This has been my first week participating in Garmin’s half marathon training program. I am no stranger to the half marathon. Its the race I constantly run and train for. My approach to training for the race has been simple: 1) run three times a week 2) try to run faster each time 3) get strength training in twice a week. Though I’ve been somewhat successful in maintaining a decent time for my races, I don’t like the way I finish. I start off strong, but slowly burn out until I pretty much walk and run the last few miles. I want a more consistent/steady pace for this distance so I decided to give the workout a try.
The approach to the workout is different. It requires 4 runs a week which are time based (not distance). Week one reminded me that there is a such thing as running workouts. With that being said, I still need to figure out how to incorporate my strength training (I shoot for twice a week). This week I was only able to conduct strength training once. I may end up adding it to one of my shorter runs.
The hardest workout this week was the long run. I ended up doing just under 10 miles this week (9.96 to be exact). 10 miles is typical for me over the weekend. I do that much even when I don’t have a race coming up. The difficult part was maintaining the pace this workout demanded. I try to finish my longer runs between 8:50 and 9:20/mile. This week’s run demanded that I run at a 9:33/mile pace. I had to temper my tendency to try to pass people in front of me. I had to resist the urge to sprint up and down the hill. It was hard to see an open trail and not pick up my pace in order to reach a certain landmark faster. It sucked. I did finish the run feeling a lot better. I was in minimal pain and my recovery time was quicker. Not sure if it was the other exercises that I did that week which contributed or if it was the fact that I ran in at such a slow pace. Either way, I am already seeing the benefits to this training plan.
Time based running is something I’ve gotten away from over the years. Before I had a watch that could track my running metrics, I would do things like hill repeats or sprints in order to improve my running. I’ve gotten away from that. My focus on how far I run and obsessing over my pace has shifted my approach to running and fitness in general. Its important that I remember that my performance is not just regulated by what my devices tell me. Its also important that my body responds a certain way to my activities. Feeling good after a run is different that feeling accomplished. With this training, I intend to ensure that the two can meet.
SPITLOGIC 