Goal of sub 20 5k (Read 13664 times)

Ok, I haven't posted here in AGES. I 'kind of' moved on to the sub 19 group because I posted a 20:04 a couple years ago, but then didn't really post much because I've gone through long injuries and just got out of the habit. Well, I strained my Soleus a week ago trying to train up for a Feb race, but not before officially breaking 20 with a 19:48 at the Autumn Fest 5K. 18th place. At night, in the dark. Nothing but glow sticks around runners necks bouncing up and down. Awesome. And I really only ran it because of a free beer mug to the top 50.   

 

I'm not sure how I did it, but I really pushed through my asthma problems with the cold and just kept pushing harder and harder. HUGE breakthrough for me now knowing that I can push through that. (in the past I felt that was my 'redline' for my lungs and slowed down or even stopped because I couldn't breathe) I had mild bronchitis kind of cough for a few days after but I'll take it.   I think the thing that surprised me was I hit the first mile in 6:35, which, to be honest, was maybe right around what I thought I was going to run or even slower. But I was just picking people off. Listening to the people in front of me really huffing just drove me past them. I didn't get passed once and past  a mile and a half I didn't pass anyone else. I just hung on this young kid in front of me and I was running scared from someone's footsteps behind me.

 

Anyway, I just thought I'd post since I've officially graduated now and maybe this will get me to post a little more often.

 

Now about this damn calf.....

I made my final attempt to break the 20min mark for this year… weird race.  We ran along the canal which was nice.  It snowed .5 inches the night before, but the real problem was the course was 8 ft wide for the most part.  At some points it was only 3 ft.  I spent a lot of time weaving through people at the beginning of the race.  The race personnel could have done a better job lining people up at the start so that the slower people moved back.  They also had 180 degree turn that was slippery.  That helps with momentum.  I ended up running 20:32 and finished 9^th with a lot of gas in the tank.  Having a field of 203, I should have been more like 25^th.

 

Monday I will start training for a half in early May.  I will attempt another 5K race late March.  I hope the added miles to my training will put me over the top.

 

Great year of running!!

Shady, Great Job!!  What put you over the top?  I have a new goal... break 20 min when I am 62!

I slowly increased my mileage.   I was never a morning glory.  I never did time trials.  I saved my best speed for racing.  I took plenty of rest days.  And dropping 50 lbs four years ago might have helped a little.  This is what worked for me.

 

 

Great!  I have reduced my speed work to occasional strides.  I am in a significant base building phase.  I am dropping weight. I started running at 217lbs, but lost 20 before that.   My goal weight for the Indy Mini Marathon is 180lbs.  I love to train and love racing even more.  I believe I will break 20 shortly, but doing it for the first time at 62 is very impressive.  You have really inspired me.  Good luck in your future races.

I am on a quest again to break 20 min. It has been a couple years dealing with hammy issues. I have no plans to run more than 20-25 miles per week (per usual) but I am hoping not having to take off several weeks the past 2 winters will allow me to continue to get stronger and allow me to break 20 minutes again this year. 20:40 was my best last year.

I have decided to not have a time goal in 2010. I am going to run, race, and try to lose weight. I have been running, but not logging them. Good luck everyone!

Count me in as well.  I got down to 20:31 last year on marathon training.  This year I am going to focus on the 5K during the spring and then do another marathon in the fall.