After running the
Shamrock Shuffle last Sunday, I was pretty sore for the next few days and then I came down with a cold, so my running was limited last week. This unplanned "rest week" seems to have paid dividends because this week, I feel better and I have been able to run more miles with less effort than before.
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| On my morning run today |
So since I am feeling better and optimistic health-wise, I have registered for the 2014 edition of the Ravenswood Run! The Ravenswood Run is in my neighborhood and is the home of my two fastest 5ks which are two seconds apart from each other (18:15 and 18:17). I am hoping to squeeze in enough miles in the next two weeks to allow me to have a minor "breakthrough" at the race. Based on my Shamrock Shuffle 8k time, the
McMillan Calculator predicts I can run about a 19:30 5k. However, I am really going to shoot to break 19 minutes. Why? Because it's more fun to squeak under whole minutes than half minutes!
I have the Indy Mini (half) Marathon six days later, so I am going to be careful not to do too much speed training. My main concerns right now are to stay injury-free and to get my lung endurance peaking via more mileage. If I am successful on both fronts, I can look forward to at least more two half marathons this summer. The Ravenswood Run 5k will just have to be a tune-up this year.
Yay, glad to hear your runs are feeling easier and better :) I'm thinking the same thing for the Ravenswood Run - I'd love to go for a PR, but given that overdoing speed training caused me some pain, s a PR effort the week before Wisconsin would probably not be wise.
ReplyDeleteYes. Sounds like your plan on staying healthy for your half is a sound one. The main theme for the Ravenswood Run will be to have some fun running a race in the 'hood. If we happen to eke out a bit more speed from the race, we can use it the following weekend. :)
DeleteWell yeah, I mean if I'm close to a PR I'll go for it :) but my goal now is just a course PR (since that's about 3:30 off from my 5k PR). But fun and brunch are my big goals for the day!
DeleteSounds like you should have a shot at your course PR. I set my 5k PR (Ravenswood '10) and my half marathon PR (Indy '10) less than two weeks apart. Anyway, this year I'm mostly looking to running down Lincoln Ave. by the Brauhaus!
DeleteGlad to hear you're feeling well enough to sign up for more races! Best of luck with both of your imminent races!
ReplyDeletePS Did you run NYCM in 2011? Because I did (and totally have that shirt in my drawer).
Thanks! Yes, I totally did run the NYCM in 2011. Favorite race ever. I have some pictures here: http://lakefronttrail.blogspot.com/2011/11/nyc-marathon-2012-pictures.html
DeleteYay! Glad you are running again! Looking forward to seeing you at Ravenswood
ReplyDeleteThanks, and we'll see you there! :)
DeleteDefinitely looking forward to that Indy Mini Marathon recap! You did great at Shamrock, good luck at Ravenswood 5K. I've only done that once or twice but do like that race a lot. Good luck bud and see you soon I hope!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ken. Hopefully, my Mini recap will be one that shows that I am still on an upward trajectory fitness and health-wise. I have a soft spot for the Ravenswood Run because it is my "local" race and it's the home of my PR! Hope to see you out on the Trail soon as well!
DeleteGlad to hear you're feeling better! I was toying with doing a 5k 6 days before I do the FLying Pig 3-way (5k/10k/half). Maybe I'll go for it.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the Lincoln Half went right past Lincoln's tomb. I thought it was so odd to have a race go thru a cemetery but it was cool.