New Chi Running Training to Begin: Houston 1/2 Marathon #2
Well, I’ve gone and done it. Signed up for another race…!
My first race using the Chi Running technique was in 2009, the Houston 1/2 Marathon. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to running it again in 2011.
After completing and setting a new PR on the very hilly Asheville running course in September of this year, I’m recognizing the possibility of running a PR again, in Houston. The interesting thing about running Asheville is that I wasn’t concerned with my time at all during my training or during my race. I was concerned about finishing strong and finishing/training without running injury. Mission accomplished!
Houston is a flat course, and very well supported. I couldn’t believe how many people were out on the course with music, food, signs and even Kleenex! As I consider my training for the next race, I’m very much contemplating how I can PR again.
I am not sure I like this idea, however. I have liked running so much just for the sake of running. The idea of trying to hit a target pace of 9:00 min. mile at the race, and all the planning and timing that it requires during training, may or may not be where I am with my running practice right now. I’d love to hear from anyone else who has been in the same boat and took on the healthy challenge of running a PR.
I figure in order to beat 2 hours, I’ll need to run a 9 min/mile pace. The good thing about the Asheville race is that I had the downhills to make up time and get up fast even to a 7 min/mile pace. In Houston, there are no such things as hills to speed my little legs along.
So, I’m just beginning this process. I will start my official training in the next week or so and plan to use the Pain-Free Beginner 1/2 Marathon Training Program again because I really enjoyed it and it most certainly helped me stay healthy and avoid injury by training in a mindful, gradual, sustainable way.
What are your thoughts?