A 10k Surprise with Twice a Week Training Runs

#1 PLEASE don't take this too seriously!

#2 Because I was seriously surprised myself!

{My trophy...I like that it says "First Place" not "First Place in the Women's 30-34 Division" :)}

Preparation:

• Train for a 5k
• Then a 10k
• Then a half-marathon

[I took six weeks to train for each.  I ran two days every week - once on my treadmill during the kids' naps (intervals and hills) and once on Saturday when the hubby was home (distance). 

I did strength training three days a week (usually a fast paced circuit) and Zumba one night a week to supplement.  The reason this works for me is because I make every minute of every workout count - I don't have time to waste! 

I never raced.  I wanted to, but it never worked out so I did my own personal time trial for all three distances.  None of the results were all that great.)]

• Now, pick a 5k race. (I picked the Cheerios Challenge 5k, and that's what I trained for.) 

[I ran these workouts from Runner's World, one a week, starting five weeks before the race.  I also ran a 3-4 mile tempo run another day of each week:

Fast and FuriousWorkouts to add speed for racing 5-K or shorter

THE LADDER
Run at the fastest speed you can sustain for 1600, 1200, 800, and 400 meters with 3:00 rest.

THE BANNISTER
Run 8 to 10 x 400 meters at mile race pace with 90 seconds rest.

POWER HILLS
Do 12 x 30-second uphill sprints. Jog down for recovery.

THE SHARPENER
Run 600, 400, 200 meters at mile race pace with 2:00 rest. Rest 5:00. Repeat sequence.

These are GREAT workouts!  I was ready for that 5k!]

Change:

• Sign up for the 10k a week before the race. (Why?  There was a reason, but not a great one.)
• Decide to just have fun and finish the race.  At least you'll get a t-shirt and a workout.
• Run a slow three mile warm-up two days before the race to shift your mind from 5k race to 10k survival run. Pray!

Race:

• Ignore all the people passing you at the start.  Go your own pace.  Besides, you're not really there to race.
• Get faster every mile.  Realize you don't feel so bad afterall.
• Finish as strong as possible.

Assess:

• Surprisingly, you won't regret it.  In fact it may be your best run yet! (At least the surprise effect of how well it went will make it feel that way.)
• Collect your trophy and cheer on your kid in the one mile race.  Share his victory of a personal best!
• Never back down from a challenge!