Spring Goals

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring — although at a chilly 45 degrees today, it certainly doesn’t feel like it! — so I thought I’d post about some of my spring races!

Photo credit: www.runapalooza.org

Photo credit: www.runapalooza.org

My toe (HOPEFULLY) seems to be on the mend…even though I stupidly decided to go for two short runs this week. I have it all wrapped up with KT tape like no one’s business so as to stabilize whatever muscle/joint I injured, and I’m hoping that by taking it easy for the next few days, I’ll be set for a long run this weekend…which I desperately need, because…

I’m registered for Runapalooza in Asbury Park on April 20. I’ve heard it’s a really fun race, and with plenty of spectacular views of the ocean as we run along the Jersey Shore…which of course was ravaged during Hurricane Sandy. The proceeds from the event benefit both the Special Olympics of New Jersey and Hurricane Sandy relief — I am SO in!

And, I mailed in my registration for the Superhero Half in Morristown on May 19 a few weeks ago. This is a race where runners are encouraged to dress up like their favorite superheros. ‘Nuf said.

Meanwhile, I’m still toying with the idea of running the Long Branch Half Marathon, but that would occur two weeks after the first half, and two weeks prior to the Superhero race…and I certainly have my reservations about running three half marathons in such a short period of time. Is this something people do, or am I just completely insane for considering it?

superheromedal

SO excited for this medal! (Photo credit: www.superherohalf.com)

I’ve also got my eyes on a few other races (albeit probably shorter distances) before taking on the Dumbo Double Dare in August…which I still have no idea how to train for.

Are any fellow Dumbo runners (okay, that sounds weird, but you know what I’m talking about!) doing anything special to prepare for the 10k half marathon combo that awaits us this summer? To be honest, I’m still a little fuzzy on how to train in between half marathons when they’re so close together…you don’t start a whole new training cycle all over again after each race, do you? Totally clueless here!

I know I haven’t been putting in the same number of miles as I was in the weeks before the Disney Princess Half Marathon, and I’m still figuring out the whole half marathon training process…so I have no clue what will happen in these races.

Don’t get me wrong, I do have some best-case-scenario time goals in mind…but the only thing that really matters to me is that this is the first year I’ve had the guts to register for BIG RACES — that is, anything longer than a 10k — and I have to say, that fact alone is endlessly exciting to me!

What are some of your spring goals or upcoming races? I need training tips!

Comments

  1. Running consecutive halfs is on par with marathon training. If you check the training plans you run a half or more almost every weekend. I would take them a little slower than normal and treat them like training runs.

    As for the Dumbo Double Dare, put in more mileage than training for just a half (15 or 16). But other than that I wouldn’t change much about your training.

    I’m still debating on going down for the Dopey.

    • THANK YOU! This is really helpful. That’s good to know…I’m not ready for a marathon just yet, but it might be an interesting little experiment if I did end up doing all three halfs so close together. I would DEFINITELY take at least 1-2 of them a little slower though, and run “just for fun.” :)

      Thanks for the tips re: Dumbo Double Dare — that makes sense! I was getting nervous that I needed to be doing some kind of special training and I had no idea where to start.

      Good luck with your decision on “going Dopey” — I have to say, the thought crossed my mind, but I don’t think I’m ready yet to take on quite THAT many miles! I am in complete and total admiration of anyone who takes on the challenge. I am still thinking about doing the marathon, though, as my first…if not next year, then 2015 FOR SURE. :)

  2. I am excited to read your race recaps :)

  3. Jennifer says:

    I talked to Jeff Galloway about it and he suggested looking at the Goofy Training plan he has. My plan is to run on both Saturdays and Sundays, running half the distance on Saturday as I would on Sunday. I am following my normal half marathon training plan for Sunday. Gee, that sounds confusing. Basically, I have my half marathon training plan keyed with my long run on Sunday. I run half that distance on Saturday (and pick up one extra run per week). In between halfs, I cut down and maintain in the 6 mile range. Hope your foot feels better!

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