A Mere Mortal Can Still Have Goals! :)

In my last post I admitted that it has been 3 weeks since my last run. This was a major set back to the progress I was making in increasing my ability to run 10 miles straight. Paired with this discouragement I missed out on the half marathon I had been planning for months. I find the best medicine to help get over running set backs and disappointments is to make new goals. Rip off that band aid, followed by picking a new race. Ignore your body's whining pain and come up with a new schedule to and an area that needs improvement. As I wallowed in my depressed funk last night after realizing I was not going to participate in the Rock Canyon Half Marathon, I browsed the Running in the USA website in search for my next race. As I realized that there were not many half marathon options in the winter time, I decided it would be best for me to focus on my 5K and 10K time. Then, POW! I have a plan!

This is really all happening with timing that couldn't be better since next week is my last week of Fall Term. That means I can start my training program this week! Research! This means that Jessi gets to research some strength training circuits and some plans to incorporate more speed work intervals!

Right now, my mile averages at about 10-11 or sometimes even higher depending on where I am running. I would like my mile to average 9 -10 minutes. When I race a 5K I tend to finish  the race in around 32-34 minutes. Not horrible, but not great. My 5K races need to be 30 min or less to be where I want them. To do this I know I need to strengthen my legs, arms, and core to help prevent my body from giving up. I also need to focus on speed work to get my lungs and heart used to some extra pumping. Focus, focus, focus!

Here is the crazy part to all my planning: I am considering participating in the Winter Series in Colorado Springs! There are 4 races through out January and February. It might be a fun way to keep my workouts interesting during the cold winter months. One concern I have is about the weather. I am nervous if snow prevents me from making one of the races. I am still considering it, I am giving myself until I return from Oregon for Christmas to commit to it. If I don't commit to these 4 races I will do other races or will commit to a couple of them. I am going to do the St Patrick's Day 5K again, that is for sure! I want to beat last year's time of 32:39!