Found an Embarrassing Picture from my FIRST RACE ever + Spring Running/Racing Goals

Some runners don’t love racing, but ever since my first 5k run, embarrassing photo below, I’ve craved the racing environment. Maybe it is the crowd of runners chasing after a common goal, or the supportive crowds, or the hilarious signs literring the streets or the endless port-a-potty lines (actually, no definitely not that) that light a fire in me. I truly enjoy racing against myself, cheering others on, and watching the joy of the finish line light up so many faces.

Oh my goodness – super old/embarrassing photo from my FIRST RACE EVER. Also, my mom looks the same #goals

Racing is such a fun aspect of running and I have some fun goals this year that I am chasing after. But first, a running update.

Ever since my marathon, my mileage has hovered around 20-25 miles a week (sometimes higher, sometimes lower), but after years of running, I know my body really enjoys staying around the 30-40 miles a week range. And by enjoys I mean, I really see a lot of fitness progress in that range. So after a month or so of some vigorous base building and quality workouts, I’m excited to see my average weekly mileage right around mid thirties (I ended two weeks ago right around 34 miles and this week is a cut back week and I ended with 28 miles) and my speed coming back too! Thank you speed work.

So, goals for this spring training cycle

1. Find a half marathon to PR in. Sometimes, not all races are PR friendly (due to amount of runners, the course, the potential weather conditions, etc.) But for this spring, I am planning on finding a course that is perfect for a PR and chasing after my half marathon PR. I’ve run three half marathons, but haven’t PR’d since my first and I am itching for it. Thankfully, I feel ready and I couldn’t be more excited to strive after that goal. It will hurt, but I know it will be worth it.
2. Race my local 5k. Last year, my favorite, local 5k was my first race postpartum and I ran it for fun. I ended up placing first in my division, but I didn’t really race it at all. This year, I want to really give it my all and get my time under 22 minutes. EEk – we will see what happens!
3. Push past the 40 mile a week mark. Every runner has a happy point in their body where they can see the maximum fitness level without getting injured + the maximum amount of miles. I’ve never gone past 40, but I would love to see what would happen if I went past that amount per week. I may see a lot more running fitness or I may end up injured. I won’t know until I try! The fun thing with running is that you can experiment so much with different techniques, mileage amounts, etc. and really find what works for you.
4. STAY INJURY FREE I don’t really think this needs an explanation. haha.
5. Build my long runs up back to the teens. Even though running a longer distance (think anything over 10 miles) takes time out of the day, I really, really enjoy my long runs. There is somethings special and fun about running a distance that is in the teens. I’m hoping to build mileage and have some long runs anywhere from 10-16 miles during the summer. That will hopefully keep me close to marathon shape if I decide to start training for one this summer!

The awesome part about running is that it is so flexible and personal. My running goals don’t need to be yours and your running goals don’t need to be mine. I love the fact that running is such personal sport, while also, being such a community sport! I am so ready for this new season of spring racing and summer training! Bring it on!

Questons of the Day 

1. What are you racing goals this year?
2. Are you doing any spring races?
3. What are your running goals