Compete VS Complete

During my training, I am more focused on competing in this half marathon rather than completing it. My first half marathon was an unbelievable feeling of accomplishment and doing so without any walking was my main goal leading up to the race. During my training, I rarely focused on how fast I was running or strategies to increase my time because I had nothing to judge from. Just finishing the 13.1 miles was enough. Now that I am on my second race, I am taking more interest in learning about training in a way to increase my half marathon time. To me, competing is finishing my half under 2:08 min.  I was able to read two excellent books (thanks to my dad who bought them for me) that addressed some strategies of running. Running seems like it would be simple with not so much strategy behind it, but really it’s the opposite. There are many factors to bettering yourself as a runner, and I was able to identify some of these while reading.

Here is a website that I found with some interesting information on improving race time
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/half-marathon-training-593

Intensity is one of the most important factors to focus on when trying to decrease your time. When designing my training program, I varied the intensities of my workouts as suggested by my research. It is important to incorporate faster, shorter runs into my running schedule in order to work on decreasing my mile time. During my last half marathon training schedule, I focused on how many miles would run per week. I found that running less mileage per week at a higher intensity will actually help decrease my half marathon time. This new focus will hopefully help me in my hopes to improve! I know that this new training will require mental toughness and that I push myself harder but I figure if I can get through 5 years of Cleve Wright, I can push myself for 12 weeks.

Today was my first day of training. Zach and I were busy shopping for clothes for our engagement pictures all day so I wasn’t able to get outside to run until it was dark around 6:15pm. My run went well; I followed a trail outside in Zach’s neighborhood which was well lit with street lights. I wasn’t sure how far I was going, or where I was going in that matter, and I ended up running for about 40 minutes.  I wanted today’s run to be an easy-going joy run, which it was. The weather was perfect and I found the run to be peaceful and I loved it! Tomorrow I am planning on going to Zach’s high school track to begin some higher intensity runs, which includes 4-5 fast paced ¼ mile runs which short breaks. This is one of the higher intensity workouts that I am including in my workout to decrease my mile time. Good first day!