10k Preparations
In three weeks time, I’ll be taking part in the City of Aberdeen 10k for the third year running (pun definitely intended).
I’m not the fittest of guys, but I try and run 3-5k at least three times a week, and when I have the spare time (i.e. never) I try and get a longer run at the weekend. After last year’s event, I took a two week break, and then quickly started training for this year. The distressing thing is that I feel less fit now than I did then even though I’ve put in more training.
My intention this year is not to put any sort of time limit on myself, but to get to the end while still enjoying myself. This is, of course, completely unrealistic. As soon as I get down there on the day I’ll start wanting to finish in 45 minutes. This is equally unrealistic.
I’m not a naturally a long distance runner. I’ve always been better at the sprint. I’ve got two theories as to why this is.
- I’m fairly big built. Not really in the fat bastard sense (though it has been known) but in the rugby player sense. It’s a big frame to carry longer distances.
- I’d rather just get the running over and done with.
I bolt off the line as fast as I can then struggle for the last 7k with a stitch. Not a good tactic at all. It even gets embarrasing when the old lady who you barged past at the start runs past you at 9k with sympathy and a kind word of encouragement.
I guess this was written to sort out my own thoughts about something that I’m not really looking forward to. I’ve been focussed on being a Dad and the run hasn’t really been on my radar until now, and now it is…it’s only three weeks away.
Today’s run was hard going. Tomorrow will be much better. I’ll keep you updated on Twitter and Friendfeed.
