Running Times Ahead

So far this has to have been the most consistent running year of my life!

I know it’s been a while since I last posted but I wanted to bring you all up to speed with where I’m at, as well as offer some training tips to help you become a more consistent runner. 

For me, the consistency comes from the right habits and mindset. I’ve ran what I like to call ‘majors’ i.e. 10K races, Half marathons etc, already this year and haven’t had to deal with any injuries that have caused concern. I’m not entirely sure why that is. I mean I’m 38 years old and the last time I ran 4 events in the space of 4 months was when I was 32 and just getting into running.

Last Sunday I ran in my local 10K at Port Sunlight, Wirral and I had zero expectation of achieving a personal best or even getting close to that. I think those lack of expectations came from the disappointment of the Chester Half Marathon. Not that it was a bad race, it was just very tough with the Sunny weather and high temperatures (with zero shade!). That particular race added an additional 20 minutes onto what I’d usually run 13.1 miles at.

As a result of that, my confidence was fairly low despite training going well afterwards. 

I guess there’s some truth to that though. I’ve gone into race days in the past with a lot of confidence and for whatever reason have failed to deliver. Maybe I put too much pressure on myself? This time I just tried to enjoy myself and decided that whatever time I get I’ll accept, but I’ll run by listening to my body the whole time. If my body feels I can go faster then I will and if I need to slow down at certain stages, I’ll do that too. 

So now we turn to Marathon training for October’s Chester Marathon, with the Aintree Half in-between. This will be a new race for me and I think will provide a solid stepping stone to the marathon itself which I’m calling Redemption. Why you ask? Well 2 years ago I ran it very well for the first 17 miles. I was on for a fantastic time, which for my first ever marathon would have been some achievement. 

From that point however, my legs gave way and I had to keep stop-starting for the remaining 9 miles. 

This time I want to do it right with better, longer, and more consistent training. I’ve got the right running trainers to help me build speed and a great deal of support from family and friends around me. The plan is to also get myself mentally fit through practicing meditation and mindfulness. I find that blocking out negative thoughts helps me go further during training and helps me avoid stopping halfway through a race.

It’s all about the belief and dedication you decide to commit to, and usually the results will show. The feeling at the finish line when you’ve beaten your previous best is one that I’m desperate to return to. So stay tuned!

 

Adam Warren