Friday, April 24, 2015

PR Dreams and Chilling Out

With running, I may or may not have a habit of over-analyzing things. One downside to all of this analysis is that sometimes it assigns a small, scary, definite number to the pace that I need to hit in order to achieve a PR. When my current training pace is around an 8:00/mile it seems rather daunting to have to run 3.1 miles in a row at exactly 5:47/mile on Sunday. So, over the last few days this analysis has resulted in a bit of pre-race anxiety. I was worried how uncomfortable running those paces will make me.

On a related note, Kim had a post today which included a quote from Desi Linden about getting "comfortable with being uncomfortable". While I agree with Des that at certain (mostly later) stages of races you should be comfortable with being uncomfortable - for most of my PRs - I was not uncomfortable at all. As I commented on Kim's post, I finished my half marathon PR with the feeling like I could have run another 5 miles. I've heard it before more than a few times, but it bears repeating that I need to let the race come to me. That's how I run the best - by not forcing things. If I try to force things the race will be "uncomfortably uncomfortable" and the results will reflect that - and probably not in a positive way.

So, I don't know if I will PR this Sunday (or next Saturday), but I do know is I need to chill out and wear a smile! That's the only way for something magical to happen.

Finishing the 2014 RnR Half  (credit)
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12 comments:

  1. KimApril 24, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    Thanks for the shoutout!

    I really think your analysis is what makes you such a strong runner. You really prep for races, are realistic about what your body can do, and you quite often achieve it. And if you don't, you are quick to figure out why. You are a very knowledgeable runner.

    I don't like 5Ks because a lot of the race (last 1.5 to 1 mile) IS at that uncomfortable level. But for me, it's worth it in a 5K. I would think though, at distances beyond that, much less of the race is at that level, if any. I feel best about a race where I PR'd and it didn't feel horrible the whole time. That usually means my splits strategy was good and I was trained right!

    I am excited to see how your 5K goes! :)

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    1. Pete BApril 24, 2015 at 10:36 AM

      Thanks. I agree that the last mile or so of the 5k can be uncomfortable. But it helps if you paced yourself well and are relaxed going into that last mile. I am usually starting to hurt a little by then, but the hurt is offset by the fact that I am picking off other runners and am "flying" down the backstretch. I guess to sum it up: If things are going well, the pain isn't so painful. If they are going badly, well the pain is really miserable!

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  2. XaarlinApril 24, 2015 at 10:54 AM

    I'll echo Kim and say your analysis of these events and distances certainly contribute to your success at them because you are thinking about it and making educated decisions about pace. (As opposed to running blindly and making race mistakes)

    My shamrock PR this year is like your half PR- I could have kept going. All of my speed work is like that- it's uncomfortably comfortable and I'm always left wanting more intervals when I'm done. Regardless of what happens I know you'll run a smart race!

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    1. Pete BApril 24, 2015 at 12:54 PM

      Thanks. Yes educated decisions are better than flying blind, I just need to stop over-thinking, trust my strategy and let things unfold the way they unfold. Yes I always include some uncomfortable comfortable in most of my training runs. There is a similar mantra that we train hard so that the races are easy (or something like that!). Thanks!

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  3. emmers712April 24, 2015 at 2:53 PM

    Love this!!! I'm with you on dreading that feeling of discomfort from forcing things. It's so true that my best races and often my PRs are those that I just go with the flow on, without overthinking things! I am actually thinking that my Garmin sometimes hampers me more than it helps me. My new strategy will be to run by feel while wearing a smile. =D

    Good luck this Sunday!!! (No rain in forecast during Ravenswood, but they ARE forecasting rain tomorrow during Wrigley. Go figure, right? ;-P )

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    1. Pete BApril 25, 2015 at 3:41 PM

      Thanks. I will try only to look at my Garmin a couple of times during the race. In the first mile to make sure I am not going to fast and then near the end to see my progress. Hope your run at Wrigley was fun (and not too wet)!

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  4. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeApril 24, 2015 at 5:12 PM

    I need to go read Kim's post. That quote is one of my favorites and I've used it a lot lately as I've had huge gains in my speedwork. Sometimes it doesn't feel good to run but when you're done, after you've pushed it--yes!

    Good luck and I can't wait to see how you do!

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    1. Pete BApril 25, 2015 at 3:41 PM

      Yes, it does feel good when you've pushed it! Thanks!

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  5. TeamarciaApril 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I agree with you that all of my PRs (ok excluding the 5k) were not terribly painful, probably because I paced them correctly, by some miracle. It pained me to watch Desi lead Boston for so long in the wind. She's a tough cookie. All the best with your 5k!

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    1. Pete BApril 25, 2015 at 3:42 PM

      Yes, the 5ks are mostly painful, especially near the end! She is a real tough cookie. Did you see how even her splits were. Wow! Thanks!

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  6. Michelle @ www.movinitwithmichelle.comApril 25, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    Best wishes to you!! I know you'll knock it out of the park!

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