Wearing: Sweaty Betty 7/8 Power Legging – Sweaty Betty Pace Setter Run Tank – Brooks Ghost 9
This weekend I made a conscious effort to disconnect from social media, especially on Sunday. There were many running friends racing their hearts out in Montreal, New York, Berlin and beyond. Once upon a time, each of those races, Berlin Marathon, Bronx 10 Miler and Montreal Half Marathon, were my goal race. The Berlin Marathon was the last time I laced up my shoes and ran 26.2 miles, crossing the finish line in tears. The Bronx 10 Miler was a great race for me last year, after training hard during my first Summer back in New York. This year, I hoped that Montreal would be my opportunity to run a sub two-hour half marathon after multiple attempts. Training hard was not a priority this Summer and instead here I sit in late September, trying to figure out what my goal is this Fall. As I have mentioned previously, after giving my body a few months of rest I am ready to train again for a goal.
I spent a few hours this weekend outlining plans and have set my sights and goals on the following races:
- Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon – October 8th – Goal: Run a strong, smart half marathon. I have no expectation of setting a PR based on my training, so instead am going to run with my friend Mary and focus on a consistent pace, possibly increasing my pace if I feel strong enough during the final miles. The four long runs leading up to the race have given me the confidence to know I can run 13-miles.
- Prospect Park Turkey Trot – November 24th – Goal: Run a sub 42:00 race which would be a PR versus last years 42:36 time (8:31 pace). Since I have a solid two months to train for this race, I believe it is feasible.
- NYRR Jingle Bell Jog – Each year, this race continues to be a favorite due to the cool weather, festive atmosphere and Prospect Park location. Four years ago, I ran a personal best in this race, keeping an 8:57 pace per mile. Based on my training for the Turkey Trot, my goal is going to be an 8:31 pace.
Over the coming months I am going to share weekly training recaps with you guys since many people find them beneficial. I am also going to do more research and speak with some of my coaching friends to ensure I’m training for these shorter distances properly. I am most familiar with the half marathon type of training which includes three key runs per week, so I know I need to figure out the training plan that works best for shorter distances.
So, who wants to join me at some of these races?
Thank you to Lydia Hudgens for her magic behind the lens in bringing this image to life.
That sounds like an awesome line up of races for the rest of the year! I have no idea what I’ll do post-marathon (Oct 9) but I am thinking a half marathon or trail race before the year is over.
Good luck – are you running the Chicago marathon?
You are so disciplined! It’s great that you give yourself goals…I need to do the same! I’ve been running on cobblestone streets and dirt roads in Antigua, which has been an ADJUSTMENT from beautiful Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago 🙂
I can’t imagine! I love visiting the Caribbean but running in that humidtiy would be tough!
Training for shorter distances can be a lot of fun! I’m in the process of dropping down from the Philly marathon…I am running a few half marathons but would love to try and PR some shorter distances (my half PR is 1:53 and I just don’t see breaking that right now). In the past year I’ve PR’d the 5K, 4M, 5M and 10K! I need to start getting my paces sub 8 for those which just scares me! But I race really well in the cold so am hoping to give it a go. Might be at the Jingle Bell Jog!
So fun Gianna! Let me know if you run it!!
I’ll be doing the Chicago Marathon for the second year in a row in 11 days! I’m actually going to be in Brooklyn for Thanksgiving and am already signed up for the Prospect Park Turkey Trot. I’ve never done a 5-mile race but I’m coming off the USA Half the weekend before so I’m not expecting a super speedy race!