Today I learned that I need to begin balancing out my levels of effort during the week as it pertains to my workouts. I run out of my apartment each morning and I just start running at my normal pace. It’s my 5k pace, my 10k pace, and my half and full marathon pace (until I cannot hold it any longer – at which time I fold like a cheap suit). Now I know that a runner is NOT supposed to run at the exact same pace for each workout. By changing pace throughout the week it allows the body to recover a bit, while still putting in the miles you need to get stronger and quicker. I’ve read these coaching points many times. My coaches have reminded me of this important training point…A LOT. Do I listen? Yes. Am I successful in adhering to that rule? Not at all.
Every single time I get out into Central Park, I get this energy exuded from the running path and the runners that are flying in every direction. I pick up on it, and I go faster than I should on days where I should let my body recover. I know I’m making a mistake – yet I do it anyway. I actually know I’m screwing my workout up AS I AM DOING IT. Yet off I go, not taking my foot off the gas until the tank is empty (and – by the way – I get the same gas mileage as a Hummer2). Steve Prefontaine once said that he “…only had one pace – and that was suicide pace. And today is a good day to die”. Well maybe he could get away with pushing himself to the limit daily – but I know I can’t. I need to stick to my training plan. Do not deviate.
I know the rules. Why can’t I ever follow them? I’m as sharp as a bowling ball.
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BY setting some pretty challenging goals for myself, I am trying to generate interest in / donations to The Dream Team Project. This charity’s mission is to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, helping to grant the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Being s former wish-granter for the New York City Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, I can tell you first-hand just how much of an impact this organization makes in the lives of children.
If you’d like some information on The Dream Team Project or would like to make a donation to their amazing cause, please stop by the website: http://www.wdwradio.com/the-dream-team-project I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I really believe in what The Dream Team Project stands for. Please consider donating to this worthy cause. Thanks!
…and if you’d like a bit more information on the WDW Radio Running Team, please check out the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/WDW-Radio-Running-Team/163606410344409
In addition, I am running the 2013 Chicago Marathon in order to raise money to fight cancer. I am running with Team in Training, and if anyone would like any information on this fantastic charity’s work please go to: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/chicago13/jrkolinsky
I am also, once again, running the 2013 ING New York City Marathon in order to raise money to benefit the New York Road Runners Team for Kids (“TFK”). If you’d like to read more about this fantastic charity, please check TFK out at: http://www.runwithtfk.org/Page/About
