Oh yes, running. In the midst of all these other fun activities, I have still made time for running. Although it’s not on the forefront of my mind or the focus of my week, running is still there, filling my lungs with fresh air and giving my eyes more to look at than a television screen or studio full of sweaty yogis.
I am currently signed up for two running races – the Coronado Independence Day 15k (on 4th of July, clearly) and America’s Finest City Half Marathon (in August). As of now, I have no real training plan for these races. I may try to get more structured workouts in for AFC but for now I’m kind of just going with the flow. I’ve been mostly running with friends and I did even get one speed work sessions in (10 x 400 m intervals on the treadmill), but nothing has been too crazy. I think my P90X Plyometrics workouts are a good substitute for interval training as well, although we all know that nothing can truly replace running if you want to become a faster runner.
The point is, I’d love to get faster but right now it’s not my priority. My next BQ attempt likely won’t be until Spring 2014, so I have plenty of time to ramp up training and get faster with some tune up races in the winter after the wedding and honeymoon are over.

But, I am still running and I do know that I truly love it. It has become even more fun lately doing group runs and meeting up with Asia or my friend Allison and just running however long I want, instead of looking at my plan and having to run alone because Asia and my workouts don’t match that day (which was most days!).
In the back of my mind (and in some conversations) I had a goal to break 1:40 at AFC in August, but if I’m really honest with myself, that goal isn’t my priority. If it were to happen, that’d be awesome, but if not I’m not going to kill myself over it. That race historically hasn’t been my best race since it’s smack dab in the middle of a busy (and often VERY HOT) summer and the finish line comes right after a solid 1 mile climb which always deflates my spirits and throws off my pace (yet we continue to run it year after year, but that story is for another day).
So, yes, for once I am not “training” for anything. I am running an few races, working on strength and having fun this summer! Oh yeah and getting married!
Have you ever ran a race without following a training plan? Anyone else running Coronado 15k or AFC?
I’m hoping to run a 1:40 half sometime this year too, although I’m not sure it’s going to happen since I’m having iT band issues
I’m doing the coronado 15k. 5th year! Keep an eye out for red white and blue tutus
COOL! I’ll look for you for sure! Any tips on parking, when to get there, etc? Their website is pretty basic.