After finishing the half-marathon Sunday a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt (self-induced) pressure to perform at a certain level because I’m known as “the runner” among my family and friends. Even though I was not prepared in the least, I still really enjoyed the race. I felt strong, healthy, and happy in the midst of 20,000 other runners.
This got me thinking about my short-term running and racing plan. I love running and it’s obviously not going anywhere, but my mindset is shifting. I have a plan, but it’s atypical and two-fold. My plan is not have a plan BUT be open to opportunities and change.
What will that look like?
It means sometimes waking up early on weekends for a long run, because I really love doing that.
BUT
It means sometimes sleeping in and not running at all, because I also really love my sleep.
Bright eyed and fresh-faced before the start of the Princess Half at 5 a.m.
It means not having any formal races on my schedule, because it’s freeing to not have any set goals.
BUT
It means being open to running races and setting goals if an opportunity arises. This past weekend solidified my love of the race atmosphere.
At mile 12.5 of the Princess Half
It means running when I feel like it and not feeling forced to hit a certain distance or speed.
BUT
It means having some days when I crave a speed workout or long-distance run.
It means balance and flexibility.
I’ve never “raced” before, excluding my days in cross-country. I’ve run every race to finish, which is both good and bad. Like I mentioned I really enjoy the camaraderie and race atmosphere and I do enjoy the challenging myself. I think over the summer my desire to train will return, but that’s nothing I can predict. To be continued…
Do you prefer following a running/workout plan?
Do you “race” races or run to enjoy and finish?
I love your perspective on your running “plans” right now. Having that freedom to run when you feel like it and not is a great way to look at running. Constantly training is very demanding, so having time off to just enjoy your runs is always good. I think our mindsets are switching as you are not officially training for anything and enjoying flexibility in your schedule as I start training for my up coming half!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Learning to Love the Dreadmill
Constantly training is exhausting and damaging to our bodies, so I think. You have a great, balanced approach to exercise so I think you will have great success in training.
Congrats on the finish! Although we love running being done with a race can be a relief. I just started training yesterday so I have a ways to go with scheduled training and such. It’s all worth it in the end though
Ivanna recently posted…Never, Ever, Ever Give Up
You go, girl! I’m sure you will rock your training :)
I don’t race on race days – I’m not very fast. I usually aim for comfortable and pain free. I’ve never actually been able to stick with a running plan. I need to work on my discipline :P
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Healthy Kitchen Swaps
I take the same approach: comfortable and pain free. I usually follow a rough plan for mileage per week during training, but switch up the days and times if needed.
Great! I like it! Just RUN to RUN because it is such a great thing! That’s what I’m doing as you…even though I HOPE to “run” some type of race in the coming months!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…The One Thing You Need To Advance Your Yoga Practice (And Your Life)
Running your first race is such a thrill!
I’m with you. I no longer race anything. I had enough after my swimming/track/xc days. Too much pressure. I have goal paces of course and hope to PR,but like you, I just want to finish. I think the Disney races are a great place to have that sort of goal though since they’re more of a “fun” race to do! I have a few races on the calendar but for the most part I’m just running to have fun. It’s way more enjoyable that way to know that we don’t HAVE to wake up at 6am on a Saturday to run, it’s only if we want to.
pickyrunner recently posted…Flexibility
Completely agree! Having the flexibility (stealing your word there :)) to choose when and how long to run feels really good.
Such a great mindset, Emily! Not to be cheesy – but I think this is a good approach to life in general. Be open to what comes along … do what makes you happy … push yourself when it’s appropriate, and cut yourself some slack as well. :) Good plan, Emily!
I sort of touched on this 2 posts ago – I miss certain elements of training for a race, but overall, I don’t miss it at all. I’d rather just take stuff as it comes! :) And when I AM training for a race, I defffinitely want to just finish & prove to myself that I can do it :)
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…My Vegan + Blogilates Check-In
Thanks, Em! I know what you mean…I enjoy some elements of it, but the lack of sleep and constant exhaustion is not one of them!
Your plans sound pretty good to me! I used to run XC as well but after I quit that I just started running occasionally for fun. Sometimes following a plan helps, sometimes it is good to have a little more wiggle room in life :)
Emma @em-poweredwellness recently posted…Superfood Sunday: Wheatgrass
After I quit cross country I really started loving running. It was freeing to not have to always listen to a coach haha
I love your mindset! I think as a runner I always want to push myself harder, sign up for races and PR, but that can get tiring after a while and I lose my love for running. Its great to take some time to just run for YOU.
Lacey @ Runs and Roses recently posted…My 5 Food Rules
Thanks, Lacey! I agree that runners get this “must race, must PR” mindset but it gets exhausting.
This sounds exactly like what I’m going through. I was a competitive runner in high school, then pretty much quit in college, and ever since I graduated I’ve been running half marathons, 10k’s and full marathons. I don’t really “race” them either..I’m just trying to enjoy it until I can get to a point that I can really dedicate myself to training! I run for the same reasons you do-for camaraderie and a love for the sport!
I’m torn because I love the race atmosphere but hate the “pressure” to perform and race. One day I will feel up to a PR challenge.
I personally have trouble working out without a set plan, but I have also taken some time off running to get the “love” back. I find it’s very rejuvenating, plus you can fit in other fun activities with the extra time.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Myrtle Beach Marathon Recap
I know so many people have great success following workout plans, so I feel like I’m in the minority in that sense. But taking time off definitely reminds me why I love running.
Great post! I’ve been feeling the same way you do about running lately. It’s nice to not have any huge things planned so that running can be fun again, but I also like a challenge sometimes! Good luck with your running plans!
kristenk recently posted…Zion Half Training: Week 9
Thanks! Trying to find the happy medium between fun running and challenging running is my goal!