return of the blustery days
This morning I had a rude awakening. I didn’t realize how used to the warm fall weather that we’ve been having these past few weeks. Apparently I’ve been spoiled. I headed out for my five miles with just one layer on. True, I had long pants and a long sleeve shirt, but this did little to protect me from the brutal wind.
When I turned the first corner into a vicious head wind I remembered what running in the winter is like. Numbness of the skin. Watery eyes. Trying to catch my breath as the wind whisks it away. Frozen eyelashes. Talk about a good time!
Next time, I’ll be prepared!
So, yeah. Tomorrow is my 5k. The one that I am supposed to guess my finishing time. I have NO IDEA what to expect. Here’s the information I have to go on:
- Current 5k PR: 24:51. This is from 2007. I did not train for it at all, I just went and ran with a friend from work. I have never done 5k specific training.
- According to McMillan I should be capable of finishing in 22:36, based on my recent marathon. However, since then I have not done any speed work or any runs over 10 miles.
- I am well aware that I am not speedy. Some people are fast and have to work on building endurance. For me, endurance comes more naturally…its the speed that really taxes my abilities. Pretty much nothing scares me more than 5k’s.
I asked my students what I should use for a prediction. My student who is currently training for her first marathon (Have I mentioned her? She said that I inspired her! Makes me so proud.) said that I should try to finish in under 22 minutes. Whew. That seems unlikely. Maybe I can hope for sub-23?
Suggestions are welcome!
I think you should go goal-less that way you will be happy with whatever. Plus running fast in the cold isnt like running fast in the warmer fall weather…. i cant imagine running outside right now! blustery is a perfect word for this weather!
Ah–winter is here!!
You are probably running already! We must be similar runners:) I HATE the 5K. I think you should go for sub 22. I was advised once that if you were a HM/marathon runner, you’re best bet in the 5K was to start faster, count on your endurance to just hold on as long as possible. You would likely end up with a faster time overall than starting slow and trying to speed up. This could be totally wrong (totally ignore me because I haven’t run a 5K in 2 years-ha) but my next one I’m going to try it. I’m pretty sure if you go for sub 22 you will at least end up with sub 23. If you go for sub 23, lesser chance to get sub 22. You will surprise yourself!!! Go for it! Good Luck! I’ll be virtually cheering for you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
supposed to be your best bet, not you’re. Struggler…
That made my day that you have a student trying to follow your healthy example and train for a marathon….that makes teaching worth it:) Can’t wait to hear about your 5K!!! Stupid wind…I am so done with winter!! Happy Thanksgiving!