Books I Have Read
Last Race: Portland Maine Half Marathon October 5 2014
Climbing Mt Ruapehu
Hi Scott
You basically look where I have been too. I ran a 5km series last summer (your winter) with the aim of getting under 20 minutes. I ended up getting to 20:26, just ran out of runway a little. I guess I learnt from others that patience and consistency are key for achieving running goals.
Since April I have switched to half marathon mode and ramped up the distances with the aim of a sub 1:40 HM. I achieved that in my first ever half marathon race running 1:38:16. I also trained on some measured courses before then going as well as 1:35:30 on a perfect day. I have 1 more half marathon signed up for in late October and considering another one early October.
I am also now looking at the next 5km race series starting in September. Obviously my base is a lot stronger than it used to be and my endurance at the end of a race (which was my weakenss) should have improved. I have though I think lost a bit of raw speed over the last 6 months with my more long distance training focus. I can easily knock out 21:30 without much of a sweat but ramping up from there is my issue, I am not a sprinter.
So trying to tweak my programme a little to give it some variety and challenge, putting in some hills, some 400's/ 800's intervals etc. I don't really know what i am doing but have a few programmes floating around that i need to tailor.
Good luck!!
Personal Race Records:
M 3:52:48 (Auckland 2011), HM 1:38:16 (Taupo 2010), 10km 45:05 (Sir Barry 2010), 5km 20:21 (How Pak 5km 2010)
2012 Goals:Run the 75km Hillary Trail in a day (done 10/3/2012)
Sulphur Springs 50km-- Ancaster, ON-- May 28, 2022
Tally in the Valley 12 hours-- Dundas, ON -- July 30, 2022 (Support SickKids Toronto)
Stokely Creek-- 56km-- Sault Ste. Marie, ON-- Sept. 24, 2022
the REAL JZ
Hello All! Also looking to go sub 20 minutes! (for the first time since highschool) Just missed at my last race (20:04).
Scott - how intense are your speed workouts and what type of speed workouts are you doing?
I've had to "reacquaint" my body with
1. the speed and intensity needed to race @ sub-20
2. discomfort and pain tolerance
3. feel and confidence in my pace
I think these attributes only came from a few effective speed workouts. More mileage at a good pace (similar to what you're running) helped, but I think speed work is critical.
Good luck!
2019: Run my first marathon.
"Who you are will show in what you do"