Not so fast...

I was all excited to start training this week for marathon #6 - and then Sean broke the news to me that we don't have to start training until the second week in July! So, I'm a little anxious to get going...I don't think I've ever registered for a marathon so far in advance, I'm not used to this whole waiting to train thing...

In the meantime, I'm doing smaller races. As I mentioned previously I ran the 5 Mile Achilles International Hope and Possibility race on Sunday...lets just say, the highlight was my 5 second glimpse of the very handsome Prince Harry as the race began.

It was hot, humid, sticky, muggy...gross. The minute I started moving I immediately was sweating profusely. I really don't mind running in the heat, but racing in the heat is another story. I pushed it for the first mile or so and then realized there was no way I was going to keep my 7 min mile pace for much longer...I slowed down to a comfortable 7:30 pace and stuck with it. I finished in just over 37 minutes, not horrible....not great, I know I can do better.

With this said, I think I need to set some goals for my upcoming training runs. For 1, I HAVE to do speed work. The hardest part for me when running races is pushing myself to the finish. I'm the one maintaining my speed, while at least 5-10 people sprint on by me...I just never can get my little legs to move faster! Active.com posted an article about "progression runs" which I will be sure to integrate into my training program in a few weeks...

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/3_Progression_Runs_to_Reach_Race-Day_Success.htm?cmp=11-4104&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

Hill workouts...also key. Since I ran Goofy in January, I have been avoiding doing any sort of hill work. I will still run the typical loop up cat hill in the Park, but I've probably only ran Harlem Hill (that daunting horrible hill on the UWS in the park) maybe 3 times? I have a feeling that hill is going to be the best (and worst) thing to ever happen to me during these training runs.

And finally....I need to realize that rest days are fine. I've gotten into this crazy mindset that I HAVE to work out 6 days a week...If I don't work out a day that I was planning on working out, I get kind of crazy, just ask Sean. The best thing I can do for myself is to let my legs recover after the hard workouts. Thats going to be a tough one.