I started 2013 off as I'm sure many other runners did by getting in a run. Since (to my knowledge) there was no local race for me to run here, I signed up to run a virtual 5K as part of the 5 by the 5th series that the awesome Laura of Mommy Run Fast has created. In case you haven't heard about this yet, this is a challenge to run a race of either 5K or 5 miles by the fifth of each month into June of this year. I plan to run all of them except for May when I'll be running the Vancouver Marathon the first weekend of that month instead.
Having not run much in December due to a nasty sinus infection, finals, and then traveling over the holidays, my only real goals for the first 5K of this series were to run continuously and to give a steady but hard effort. I was also hoping to negatively split so I tried to reign myself in a bit and run the first mile conservatively. My splits were 10:18, 9:55, 9:54, and 1:12. The last 1.12 mile was really hard so it was a challenge to keep up the pace, but I managed to power through and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Since I ran this on the treadmill I did also throw in a few inclines for part of each mile.
My longer term goal with these virtual races is to use them as a benchmark for my 5K pace for my marathon training speedwork and tempo sessions. My current 5K PR is too fast for me to use to establish the pace for repeats, but I'm hoping that I will be close to that 5K time or even faster by the time the series wraps up in June. I'm also hoping that logging a 5K once a month will keep me motivated to consistently work on speed during my upcoming marathon training cycle and take me to a solid marathon PR in Vancouver in May.
Did you start the new year with a run or other workout?
Cool! Nice work on those splits, my dear.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy. I have not run since Christmas Eve Day, but today I will hit the roads again. I'm worried that by not running during the break, I have lost much of what I gained in December, but the damage is done, so off I go to start again. Oh well.
I haven't been much of a runner in 2012. One of my greatest goals for 2013 is to run again. This 5k project seems a very good one. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteI also wish that you have a wonderful 2013 and that you keep your lovely blog!
I sadly did not start off the new year with a run... I slept late since we were up so late the night before and then rushed home to get my 4 hours of studying in before I had to go to church at 4 (New Years Day is a holy day in the Catholic church). I thought about running but just couldn't make myself do it since I had just showered and done my hair/make up before church. So epic runner fail to start off the year with 0 miles! Oh well. I ran yesterday and today, though, so am back on track!
ReplyDeleteI didn't do ANYTHING on New Year's day, especially run. It was bitter cold here, so I couldn't make myself go outside to do it, and my gym was closed for the holiday.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a virtual 5k though, how cool! And wow, good job on the negative splits!
Good job getting some treadmill miles in with that 5k! I'm finding that the treadmill is becoming a really good tool for marathon (or other race distance) training. My outdoor paths are full of ice right now and sometimes the treadmill can really help force speed work when we otherwise would outside might lag off a bit :) Happy training!
ReplyDeleteI didn't run on the 1st, but I did run on NYE. Good plan on doing benchmark runs. It will really help with making your training plan for the marathon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're joining us! I love that it can help keep you accountable with speed and track your progress this spring. Great first run!
ReplyDeleteNice work on the splits! I am also joining up for Laura's series! On NY day I ran a nice trail / road combo run around a local lake. It is a great way to start off the new year!
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