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Friday, February 01, 2008

Thinking of Tomorrow

I think today after class I'm gonna stop by my local running store and get a new pair of shoes. I've been alternating between 2 pairs that have about equal mileage on them and I think both are ready to be retired. I've been buying the Brooks Adreneline for more than 2 years now, so the trip to the running store should be quick -- I don't even try them on anymore.

Then, I'm not sure if I'll run tonight or not: part of me wants to (just to get that first Feb mileage underway) but then I also think it might be wise to save the legs for tomorrow's 5K (but then again, a 5K is short so my legs don't really need "saving" for that).

Tomorrow's Rotary 5K is kinda special to me in the way that the Turkey Trot is also near and dear. See, the Rotary 5K was the first race I ran here in Florida, and I remember that year it was so cold we could see our breath. The following year, it was raining and the race was in the afternoon, and last year? I didn't run it last year -- I was sick. So, I'm glad to be able to run it tomorrow.

Having the HM last weekend and the 5K this weekend has me thinking about the difference in races. Clearly, longer races like a marathon, or HM, are difficult because of the distance. A 5K is a very different matter -- the distance isn't the issue; it's speed that is first and foremost for most runners in a 5K. Thus, the 5K poses a different kind of difficulty for me: with a long race, my primary concern is just finishing. Sure, I have a timeframe in mind, but really, I just want to finish. With the 5K, I know I can go the distance, but I have to go the distance quickly and that means running as best I can for 3.1 miles straight. It takes a different kind of physical exertion and mental competence to do this.

I am, of course, still hoping to beat my 5K PR of 28:28 (which is now starting to feel like a mythical time), and if I can run like I did on Wednesday, then I think I will; however, I am realistic and I know that every single day is a different running day and all I can do is put forth my best and hope the effort pays off.

21 comments:

Van 1- Hall said...

new shows, especially brooks, make running so much better. shoes are like m & m's...an addiction. nice blog!

L*I*S*A said...

I have a feeling you're going to SMOKE your previous time!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck tomorrow. A key to runner faster I think is controlling your breathing. You'll do great. I can't get enough of my Brooks running shoes either.

Wes said...

You're three mile training runs have been fantastic. That should give you a lot of confidence going into tomorrow to help you do your best! I would save my legs for tomorrow, anyways. Have fun!! Rock and Roll :-)

Tri+Umph said...

So cold you could see your breathe?! You poor thing!

(We call that November through March)

keith said...

If you go out like you've been doing your three milers you're going to beat your 28:28 for sure. Good luck.

Laura N said...

LOVE my Brooks. Good luck at your race tomorrow. Hope it's a Wednesday kind of day!

Marcy said...

What?!? You're racing too? Dang I better go get my list together and add my homegirl ;-)

I think you'll do FANFREEKINTASTIC!!

chia said...

I can't think of a better way to break in new shoes than a hearty race :-)!! Good luck at the 5K! Hope there is plenty pep in those steps.

P.O.M. said...

Good luck! I feel like the more I train, the slower i get. ha! My very first 5k I ran in 27 mins. What the heck? No way could i beat that now! ha ha.

Viv said...

Go Jess blow that previous time outta the water! Your runs this week show you got it. Hope it is great weather for ya.
Good luck :-D

lifestudent said...

Same thing with me - I am not speedy so the 5K is especially challenging. Even when I go all out ... I get smoked by all the other runers ;)

Unknown said...

I know what you mean about a 5K being different kind of race than a HM. I actually think I like the HM distance better, personally. But I never would have imagined that a year ago...

RunnerGirl said...

Good luck with your race!

Jess said...

Good luck on the 5K you will do great!

teacherwoman said...

Put your feet up and have a cold one tonight... Good luck tomorrow!

Stuart said...

Stand as close to the start as you dare, don't weave around and don't go out too fast; set your Garmin pace alarm to 8:30 and you'll have a new PR in the bag. Good luck!

David said...

Well, having come straight off a HM, you know your aerobic engine is working. Keep your breathing going, and you'll do fine! Looking forward to the great RR.

Rich said...

If you're always looking for Brooks Adrenaline, check out www.runningwarehouse.com. I get my Brooks there all the time. Especially if you don't mind previous year models, their dirt cheap on this site.

ws said...

good luck at the 5K today...hope you have fun and PR.

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