Bandwagon

So many things. I may as well hop on....

1. Wah wah wah, it's hot. My run and HR last night suffered. I'm slow. boo hoo
2. Half Marathon this weekend. In DC - have you heard? I'm running. I'm racing. I'm weirdly apathetic (and, really, that's not true)

OK, moving on....

I started this blog so I could have a history of training, racing, and my thoughts and feelings. I did this race last year. And all I have gained from reading my archives is this: I trained for a marathon. I got hurt. I ran a half. I did well.

Not so helpful.

I'm in a very different place with my training than I was last year. Last year, I trained to race a marathon Dec-March. I followed my own plan, did regular speedwork/tempo runs and made a smart decision to run the half versus the full. I biked at most 1 time per week and swam even less.

This year, I have a coach. Who I am trying with all my might to listen to. I am biking 5+hours per week and swimming 100% more than last year. My running miles are less, they are different, and, to be honest, they suck. Those 'easy, awesome, effortless' runs have been few and far between as my body and mind adjust to Ironman (and heart rate) training. But I know that different doesn't mean worse. I had a surprisingly good day in January at the Snapple 'Half' Marathon and  am confident that my fitness has improved since then.

However, I am also aware that improved fitness doesn't always mean race day execution. Last night, I came home from a no-good horrible run and announced that I was not longer shooting for a PR. After warming up and some hip opening drills, I started a prescribed 20-minutes at race effort, and after a 7:30 mile (exactly PR pace), I threw in the towel. My HR was sky high (damn heat boo hoo) and mentally, the motivation just wasn't there. It's amazing how 1 hard miles led to laying on the floor for the next 2 hours debating my race strategy.

Truth is, I have NO IDEA what to expect come Saturday. I cannot control the weather. I cannot control the stress of my job and the lack of sleep it has been leading to. All I know is what I can control, and that is this:

1. I put down a ridiculous predicted finish time in order to start closer to the front. Mission accomplished, I'm in Corral #1.

2. I WILL NOT obsess over my HR during the race. I will collect the data to learn from it, but the only info on my screen will be pace. No time, no distance. This will be my first race where I will record HR, and I don't want seeing certain numbers freak me out and mentally allow me to 'decide' I'm running too fast.

3. On Saturday, 'too fast' will be determined by my legs, NOT decided in my mind.

4. I will NOT run faster than 7:45 for my first mile.

5. I will enjoy the CRAP out of this race. I loved almost every step last year (except that damn climb out of Dupont Circle. ouch) and I plan to do the same this year. I run because I love it, and it brings me joy, and I will not let pre-race stress and nerves get in the way of enjoying the experience.