The exhilaration from finishing kicking butt at my first 5k is slowly wearing off. By the way, Maya was kind enough to explain the difference to me between gun time and net time, so I actually finished in 29:14!! Wa-hoo 🙂
But since Saturday, I haven’t run a lick. Blame it on the cold, rainy weather, or my “sore” hamstring, my business with work stuff or pure laziness, but I haven’t felt inspired to run. I went for a bike ride, a long walk with the bug, but no running. It leaves me wondering: where do I go from here?
I know I’d like to keep running in my routine because
- It really has toned my thighs. All last year’s jeans are fitting loser in the legs, and call me vain, but I like it.
- I feel powerful when I run (most days) and I like saying ’I’m a RUNNER…biatch’ OK, so I don’t say the last part 😉
- It’s a quick way to get in a workout. No driving anywhere, just stepping out my front door for 30 minutes or so. Not bad.
- Koda-bug can exercise with me. Call me dog obsessed, but I feel guilty when I get to go workout and she doesn’t.
However, I am afraid if I don’t have a training schedule to stick to, running will fall by the wayside. So… do I sign up for another 5k? Or a 10k? A 10k scares the fool out of me… but does that mean I should do it then?
I also want to incorporate some yoga back into my routine. I miss it SO much. Since I live in Nascar Country, where no yoga studios exist, that probably means rejoining the Y. Which is fine. But will I have time to run and go to the Y? Especially if I decide to start zumba-ing and other group classes again?
So blends, I’m asking for your input…
Please vote for your favorite:
- Sign up for my second 5k (just because I did it once, doesn’t mean it was easy)
- Get crazy and sign up for a 10k (definitely for a few months down the road!)
- Run only when I feel like it, and instead do a mix of yoga & group classes
Ready…. GO!!
PS- Charlotte folk… WHOLE FOODS begins building their store in South Park in spring 2011— AHHHHHH!!!! Finally!!!! 🙂 I’m definitely going to be one of those people that makes a special trip down to Charlotte with my cooler in tow to grocery shop every week. Excited doesn’t even begin to explain it 🙂
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
I think if you miss yoga, try to combine the two for a while- you can always sign up for another race in a few months 🙂
christina says
sign up for a 5k in the next month or two, and then do a couple more. thennnnnn sign up for a 10k!! 🙂
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Having never run in a “real” race, I’m not sure I can offer good input. I also never do group classes, even though I always say I want to.
However, I think the best thing to do would be to do what makes you happy…and if that is running off and on and mixing it up, then do that! 🙂
[Basically I have not helped at all.]
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
If it were me, I’d just try to keep up a running schedule of about 3 days a week. Mix in some lifting and I’d be good to go!
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
I know I really only run if I have a race coming up — so I’d sign up for another 5K and then after that sign up for a 10K. And if you miss Yoga (or anything else for that matter) — just run 2-3x per week, add in some yoga and you’re good!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
So I feel that we are kind of at the same level of running! I just did my first 5K in September and have another one this weekend…
That being said, I agree with Christina. Sign up for another 5K in the next few months and then take a couple months to train for a 10K. I plan to do a 10K sometime in the spring, so if you want to “train virtually” together – I’d be happy to!
Shawnee says
The same thing kind of happened to me after my 5k. I ran it, was really sore and burnt out. Then I tried running again a month or so later and hurt my hip. Now I kind of run when I feel like it. I would love to get back into it, but my hip is still hurting, so when I do run I only run until I feel pain and then stop. Maybe if I keep with my yoga, my hips will be able to withstand a longer run! Good luck finding your groove.
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
Maybe just try another 5K? See if you can find one or two by the end of the year to keep you encouraged running-wise.
Then maybe register for a 10K out in 2011 a bit?
That would give you time to work on your 5K time and stamina, but not put too much pressure on you during the holidays. Having things on the books, however, might keep you encouraged to not let running fall by the wayside.
I was considering running a 10K in November, but I haven’t been training. I think I’m going to just do a couple of 5Ks and have some fun. This time of year is stressful enough without turning running into something draining and difficult.
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Can I vote for you to register for both a 5k and 10k hehehe!
Also, I never understood why awards were based on gun time when net time is more accurate… hmmm
Nichole says
I knew it! You’re hooked. Running is one helluva drug.
🙂 I think you should take some time and think about what’s going to challenge you more. I know for me, getting into tris and group classes was the best thing to prevent running burnout – and it’s made me a better runner!
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
That’s tough – I think you can only answer that! It totally depends on where you’re at right now and whether you feel like tackling another race right away or whether you want to have a more unstructured approach right now. You can also make a structured plan that includes running and yoga and other stuff – like maybe 2 days/week are running 2 are yoga, and 1 is a fun class?
Allie says
Congrats on your first 5k!!!! Anytime I finish a big race I like to take some time off and assess what is coming up and if any races look fun 🙂
Tina says
Why don’t you sign up for another 5K not too close to now and just enjoy running in the process. I liked Lisa’s idea of still focusing on getting in like 3 days/week and mixing it up with other workouts too.
maya @ finding balance in tokyo says
Glad to help out! 😀
I can totally relate to losing some motivation once the race is over. After my first 5k I didn’t run much for a few weeks.There was less of a drop off after 5k #2, but I didn’t really get back into the training groove until I signed up for a 10k just 5.5 weeks prior to race date.
Right now I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve run exactly twice since my race 2.5 weeks ago and I’m evaluating what to do next. I’ve got a 5k coming up at the end of the month, and also want to concentrate more on yoga and weights (which I totally neglected during 10k training), but I also don’t want to wait too long before trying another 10k!
I would recommend you go for all 3, if possible! sign up for another 5k, start looking for 10ks a little ways out, and drop running down to maybe 2 x/week so you can cross train. You can already do the distance, so you just need to maintain that, and the cross training will make you a stronger runner, even with less actual running!
For what it’s worth, coming straight off of 10k training.. I think I prefer it to the 5k distance! Going into it knowing I am running a longer distance makes it less of a mental challenge for me, somehow.
Kelly Olexa says
I wouldn’t want to tell you what to do- as you gotta go with what you FEEL like….but I was so pumped up after my first 5K, I got nutty and signed up for a 1/2 marathon! OMG! I’m doing it 12/5 with my BFF Amy in Vegas, and guess what- I’m gonna do it. I have all these “What if?”s going on in my head but I won’t let fear creep in, for I am now loving all the things that you are about running.
😉
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
My suggestions? Sign up for both a 5k and a 10k. The 5 will keep you motivated in the short term and the 10 will give you something to work towards long(er) term. Plus the training will be a little different as you can start working on speed for the shorter distance (although your time for the last one was pretty kick-ass) and endurance and tempo for the 10. Just my thoughts though, you know whats best for you 🙂