Total miles: 17
This training week was really tough. Due to non running-related things, I just was not feeling the activity of running. It seems like when something is going well in one aspect of your life then 2-3 things go to crap in other aspects.
Training Runs:
For the most part my training runs for the week were kind of blah. I guess that this section will become more interesting as I increase my distance.
I did a nice 5.5 miler run, which was supposed to be 7 miles, on Friday night. It was an interesting run because I rarely run at night. Running is one of those things that I have to get out of the way in the morning, because I just do not care by 6, 7, 8 pm. As a matter of fact, I started this run around 10pm . . . because I just did not care. I realize that I cannot do training runs on weekend evenings, because I get a severe case of FoMo. I was so jealous seeing everyone out and about having a good time without a care in the world.
Some pics from my night run
Based on my training runs during the past week, I am somewhat disappointed that I do have the speed/endurance that I once had. Last year, anything over a 8:45 min/mile pace was horrible run for me. During one of my runs, I had to stop and walk a few times . . . although that could have been due to the intense humidity during the week. At this rate, I do not think that I will meet my goal of running the NYC Marathon in 3:45. Maybe, my pace and endurance will improve once I start interval training runs and running races. NYRR Brooklyn R-U-N 5K, NYRR R-U-N 5K, and NYRR Team Championships (5M) are a few races that I have coming up over the summer that may activate my competitive spirit again.
Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run (5M):
I had the opportunity to volunteer for this race, which was tough for me. The volunteering part was not tough; it was being on a train from Brooklyn at 5am to arrive to 102nd street in Manhattan by 6:30am. Ouch!
Unfortunately, it rained and rained HARD during the setup and the race, and I was so greatful that NYRR provided ponchos for the volunteers. Interestingly, the sun came out as if it had never rained about half-way into the race (*LAME).
I served as an Ambassador, so I answered runners' questions (i.e. location of baggage check, bib pickup, start, etc.) and surveyed runners about their race experience.
Soap Box Time:
Many people who volunteered did so to meet their "+1" requirement of the NYRR's 9+1 for guaranteed entry into NYC Marathon for 2018. I, as well as other runners, know that the volunteers are very important for the success or the races. The thing is many people only volunteer just for their +1, so it is not like some folks are volunteering for the sake of volunteering - they are doing it to enter the marathon. Yes, I have been guilty of doing this. But, I am going to change that by getting more involved within the running community. Going forward, I am going try my hardest to volunteer for a race once a month. Maybe, I will sign up to be a Volunteer Leader for a future NYRR 5 Borough race, but let's start with the small stuff first.
Upcoming Goals for the Week:
- Start interval training and hill work.
- Become more educated about proper nutrition for running.
- Incorporate body weight training after my shorter runs.