Planning out a race schedule for the year isn’t something that I’ve done in my short time running, but it’s something I’m going to do in 2010.
In 2008, my first full year of running, I raced six 5Ks, and one 10K. I also registered for a half marathon, and made it through 9 weeks of a 16 week training plan before a knee injury eventually derailed my training. Through it all I remain motivated, in part because I had something to train for. Since starting my comeback, following knee surgery this past February, my running has been fairly unstructured, and I’ve sometimes found myself lacking motivation. Along the way, I’ve only raced once—a 5K (and a PR, by the way).
While I do enjoy running just to run, I miss racing. I want to race more. However, every time I find a race that could work, I find an excuse to make it not work. Part of it has to do with not having had any structured training, and of not having the confidence to give it a go. Racing more often, and having a training plan that is structured around a race schedule, should help me to feel prepared and confident. Also, I imagine that registering for races as soon as registration opens will prevent me from backing out at the last minute, and save some money in the form of reduced registration fees.
Without further ado, here’s what I’m thinking for 2010:
Do you have any suggestions for my schedule? Races I must do? Exotic locations to travel to? One thing to keep in mind regarding races requiring travel is that Julie and I are expecting a baby around April 19th.
Michael, thanks for the input, I really appreciate it. I've been wanting to do the Run in the Dark, since it is basically a "hometown" race for me (that or How the West was Run). The Zoo Run is definitely crowded, and that's a prime reason why it's only under consideration. As it is, I'll be doing the Komen Race for the Cure, which is even worse.
Posted by Bryan on 10/22/2009 11:42:56 PM
I've done How the West was run a couple of times also, including this year's inaugural 10k. The course was completely different this year than the first time I did it, and it sounds like they may change it again next year. The weather was perfect, but the organization left a little to be desired. there was 1 water stop on the 10k course (none on the 5k), and the 2 volunteers manning the station were apparently just there to watch as you went to the table and grabbed a cup for yourself. Also, there were several non-intuitive turns, where you'd go one way for 10 feet or left, then pull a U-turn. the guy in front of me missed one of the U-turns, and the volunteer at the turn wouldn't speak up loud enough for the guy to hear him. Also, they managed to run the race through a neighborhood that was holding its annual garage sale. I had to weave through moving traffic at one point on the race course, as the garage salers in SUVs were oblivious to the runners around them. A few years ago, I ran the 5k version of this race, and the course went through the greenbelt between Smithfield and Rufe Snow, which was really nice. I'm not sure why they changed it - now both courses go east from Smithfield and weave through the Hidden Oaks. With that said, I still enjoyed this race quite a bit, and will probably do it again. Just be willing to deal with some disorganization, and be alert about the course and traffic. Also, speaking of a "hometown" race, I've noticed a run in the spring that starts at Fellowship of the Parks and winds through the greenbelts in the area, but I haven't figured out what race it is or where to sign up. May be worth watching for.
Posted by Michael on 10/26/2009 12:47:53 PM