Last week a blogged about my decision making process in deciding if I wanted to run the Mercer Island Half or 10K. After reading your responses and thinking about it for another week I’ve pretty much made the decision to run the Half. My training has been going great and I’m feeling really great so I think the Half is the best choice.
When I told my coach that I was learning towards the half he agreed that he thought I could handle it. Not only does he think I can handle it but he wants to go for a sub 1:40! Originally the plan was a sub 1:45 and then go for the 1:40 later in the year, but looking at my workouts he thinks I can go for it now. My initial reaction was disbelief. It’s one thing to run 5 miles at 7:15’s but to run 13 miles at 7:30’s that seemed like a big difference.
Coach pointed out that the elevation profiles of the courses I’ve been running are far more challenging than what I’ll experience in the half, which will make a big difference. He also reminded me that this wasn’t the end all be all of my racing career. If I get to mile 8 and I’m really struggling I can back off and try again at another race…no big deal. This is one of the reasons I really love having a coach, he really helped me re frame my thoughts about the speed. In a matter of a few minutes I went from no way that’s possible to yeah I can do this.
I will also have support before and during the race. One of the other runners will be running with me and coach is actually going to pace us…so pretty much all I have to do is hang on, haha. We’re also going to go out to Mercer Island over the next few weeks and run portions of the course so I know what to expect. I’ve never done this with a race before but I think it will be really helpful.
So there you have it Mercer Island Half, sub 1:40…I’m going for it!
Do you have any goal races coming up? How do you mentally and physically prepare for a challenging race?
You can do it, I think 1:40 will be well within your reach! Yay!
Wow a sub 1:40 half is amazing. However, with all your training I think you’ve got it! Have a great race.