Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Deja Vu

First things first, I finally created a banner that I actually like. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks Picnik for offering premium status before you shut down for good. I'm sad I only recently discovered you.

Earlier this week I talked about my new kicks, Asics 2170.
I said that they had a "Cinderella" type feeling, as if my feet felt like they were home. This morning I realized why. I've owned a pair of Asics 2100's before, the 2140s that I purchased in 2008 that I wore to complete my first half marathon.
I only had about a month to train for this half marathon because I was coming off of physical therapy after having an extremely weak core and subsequent knee pain. Once my core was stronger, the miles became easier. My goal was to finish, and that I did. As I begin to focus on half marathons more this year, I have become very nostalgic about my first one. At my mom's house the other day, I found this photo of us in a frame and it made me smile.
I am so happy, having just met my goal. I wasn't trying to run fast, break records, get a PR, or meet a specific time. I was just trying to finish. Since the marathon last year, I've really taken a step back and stepped outside my competitive box. Sometimes I've had the most fun just running with friends or running to meet a distance goal, not to speedily get to the finish. Don't get me wrong, I like being speedy too. I just now know that I don't have to be speedy all the time. Getting in 8 miles, is still 8 miles regardless of my pace. I think this is going to be my feeling towards the Get Lucky 21K that I am most recently obsessing about. I just want to finish and have fun with it. (However, the Palos Half Marathon in May is a different story.)

How do you help balance between your need for speed and the need to complete the miles? Sometimes do you sign up for a race just because you want to finish, not because you want a specific time? If so, what distance and how do your thoughts change from race to race?

18 comments:

  1. Love the banner!

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  2. Thanks! These are some of my favorite photos over the past year... I had to have my favorite running buddy included as well--my dog!

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  3. I like the new banner! Check out Pixlr for another online, free photo editing software.

    Last year I did a lot of races just for fun - no speed goals. This year I am doing less races, some with speed goals, and some just for fun. I agree that you have to have that balance of both (if you have a competitive side anyway). Otherwise you get way too caught up in trying to PR all the time! I have to say though, I am working with a coach to PR. She has me do a lot of slow, no specific pace runs too, and I think that helps!

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  4. I let my body decide if it wants to go fast or slow. And sometimes i sign up for a race just as a practice run, so i can figure out water stops, hydration, etc.

    If you do the 21k, do you want to meet up? I think i might sign up as my practice run to see where i am at before the marathon in may....

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  5. Thanks for the tip! I will have to check out Pixlr.

    I think last year I let the competitive side get the best of me, which set me up for some failures. I needed to listen to my body which is what I have been (slowly) learning to do. I've been contacting Britt to look into getting a coach as well! My husband and I are going to talk about our budget and see if there is room, because I think a coach would help me most effectively meet all of my speed-driven goals! :)

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  6. That is what I have been trying to do more--listen to my body to test my pace.

    Registration for the 21k is supposed to be today, but I haven't seen any update yet. I would love to meet up! Yes please!

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  7. oh well now if there is a blogger meet up, I have to do the 7K, right?

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  8. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. If there is a chance I can place in my age group, then I'm running for speed. Otherwise ... I'm not sure yet. Like with the Cupid's Chase this weekend. I have no idea how big that race will be. But do I just have fun and stay back with Genevieve, and save the speed for next month's Fleadh 5K? Or if it looks smallish, go speedy? Same with my upcoming half marathons. I have three before marathon training starts. I'm trying to figure out which will be my "goal" race.

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  9. I think the Cupid Chase 5k has less than 700 people registered, but it is supposed to be cold so less people may come. But I do feel that most races in Chicago are much more competitive than the suburbs. That is part of the reason why I want to do the Valparaiso race on Sunday. It looks like I could place for my age group (maybe even the elusive #1?). I like that there are so/too many great races out there that it is hard to choose a favorite!

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  10. When it comes to a long race, my goal is just to finish strong and without stopping to walk at all. But wen it comes to a shorter race (5K/8K) my goal is all about time. Especially because my running buddy is 5'10" and my 5'1" loves it when I beat her!! xox

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  11. I don't know - as my upcoming 10k will be my longest run. to be honest I'm afraid I'll go out too fast...I usually do :(

    Also I love your new banner and picnik is awesome LOVE!!! nice shoes too. I really need to try some Asics

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  12. Awesome! A race is always more fun with a worthy adversary!

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  13. Haha, that is my problem with a 5k. I always start too fast too! I'm trying to work on that, but we'll see how that goes.

    Thanks for the new banner love! Asics are the brand I love the most. With my orthodics and other "issues," they just seem to fit my feet best. Let me know what you think if you end up trying out some Asics!

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  14. Love the photo of you and your mom! And I agree, there is a lot of joy in just running to run. Training/racing changes the game a bit depending on the focus.

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  15. Thanks! My mom said she just found a bunch more photos from this race so I'm excited to see them! I just put 2 and 2 together that my Hal Higdon half marathon training schedule officially starts next week. Hopefully I'll be able to stick to it while also enjoying my leisure long runs. :)

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