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Rethinking Racing and Training in 2015

If you had asked me what my running and racing plans were for 2015 right after my full marathon at the end of December, I would have told you about races that I had planned.

Funny thing is that I really don't love to race. It makes me a nervous mess, but I keep finding myself going back for more. I tend to want to race the same ones I have done previously as well. Perhaps it's because I've been there, done that and have the t-shirt to prove it.

Last year, my first 2014 race was the River Trail 15K. So, it made sense that it'd be my first race for 2015 as well. The race is this Saturday, however. And I am still in a walking boot. Last year I ended up with an age group placement and a nifty cup. This year, well, I can use the cup at least right?


The 15K was used as more of a training run for me for the Little Rock Half Marathon. I thought it would help me get into the racing mindset, plus I needed the miles of course. The Little Rock Half Marathon was my very first half 5 years ago.


While I have grown to dislike the course, it's become my nemesis race quite frankly, they changed the route this year and I was kind of excited to race it again. The race is March 1. As optimistic as I've tried to be, I imagine I'll be sitting on my porch cheering on runners this year rather than running it myself.

After Little Rock last year, I was banged up and missed the Capital City Classic 10K. That had been my first 10K distance done in 2013. It's a very flat course. Not exactly exciting and not spectator friendly, but a good route nonetheless.

Since I missed out on that 10K last year, I was certain I'd be signed up for that one this year along with the 10K I did actually do last year. It was the inaugural Downtown Dash. I had done very well, setting a nice 10K PR for myself and taking 1st in my age group.


After those races, I wasn't exactly sure of my plans. Because of the full, I was thinking ahead that I may try to find another full to do. Maybe take on the dreaded 5K even. Gasp, did I really say a 5K?

Because of this injury, I'm going to have to really rethink my racing plans and even my training plans. I know that I can't focus on PRs this time around. It'll be changing up my mindset and shooting for a comeback at least. Learning from previous training, figuring out how to regain lost endurance and distance, and doing so smartly.

How have you had to rethink racing and training plans? Did you find that you came back stronger, smarter? 

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