days ! My youngest is a June baby so this would have been my summer too!
Mary Larsen says
Wow! So proud of you – training for a half marathon – thats amazing!!!
Jessica says
Thanks, Mary!! I am still in a bit of disbelief π
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
Congrats! A half marathon would be such an accomplishment!!!
Jessica says
Thanks!!! I am a little nervous π