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 Chi Running 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 course in September of this year, I’m recognizing the possibility of being able to PR again, in Houston. The interesting thing about 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 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 making 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?