Not sure of my next race?
2011 started off with a bang! Two races, two PRs! Since mid-February, my mileage has stayed very consistent (50 mpw range). What has been lacking has been my direction. I haven’t been following a specific plan. I’ve been haphazardly running work outs whenever I felt. There was no structure, which is the norm for me. I tend to be too OCD about following a “plan” every step of the way. Years ago, I started with this “fly by the seat of my pants” training. I know what workouts I like to do for certain distances, etc.
Following my 10k PR in February, I thought for sure that I was ready to attack sub 1:24 for the HM, and maybe 1:23:30. One of my favorite races, Germantown HM, was the place that he assault would take place. The month or so that followed the 10k race, my mileage was good, but workouts were hit or miss. After my dismal HM (1:25:16), I looked back at my log. Again, my mileage, for me, was decent. There just weren’t many race specific work outs. In the end, I believe this hurt me, as 6:22 pace didn’t feel as comfortable as it should have. I won’t rehash the race details, but after the first mile (6:19), everything else was in the low 6:30 range. I never fell apart, but just didn’t have that other gear. I didn’t beat myself up too much following the race. It was quite warm that morning and I don’t run well in warm weather.
What I need is direction. Do I make a spring assault on a 5k race? Do I train like a miler and attempt to go under 5:00? As I’ve said before, “I feel fit, just not fast.” Do I prepare for another big 10k race? I dunno, at this point. I need direction!
Michael,
Only you can decide what you want to focus on in terms of race distances. What has helped me immensely is getting a coach. It wasn’t so much about what workouts I liked to do, but what workouts would help me get better. Those don’t always line up. A coach helped with the structure, prevented over-training, and provided a sense of accountability.
If it helps, I’ve read that many coaches suggest that you proceed 1/2m and marathon training with solid 5K/10K training/racing. This provides the leg speed workouts and gets you ready for the bigger workouts that the longer races require.
Not sure if you’re familiar with “TheRunZone.com” but there’s a wealth of information there (papers, etc) and the main forum contributors are very knowledgeable about running.
Tom