First, let me start this post of saying to check out this link. My friend Karyn (who I did the podcast with!) was featured on one of our local media outlets for National Women’s Health and Fitness Day yesterday. So proud of you girlfriend!
So, I’m signing up for my first race post injury, and I’m not going to lie, I’m kind of terrified! I don’t want to get injured again, and I know I’ve lost all the running fitness I’d gained during half training at this point.
But, I want to face my fears, challenge myself, and support a great local organization – so I’m signing up!
I’m running the Girls On the Run 5K here (I was supposed to coach, but we couldn’t get enough interest for a team, so I’m going to support them in other ways!) and it’s not for a few months.
So what am I thinking as I start to train?
1. Get the “It’s only a 5K” mentality the heck outta my head. No race is an only, and it deserves the same amount of training, perseverance and grit that any other race deserves. I think this comes a lot from all the running/fitness blogs I read, and other people in my life. I see them doing big things/races, and I start to get down on myself for “only” doing a 5K. Shut your face, Lindsay.
2. Follow the training plan. I’ve loved the “Couch to 5K” training plan I’ve used in the past for other 5Ks, but I arguably have not been great about following it. I plan this time to follow it 100%.
3. In the same breath, recover correctly. My foam roller has been collecting dust, but I know I feel SO much better post run when I recover correctly. It’s so important, and something I neglect far too much.
4. Set realistic goals for myself. I want to break 30 minutes on the 5K (one of my fitness goals), but this probably isn’t a realistic time to do that. This time, I’m just going to focus on being done in under an hour!
I mentioned before that I want to focus on shorter distances right now before I tackle the half marathon distance again. I’m really excited to run another race in December!
What do your thoughts look like when you’re trying to reach a goal? Think Out Loud– I’d love to hear about it!