We are eight days out from the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, and I am under-trained. Which is ironic when you consider I've spent the last ten weeks helping other runners be well-prepared for this same race. So how did I get here? Let's review...
January
- I'm going to move up to the intermediate training program this year!
- It will be tough to fit the workouts in with everything on my plate right now, but I trained for a marathon last year and only missed one workout. How much harder can this be?
- Training: on track with intermediate program.
February
- Wow, I forgot how much time coaching takes. I'll just switch to the beginner program.
- Work is kicking my butt this month...I've missed a lot of the weekday training runs.
- Training: mostly on track with beginner program, as long as you don't look too closely at the weekdays...
March
- Huh, work is even more intense this month. That business trip to California sucked up almost a week of my time.
- Ah, the business trip that keeps on giving - I picked up a cold along the way. I am sleeping over 10 hours a night and still feel exhausted. WTF?
- Must. Keep. Working. Oops, sinus infection. Still exhausted. Finally go to the doctor and take some time off.
- Training: 5 miles the first weekend...and then nothing...until March 22. Training completely off the rails.
April???
- Should I run the 10-mile or switch to the 5k?
- 5k cheerleaders:
- Ego: You can't come anywhere close to your previous 10-mile times in your current under-trained state.
- Nervous Nelly: You've barely run in the past month. You might injure yourself if you take on too much.
- Coach Kim: After the 5k you can cheer at the finish line for all of the runners in your training program.
- 10-mile cheerleaders:
- Competitive Spirit: March was a bust but you had a good base in February. You got up to 8 miles. You can certainly run 10, get out there and see what you are capable of even in your under-trained state.
- Social Butterfly: You love this race! You want to be on the course, running with & talking to other runners, experiencing the full race. You have to run it!
At this point, I honestly don't know what I'm going to choose. Any advice?
Kim, Are you going to feel worse about not doing it even if its not your strongest race? With kids and life happening I have had training plans get derailed! If you are feeling totally unprepared and are putting yourself at risk of injury then I say do the 5k. If you feel that you are just anxious about not having a great race performance then it comes down to which is the worst outcome; not having the best race or not doing it? Only you know what is best for you. I applaud you putting this out there as many of us can relate too this scenario but sometimes don't admit!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting - I appreciate the support! I like the way you have framed it. Not doing it is worse than not having a great race performance. I'll see how my run goes this weekend to help me untangle the injury concern vs. performance anxiety piece of the puzzle. Thanks again for your support :)
DeleteHow about this? No matter which race you pick set your watch for intervals and distance only. Don't monitor your pace or overall time. Run for fun! And based on how you feel. Just go out and soak in the race, the crowds, and the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms.
ReplyDeleteFantastic advice, as always! Thank you Susan :)
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts. You've been given great advice. I am sure you could do the full race as your body has memory and you've done the distance before . Instead of running to beat a previous time just run and really enjoy the beauty. On the other hand if deep down your not feeling well prepared do the 5k and then cheer away. You don't want to risk injury and have you side lines later and we all don't need to feel guilty. Pamper yourself the day after the run too! Either choice is the best one for you and we have all been in this spot or will be at some point.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great advice Andrea! I especially like the pampering idea. I see a pedicure or a massage in my future...
DeleteAs long as you don't have any injuries, I say go for it! You do love this race and just treat it as a fun time to spend with friends and who cares about the time? See you there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! See you there :)
DeleteTough question, but I say go for it -- as long as you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteThank you Coco! See you this weekend :)
DeleteHope to see you there, Kim! Whether it be the 5K or 10M :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can finally meet! I'll be at the PR tent pre- and post-race :)
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