The Slow Build: How Jenn’s 10k Training Is Going
In case you haven’t heard, the FBGs (Jenn, Erin, Tish and Kristen) are currently training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll 10K in Brooklyn this October courtesy of Brooks Running. This week, each FBG is sharing how her training—or lack thereof—is going!
When I prepared for my first half marathon and (only) marathon, I trained by the book. When Hal Higdon told me to run, I ran. When he told me to cross-train, elliptical, bike or yoga I did. When he told me to rest, I’d do my best impression of a sloth (a sloth who really, really likes peanut butter and celery—and beer). So it’s shocking even to me that in preparing for this 10K, I’m just so darn lax about the whole thing. Maybe it’s because Erin has been “hinting” that I should take it easy and slow jog/walk with her (which I fully plan to do, by the way) or maybe it’s because, these days, I just demand more flexibility and intuitiveness with my workouts. Well, whatever it is, I kind of think it’s working.
Last week I went out for the longest run I’ve done this year: 4.5 miles. Not long enough to require a hydration belt or anything but my iPod and my dog (yes, she can run this far without problems—she’s a rock star!), it was nice to go for a longish slowish (45 minutes for me) run in the cool morning air. I listened to a podcast, looked around my pretty surroundings and was grateful that my body could run that far pretty darn easily.
Although I’m nowhere near where I was when training for longer distances (running 10+ miles just seems cray-cray to me these days), I think there’s something to be said for having experience with races and training. The more you do, the more you begin to trust yourself and how well you know your body. For me, right now, I know that I can safely add half a mile to my route every other week without feeling it too much. And if I get in a 2- and 3-mile run, plus that longer run in a week, along with good foam rolling and some strength training, I should be more than prepared to do the 10K in October. I won’t win it, but I’ll finish it with my girls—and I’ll have a good time while doing it! And, really, that’s what it’s about for me this time!
Have you ever run a race with friends? Have you done enough formal training programs that you feel comfortable following your own routine now? Do tell! —Jenn