Including mileage, strength, and mindset exercises for success:

I’m abandoning that particular project, and here’s why:

While scrolling through Instagram I saw a post by one of my heroes, coach David Roche. This guy. He gave more, better, and easier-to-understand information in a hundred words Instagram post, (with video!) than I’ve done so far with three blog posts. I’m over it. I’m going back to what I do best. Aimless rambling around a point. Descriptions of the wrong parts of experiences and events. Semi-coherent retelling and musings of the moment.

The corporate challenge 10k was last weekend. I did okay. 26th overall. 2nd in my age group. Personal record by 2 minutes, no big deal. Once again, if I wasn’t such a clown, goofing around and acting foolish, I might have performed a bit better. I guess the world will never know. There’s a 5k this weekend. I haven’t decided if I’m going to jog it for laughs or put my head down and try. My 5k p.r. is this ridiculous number I got during one of the hundred milers. Topping that would be a miracle. There’s a different number I’ve been chasing for a while. If I can get in the 20-minute range I will be very excited. I would also have to win at least my age group, also. Results matter, but ALL the results. If I run a 20-minute 5k and come in 5th in my age group my entire week is ruined. If I win the entire race and run a 24-minute 5k my entire week is ruined. These are exaggerations, of course. My week is great after racing no matter the result. Goals are fine, but it’s the process I love. Running every day isn’t a chore. I don’t do strength and yoga because I’m training. These are things I enjoy doing for their own sake.

The real joy in racing is performing to the best of my abilities at that moment. Seeing my friends performing well is very exciting. Following along on personal journeys, like injury/recovery struggles, break-up/hook-up drama, and rivalries, these are the reasons to pay $40-$50 for a 5k. I want to run fast so I can get back to the hot goss. It’s the whiskey run 5k but I’m going for the tea!

As far as training: run extra miles.  Get time on your feet by any means. Lift heavy weight. Do stretch, core, and balance exercises. Eat well, and rest often.