So I was thinking about this the other day...
Pretty much every runner I know has some sort of training plan that they follow.
Run long this day.
Run short this day.
Go faster. Go slower.
Race pace. Recovery pace.
It's all so much! My training plan at the current moment can be best summarized as "winging it."
Pretty much every runner I know has some sort of training plan that they follow.
Run long this day.
Run short this day.
Go faster. Go slower.
Race pace. Recovery pace.
It's all so much! My training plan at the current moment can be best summarized as "winging it."
And so far, I think it's been working for me. I look back to where I was last year and compare it to where I am now and think "Yeah, that works. I'm clearly a better runner now than I was last year."
I mean, last year I could barely run 500 yards when I started. I was excited to finish my first 5K in about 36 minutes. And now, look at me. I can run my 5K in under 30 minutes and feel completely comfortable running 10 miles at a time.
You go, girl.
BUT... And here's where I start to doubt myself. I sometimes think that if I followed an actual training plan I might be a better runner than I am now. I could be faster, stronger, able to run longer distances. Maybe following an actual training plan would make me more of a "real runner."
(I have to be honest, I don't always consider myself a real runner. I have my doubts.)
And then I have to admit, the thought of starting a training plan intimidates me. It makes me nervous. And worried. I run because I LOVE running. I like the act of being able to step out of the door and just GO. No plan. No worries about getting the right distance or running fast enough or slow enough. Just me and my run. In peace with each other.
Will following a strict running plan ruin that? The plain and simple love for running? I'm really not sure...
So I think for now, I'm just gonna keep winging it. It's been working so far. Maybe next year I'll decide to take this whole running thing a bit more seriously and try an actual plan. :)
I mean, last year I could barely run 500 yards when I started. I was excited to finish my first 5K in about 36 minutes. And now, look at me. I can run my 5K in under 30 minutes and feel completely comfortable running 10 miles at a time.
You go, girl.
BUT... And here's where I start to doubt myself. I sometimes think that if I followed an actual training plan I might be a better runner than I am now. I could be faster, stronger, able to run longer distances. Maybe following an actual training plan would make me more of a "real runner."
(I have to be honest, I don't always consider myself a real runner. I have my doubts.)
And then I have to admit, the thought of starting a training plan intimidates me. It makes me nervous. And worried. I run because I LOVE running. I like the act of being able to step out of the door and just GO. No plan. No worries about getting the right distance or running fast enough or slow enough. Just me and my run. In peace with each other.
Will following a strict running plan ruin that? The plain and simple love for running? I'm really not sure...
So I think for now, I'm just gonna keep winging it. It's been working so far. Maybe next year I'll decide to take this whole running thing a bit more seriously and try an actual plan. :)