3 days until the first race of a fresh cycle and I’m probably more nervous for this race than I have been for any other in the past year. I’m running the Chicago Women’s 5k on Sunday morning. 3.1 miles of uncomfortable hurt headed my way.
A good friend offered some wise thoughts this morning when I told her I’m starting to get nervous. She said nerves mean that I have high expectations for myself. If I didn’t dream, I wouldn’t be nervous. (I think I’d rather take the risk.) Then she said:
“The way I look at these races leading into my goal race is: it’s a great way to test yourself mentally mostly and secondly physically. These are the races there is no pressure for time. Use it to your advantage and see how far you can push yourself. Break through new mental barriers. It’s your head that’s going to get you faster because your body is doing the workouts and is there. Trust your workouts.”
I know I’ve already begun this training cycle with some unexpected (to me, anyway) speed. I ran consistent sub 1:30 400 repeats a few weeks ago and this week I did 6 x 800 Yassos with pretty consistent splits (3:05-3:08) despite a massive headwind on the lakefront.
Coach told me to run like a gazelle, but I decided I’m going to run like a BADASS. “Quiet confidence” at the start line, AMIRIGHT?
To run like a badass requires a badass race outfit.
Adidas Boston Marathon Supernova short
I haven’t worn the Boston shorts yet and I figure the first race is a good time to do so. 🙂 This will also be my first race in the Saucony Type A5. In the past I wore the New Balance 1600s for most of my speedwork. I still really like that shoe. The main difference I can feel between the two is that the Type A5 has a bit more support than the 1600s. You can feel the road more in the New Balance 1600s but both flats make me feel speedy. They’re both 5 oz so perfect for a 5k race.
The inspiration and motivation to kick ass on Sunday is brought to me by the USATF Nationals. USATF is streaming the event live through the weekend and if you want information about where to view on cable, check out Michele’s information.
I’ll be stalking the weather until Sunday. So far it looks like it’s going to be a scorcher! Good luck to all the ladies running both the 5k and the half!
-J
We Wander And Ponder 
Good luck!
Thanks so much!
Any tips on how to no stress your calves so bad after intervals? I did 12×400 last week and incurred a light calf strain that is making me rethink doing intervals now.
I do calf raises on a stair step to strengthen my calf muscles. Speedwork can be stressful on the calves but only if they are weak to begin with!
Good luck!! Maybe I will see you there 😉 I’m doing the half and praying for good weather!
Good luck tomorrow morning, Ani! Hoping for a cool breeze to cool us down 🙂
How did it go??
Best of luck and I loveee the outfit! 🙂
Aww gee, thanks!
I totally 100% agree with the nerves and high expectations. I felt the same way going into my 5k on Memorial Day. Anyway, you’ll definitely look like a badass and will no doubt run like one as well. Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Thanks Erin! Feeling excited and nervous this evening. Looking forward to seeing what the legs can do tomorrow
Not looking forward to that heat on Sunday but overall I am excited for the race (5K for me). Good Luck!
Good luck tomorrow, Jennifer! Maybe I’ll see ya out there
Thanks! Hope to see you out there too
Nice. Run like a badass.
Planning on it! Thanks, Lindsay!
5k’s are definitely the most brutal, from stop to almost top speed right out of the gates and then you have to hang on for 3 miles! Good luck, have fun and I am sure you will crush it!
I disagree with the comment above hehehe – all races are hard if you push yourself to your full potential. Different distances just stress different systems. Enjoy the pain, don’t fear it. It will be over before you know it! You’re ready to throw down, just do it! 😉
Good luck, Jenny!
Thanks Hyedi!
That is definitely one badass outfit! Sounds like you had a great race! Can’t wait to read about it!
I love those shorts! Clearly I’m late reading this post (fail). Sounds like your 5k was a warm one! Also, running SECONDS off your 5k PR just before starting a new training cycle sounds BADASS to me! Can’t wait for the recap!