Choosing our race schedule wisely

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning and happy Wednesday!

As we wind down March, we can be confident that green grass is near. This week has been a recovery for me and hopefully I have good health moving forward. Monday I laid down after my classes and when I woke up I felt so lousy that I decided to go for a run. My run turned into a run/walk and while it drained me, I was grateful to get out and move. Yesterday was more recovery and a little golf and hopefully after classes this afternoon, I can get my strength training in. Things are not happening automatically these days, so I must stay on myself until the routine becomes a habit. Though, with some personal changes coming, I will be challenged with some new dynamics in the coming months. Life is ever changing and it is important to keep working at those important habits!

So, what is on your race list for the coming season? Couple 5Ks, a 10K and then go big in the fall with a half marathon? Certainly, if those are goals, make sure you check out www.nofinishlinerunning.com and sign up for our training group. Our certified team of running coaches will cover all 3 distances with great training for all levels of runners. Whatever you do, do not be coach Davis, who has a few good runs and is ready to start picking out half marathons. No sooner did I mentioned that idea, and my left foot came down with a mean case of plantar fasciitis! Now I will proceed wisely and build my mileage up and if I am able to run injury free at 10 miles, I will consider 13.1. I am all for looking at the race schedule and picking out various races, but from experience, I realize that I need to be smart and think healthy and fun. As a running coach, I do not encourage our runners to challenge themselves every weekend at a race. I like picking out races by combining progression and enjoyment. Selecting a race that a runner will enjoy and at the same time, it enables them to continue to progress as a runner. IE: A runner wants to get stronger at a 10K, we might have them run a fun 5K and use it for interval training or even a tempo run. If a fairly new runner is training for a 10K, a 5K is a natural race during the course of training as well.

I think it is important to approach the race season with 2 goals: The first is to run healthy and that means taking the time and training right. The second is; have fun every time you line up for a race. Why pay an entry fee and train if it is not about fun? I am all for competing and trying to get a PR or finish top 10 in your age group, but it still should be run. We run and train because we enjoy running, races should be challenging but enjoyable. Sometimes fewer races will allow us to be stronger for those times when we want to do well, so be careful not to pile on race after race. Our bodies need sufficient time to recover both physically and mentally.

Look at the races ahead and mix it up, pick some that are flat, some hills, and maybe even a trail race. Whatever it is, make sure you have the time to train appropriately and that you will enjoy each event!

Time to get on out of here!

Have a great day and God Bless you!

Mike