Decisions
Did I already talk about this? My training calls for a 5K race on 2/19. There are no 5K’s within 50 miles of me on that date. There’s a 5K on 2/12 and another on 2/26.
So here’s the problem (because I obsess about these things):
AA Track Club Valentine’s Day 5k on 2/12.
This will be a fun run. No medals or anything silly like that, just people running for fun and you get Valentine’s Day gloves and a coupon for free chocolate at the local chocolate shop (which I haven’t been to). No numbers, no chips. You get placed by the “popsicle” method (?). Very nice people put this run on and its the anniversary of my first race since I started running. Part of the money is donated to the St. Joseph Mercy Cardiac unit.
The problem with this race is that its a week early and I feel like garbage this week and I just don’t see myself running anywhere near where I’d like to. I’d hate to just fall apart in such a small race where I can’t hide very well.
Heat the Streets 5K Run - 2/26
This is an official race and they have chips and numbers and other normal race stuff. This race raises money to help pay for heating the homes of families that might otherwise not be able to afford it. A very good cause and its later so I have time to recover from my half-flu and other illnesses.
The problem is that its in Detroit at 8AM which means I need to get my butt out of bed damn early and head into the heart of darkness to run in its streets. Have you seen Lord of the Rings? You know when they are standing outside the gates to Mordor? That’s what I’m thinking about.
Do both? Egads. Now wouldn’t that be a nightmare. Although I would have two weeks to recover from one. Somehow, I just completely disintegrate in these races while everyone else seems to recover very fast.
Any thoughts?
PS
Lots of stretching and strength training tonight. I need a replacement for leg press/leg extension/leg curl which are done on machines.
January 31st, 2005 23:47
I’m stuck on this local chocolate shop that YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TOO! I can’t let that go.
What the??
Also..popsicle method?
huh?
February 1st, 2005 00:41
The first one should get your vote, simply because of the chocolate factor. Both are a worthy cause. If you were in better health I would say both.
As for the popsicle method, we use that at our xcountry races and it works just fine for small races. As you cross the line you get a stick. The time keeper has already recorded stick number and time on his sheet. When you go to the meeting place you find your name and put it by your stick number on a list. When the race is done all times are put by the stick numbers & racers as listed.
By the way our xcountry races are held about every 2 weeks or so and we have a choice of 4 or 8km. So if silly me can do it…….
Lastly - I say wait til the last minute to decide and see how you feel a day or so before the first one. If you feel up to it, do it. If not move onto the 2nd one. If you do the 1st one and it takes too much out of you then skip the second and sleep in.
February 1st, 2005 08:03
I vote for the Detroit Race - time to recover and come closer to the result you’re looking for.
As far as freeweight exercises - squats sub for leg presses. Leg extensions and curls? Not sure.
February 1st, 2005 08:24
The problem with the detroit race is that the steam will be coming out of the man holes and sewers and it will stink down there. I don’t mean it will smell bad, I mean it will STINK…like sewage. It’s gross.
Are you running in the Shamrocks & Shenanagan’s run in March? I might be up for it…
February 1st, 2005 08:57
While the second race gives you more time to recover, the first race will be more low-key, which means you’ll feel less pressure to perform. Just think of it as a good training run. And think of the chocolate!
February 1st, 2005 10:02
Valentines race. Definitely. Popsicle sticks and chocolates. Come on. - Mia
February 1st, 2005 10:11
Yeah, if any races were giving away chocolate, I’d be there and it will be low key and you can only get better from this point on, so go for the first one.
February 1st, 2005 10:50
Free chocolate. Enough said.
Personally, I’d do the Valentine’s day race because it sounds so laid back. But then I’m crazy enough to do the second race as well just to prove I could. But if you’re hoping for a PR, do the second one so you’ll have time to recover.
No matter your choice, good luck! Hope you feel better soon!
February 1st, 2005 11:00
Dude! Chocolate! I dunno. I think the first race has it for two or three reasons. Remember, Hal says you can be bendy in your training.
February 1st, 2005 11:47
Go for the free chocolate. As someone said Detroit stinks.
February 1st, 2005 18:05
Aside from the CHOCOLATE (which is impossible to pass up) I’ll bet you a Coffee Crisp that you’ll be feeling much better by the 12th. The first race is still 11 days away, by which time you will be well rested and raring to go. The race will be a refreshing change from your recovery, and you can do it in daylight, which you prefer.
Consider this sick time as a “taper”. Does your training plan say to PR in the 5k? I don’t think so… Just try your best, feel great for getting your butt out there, and reward yourself with CHOCOLATE!
February 1st, 2005 18:23
Both. Chocolate and speed. It takes an average of one day per mile to recover from racing - even at twice that, I think you’ll be fine. You’re strong.
February 1st, 2005 21:04
Yeah, do both. But run the first one for fun, not speed. No pressure. Eat chocolate. Then run the second and PR!! We are all full of advice, aren’t we??
February 1st, 2005 21:26
I agree with ???; let’s see…. I’ll go with Susan. She said it succinctly. Take ‘em one at a time and be happy. BTW, I drove past a store tonight on the way home - one I’ve passed every day for 6 years and never noticed - and saw one of your franchises: Chocolate Factory. It’s yours, right? I’m going by tomorrow and mentioning your name. Will that get me a 15% discount on calories?