When temperatures rise and the birds begin chirping, we find inspiration to resume our favorite warm weather activities. For runners, that means the start of spring training.
Creating a seasonal race schedule and planning your running goals is exciting, and crossing the finish line is nothing shy of rewarding. If you spent more time in your slippers than your running shoes during the winter...
Take it slow
The couch-to-5K is a popular training plan for runners who want to get off the couch and run 3.1 miles after just a couple of months. If you are looking to run your first 5K you can simply focus on the distance, knowing that you will already be setting a PB – personal best – on race day. As you build up to your second or third race, you can focus more on time. A 5K is considered the entry level distance for road races and the most beginner-friendly choice if you’re looking to break into road racing.
Start out easy
Don’t expect to start out where you left off. Just because you were running five miles six months ago doesn’t mean you can still do that. Start your workouts slowly with less mileage, less time and a decrease in intensity. Running is an extremely challenging activity so don’t make it any harder than necessary when you are starting out.
Take the talk test
Remember you want to start out easy. If you are alone, recite the Pledge of Allegiance a few times. If you’re struggling to get the words out, you are running too hard.
Set a personal goal
A dangling carrot keeps the motivation flowing. Register for a local 5K road race or aim to run a certain number of miles or minutes each month. I have a friendly wager with a friend – whoever works out the most minutes each month wins – loser buys dinner.
Just Get Started
Don't think about the long run itself; focus instead on simply getting ready for a run. After all, getting ready to run is easy—the concept of running 18 miles isn't. In order to do a run all you need is your shoes, your gear and maybe a watch.
So tie those laces and sign up!
EDITORS NOTE: Scedule of events is printed in April issue. Read the entire article and see the schedule at http://issuu.com/coastalmags/docs/sci_apr12
