Originally Posted by kittycat40:
My friend wants to run another one may 30th. Maybe. It is over the Brooklyn Bridge-- sounds neat. I feel like that was the best time I could acheive and I don't want to do worse. Silly reason to avaoid a race, huh?

Kittycat - every race is unique. There are course variables like route, terrain, weather, crowds, and race support. There are personal variables like how you're feeling that day, your pacing strategy, how your training has been going, how you've fueled, and how you've tapered. Although it's great to get a PR, it simply isn't realistic to expect to get faster every time you run. All you can do is go out and do the best you can, that day, all things considered.

There is no bad finishing time!! Sometimes the stars and planets align and you do get that PR. But the vast majority of the time, it's just about getting out there, participating, and having fun. I don't mean this to sound like a lecture, but I do believe we put ourselves under needless stress by imposing unrealistic expectations. It makes the difference between enjoying the process and feeling disappointed in ourselves. And I choose to simply enjoy the process.

If this helps -- here's how I did on my 5 half marathons over the winter season:
#1 (Nov): 2:01 - PR!!! Flat, fast course, perfect weather, everything clicked!!!
#2 (Dec): 2:04 - hot boring course, too much holiday food and felt a little sluggish, but still decent.
#3 (Jan): 2:12 - BONK city! Ran a 10K hard (PR) the week before, kayaked for 4 hours the DAY before, legs were shot. Just glad to finish without dying. Kissed the medal when I got it.
#4 (Feb): 2:06 - better, tapered more this time. Up 3 pounds from the winter training season and a little tired from all the racing. So, not so bad. Didn't bonk.
#5 (Mar): 2:16 - only one WEEK after prior half, could care less what time I got. Treated it as a training run, not a race, on a course with more bridges (hills) than any of the others. Walked thru EVERY water stop, listened to the music, had fun. Finished.

Sorry this is so long ....

I agree with the others, Kitty. You know too that it isn't always about time and being better and better. It is about experiencing the moment---whether it is competition, exercise, time with a friend or all of the above. Some runs are going to be fast and easy and some will be hard. I know that some of my most satisfying runs are the ones that my legs feel stuck in molasses but I do it anyway. Anyone can do things that are easy. Not everyone can do things that are hard. So you might be faster, you might not. But running over the Brooklyn Bridge? How fun! I've never even seen the Brooklyn Bridge in real life. Do it--for the experience!!!

3 miles today. Not on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Originally Posted by kittycat40:
My friend wants to run another one may 30th. Maybe. It is over the Brooklyn Bridge-- sounds neat. I feel like that was the best time I could acheive and I don't want to do worse. Silly reason to avaoid a race, huh?

Yes, silly, silly, silly! Not all races have to be run for time! You've done one for speed, now go do one just for fun and not for the time on the clock! Stop and take pictures on the bridge, ham it up with the crowd, goof off, wear a Lady Liberty costume! You get the idea, have FUN! :)

5.31 miles this morning. Not on the Brooklyn Bridge, either!

4.51 today

kitty - congrats! I just came back from NYC a few hours and saw the Brooklyn bridge! I'd do it for fun and go in not having a goal time. But over time you will definitely improve. Add some speedwork, hills, intervals and more mileage then race again in a few months and you'll see results! And others said time isn't always important. Just have fun with it.

Jackie - Your mileage is intense, not to be a nag but I believe you are breaking the cardinal 10% rule. Be careful!!

I'm STILL dealing with terrible shin splints and just took nearly a week off. Last time I ran my tibia hurt so bad I could barely walk once I got back. I was in NYC all week walking for literally 10 hours a day, I ran today and only have minor pain. I haven't huffed and puffed on a 4.5 mile run in a looong time but cardio is easier to get back then a fractured bone.

6 miles today! Building the distance, baby!!

And it was HOT!

Better watch out, EZ! I'm gonna catch up to your miles!

5.11 today


SM:177 you are not nagging you're one of the few voices of reason I listen to when it comes to my running. I did really well taking it slow for 3 weeks I did 22 miles on average last week I just couldn't take it anymore and its been two weeks of binge running I'm taking precautions by doing two runs daily instead of one long one and I plan on taking tomorrow off. I've also quit cross training, my foot is holding up so far no issues.

I hope everything is going turn out for you, have you been to the doctor lately?

EZ, MBN, Midwife, Jo, sm, -------------- you are very right!!! :)

+5 today, treadmill. Buying one with a television helps with the boredom factor... :) Going to get back out to the park next week as I've finally hired a staff accountant so work will calm down.

Kitty - do the Bridge run. It sounds pretty darn cool!

Originally Posted by midwife:

Better watch out, EZ! I'm gonna catch up to your miles!

Yep you are gaining and I still haven't caught one baby....you still win! :)

Oh and no miles today...our Vicar and his wife from church are coming over for dinner.

I'm in! 300 miles walking by the end of the year. I doubt I can walk 1000, but I'll try. Hopefully I'll be able to start running. I hope!

Hi ShuterK, glad you joined :)

6 today, in suburban NJ-- yeah, Brooklyn Bridge is muuuuch cooler ;)

18.5 miles for the week -- I missed out on the 6 mile run I was supposed to do on Thursday! Well, can't run 'em all.

Angie and I did Mother's Day 5K today with the mutts....through the neighborhood

219/1000 MILES

5.46

Jackie - I hate to admit this, but I went to the doctor for a different reason about 6 weeks ago and casually mentioned my shin splints to see if he had any advice. He freaked out and referred me for x ray but I never went. I haven't had much time because I had exams coming up and now I work full time. At the time I thought he was over reacting because it was obvious he knew nothing about running. Now I regret it, today I felt no pain but iced soon as I got back. I'm taking my strength training very seriously now and I'm adding more calcium to my diet. I'm terrified of not being able to run and at this point I think my brain is playing a big part in it because I'm constantly thinking about whether or not I'm in pain. I need a placebo! Also remember pain may take a few days to surface to take easy even if you think everything is fine.

midwife - that's a big jump in mileage! Congrats!

I'm rollerblading to work tomorrow, it should be an experience and a half since I have zero coordination:carrot: