Going out of my comfort zone: 5K Speed Workout

Over the past few days I have thought a lot about what's next and how to get myself over this racing slump and back to the level I was at before and where I (and my trainer) think I should be. I have gone as far as thinking about changing a half entry to a full next week but quickly got smart about that until an even better option opened and I was given a free entry to a marathon next month. I am strongly considering this despite the 4 hour drive, it would be a fun, small race that I would likely never decide to do otherwise. Here I sit looking back and planning ahead...

This week I started seeing a new sports chiro who works at the gym. Perfect location since I am there all the time, access to child care and he and my trainer can communicate to tailor my workouts. What did I find? Honestly nothing new, but my SI joints are nearly locked and pelvis/hips out of line causing pull on my hamstring at the insertion. So ART and adjustments it is again. I am one who does not believe in all the hype on adjustments fixing everything, I mean really crack my neck and my allergies are gone?? (too much medical bias) but am a believer in the sports side with muscle work and adjustments to fix misalignments in running.

And then check out these photos from last Saturday (Sometime after Mile 20), a little crooked right? Does anyone else look at race photos and critique your form?

Finally a great race picture!

So now the decision to make: To run a free marathon or not? I hope to do 50 States at some point and this would be a simple way to get SD crossed off, I have a place to stay and pretty much only ran 21 miles last week as the last 5 were filled with walking so can just start over. But is this a waste of a weekend, more frustration if I don't race well? What do I do? I am serious, I will take advice on this.

In the meantime as soon as this hamstring is healed I have a half marathon and plan to actually train for a 5K! Talk about out of my comfort zone. I think my trainer is thrilled with this since he loves sprinting and doesn't understand my crazy fascination with marathons and strong hatred of 5Ks! My goal is to break 20 minutes...

Since I will also be half marathon training I like the idea of longer speed intervals and need to get back to it. Speed work lacked this winter and I kind of like it. What is better than that feeling of running fast, hard and pushing beyond your limits? As much as I hate this I love it in the end! What have you done to push outside your comfort zone?

Comments

  1. EmmaMay 17, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    You look great in your purples! I get so confused with 5K PACE or 10K PACE... I don't know my paces for those!
    Good for you for shaking things up a bit!
    emma @ amomrunsthistown.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 17, 2013 at 8:31 AM

      Thanks, I love my purple :) I was kind of happy it was cold I let my 3 year old pick out my race outfit: pink hat, pink shirt, purple socks!

      Delete
  2. Mon AmourMay 17, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    Your running form looks a million times better than mine! I've only trained for half and full marathons but am considering training for a 5K just to see what time I could pull off

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 17, 2013 at 2:11 PM

      I honestly don't think I have ever trained specfically for a 5K, this could be interesting!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog and I nominated you for a Bouquet of Three Award! (http://irunwithit.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/bouquet-of-three-x-two/)

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    I'm training for a 5k with speed work because there's a sweet medal and I'm hoping to place so that I can get the medal ;) Otherwise, I prefer longer distances. I would take the free entry...the way I look at it is that you don't have to do your BEST (but you can still try) because you didn't pay an entry fee...but then again you did pay gas, so maybe that's not valid. But that's what I would say. If it's free and you don't race your best, then I would be less disappointed than if I paid those high entry fees and raced poorly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 17, 2013 at 3:26 PM

      You think like I do :) Good luck with your 5K training too.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    I unconsciously been training for a 5k, because I think that is the speed I feel most comfortable with. What have I done to push myself? I have to say, my track workout last Saturday was a crusher just because I haven't done track workout in forever. But it was good to push myself! :)

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 17, 2013 at 3:50 PM

      Way to go on the track :) I need to get back there soon!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    I critique my form all the time but not with running because I don't really have any pics of my running.

    If I was in the condition to run the race (which you are), I'd totally do the race.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 18, 2013 at 6:55 AM

      Thanks, I am really leaning towards running it.

      Delete
  7. jillconyersMay 18, 2013 at 5:34 AM

    I miss training for speed. Running for distance and b2b long runs on the weekend have pushed me out of my comfort zone. I've become obsessed to find out how far I can run :)

    Full or half you're going to be amazing! Hope the hamstring feels better soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 18, 2013 at 6:56 AM

      b2b long runs will be next for me in fall to train for Dopey :)

      Delete
  8. CeciliaMay 18, 2013 at 5:29 PM

    I did my first hill repeat workout this week. It was killer but I was proud of some of the numbers I was putting up! By the way, I haven't forgotten about your Lemon Tea Nuun. None of my local stores have that flavor for some reason but I have one more to check. If I can't find it ill get you a different flavor! What's your second choice?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMay 19, 2013 at 6:43 AM

      Hills are tough but fun! Way to go :) I have never seen it either, but either cherry limeade or watermelon (never tried those :) )

      Delete

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