On PRing
Last night while at Heather’s Dinner Party , Courtney, Heather and I were discussing racing, and more specifically PRing.
Heather had a theory. That when in race-mode (like two weeks before an exciting race) we are really motivated to PR said race. But when actually running the race, if we aren’t running as planned (i.e. the Boilermaker…) then our rational thoughts take over and even after the race we realize we may actually never PR a race such as the Boilermaker due to the conditions of the race (hot, uphill, etc.) So, rational Jen knows I probably won’t ever PR the Boilermaker (unless upstate NY has a cold spell in the middle of July and hits 50 degrees that day or something.) But race-mind Jen, while in the midst of training for it, wants to PR the Boilermaker.
Yeah, probably never gonna happen…
It was quite an interesting conversation. And then I told her I want to PR the Stockade-athon on Sunday.
This is obviously race-minded Jen talking. Since signing up for Stockade-athon, another 15K, I’ve had two weeks to “train” to PR. I’m in shape for the distance (9.3 miles) but I need to train for speed. So far I’ve worked some speedwork into most of my runs, even going to the track for it…but I’m not sure if that was enough.
Sunday, Chris and I ran a long run of 8.0 miles with an average pace of 9:08/mile! If I can run 8.0 for that pace, surely I can run 9.3, especially with race-day adrenaline?
I hoping so! I know I can’t PR every race. And I haven’t PRed a race in a very long time. Since April, if you count my automatic PR for the Delmar Dash 5 mile race. And I haven’t PRed a specific distance since January 1st. And I’ve been itching to do it…
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11 Comments
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes)
You can do it, Jen!! I will be cheering from you. I agree, if you can do 8 at 9:08, you should be able to do 1.3 more at that pace.
And yes… I always want to PR at the Boilermaker too. This summer I’m running it for FUN, that is it!
Heather
this is the theory.
right now, you are rational liz. you know that running the boilermaker for fun is the way to go, right?
all throughout your training, you will be preparing the “just run for fun.”
then, a few weeks before the race, you will start to think about time.
and then two weeks before the race, you will set a secret goal in the back of your mind.
it will linger.
on race day, you will tell yourself, “I CAN TOTALLY PR”
then, lets say, similiarly to the case of Boilermaker 2011 for Jen and myself, you have a rough race. by mile four you are angry. WHY AM I NOT RUNNING HOW I EXCPECTED TO BE RUNNING?, you say?
You run angry. You struggle. You keep trying to talk yourself down: I am happy. I will finish. that is enough.
then you get angry again.
then you get motivated again.
this continues.
until you cross the finish line.
about 17 seconds afterwards you realize, “oh. I’m never going to PR the boilermaker. its hot and hilly and crowded.”
then you start thinking about next year, and running for fun.
Come the end of june, the cycle starts again.
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Liz (Little Bitty Bakes)
You’re completely spot on 🙂 I know this because I have the same mindset with NYC right now – I’m saying, “if I ever run that again, I’m going to wear a fun costume or something”… but I know if I ever run it again, I’m going to try to crush my first 2 times!
So, looking at the Boilermaker in particular, here’s my plan to make sure I DON’T take it too seriously this year… 1) Run a different race a month or so before and put down a really good time, and 2) Pre-race fuel should be a donut and a mimosa (I’m serious… what other race would this be acceptable at?)
And in Jen’s case, her #3 could be – don’t run back to your car at the last minute to grab the Garmin you forgot. Leave it in the car because time doesn’t matter! 🙂
Jen
umm yes to mimosas and donuts as race fuel. haha!
Loretta
Jen I already told you on twitter I will pace you for a pr Sunday if you want. Neil (a friend from work) will be taking race photos so you better pr.
Let me know the pace you want to do & I will set my Garmin.
Brigid
I PR’d at the boilermaker this year, but only because it was my first one. I am fully anticipating a new PR at the Hot Chocolate 15K in a month. The cooler temperatures are a huge boost. Good luck with your PR quest!
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David H.
If it’s a repeated race, I often go for a course record rather than a PR. That helps keep the training focused on improving, while not putting as much pressure on it. Some races just aren’t PR races.
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Jen@FoodFamilyFitness
Good luck! I’ve been reading so much on running and racing, I’m definitely getting the itch to start running!
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness recently posted..Not Giving Up
Jen
thanks!
Kristin
Hi Jen!
I’ve followed your blog for a while and I love it! I just wanted to wish you luck on Sunday. I’ll be running the Stockadeathon, too. It sounds like you are on the right track to PR and what better race than this one to do it at? I’m strangely excited to run a hilly course to change it up a little. 🙂
Good luck!
Jen
Thanks, you too! Have fun at Stockade-athon, if you see me come say hello!