So I am sitting here at work, not doing work because I am trying to wake up first and I am reading everyone's weekend posts. It got me thinking after reading Aron's race report that everything is all about perception.
Looking back 2 years ago I would have said that running over 4 miles was a lot! A year ago I would have said that running over 6 miles was a lot. Now every weekend I go on long runs and I don't think that 9-10 miles is too much to ask for a long run. I have always known that distance is my thing - I am not really a sprinter but it is crazy how now after begin exposed to all the marathon bloggers and experiences, 15 miles or above doesn't seem that much!
The main point here is - Aron said that she is not a big fan of 5ks because you go fast for just 3.1 miles! JUST 3.1 miles?? It is crazy to think that 3.1 miles is just a drop in the bucket compared to a long run. Is the 5k really over-looked now as a "too short" race?? Tell me what you think about 5ks or what your favorite race mileage is!? The next crazy thought I had was that in Track i run the 800m! 800m?!!? That means just running for 2 minutes and 30 seconds! Now that is sort!!
My next two races (October 4th and 12th) will be 5ks and i am hoping to PR. I didn't run yesterday (Sunday) because I had a little too much fun Saturday night and then this morning I had no motivation to get out of bed as it was 40 degrees outside!! I plan to run a 4-5 miler after work!
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About Me
- J
- I am a former college basketball and track athlete who has moved on to real life and running full time. My favorite time to run is in the mornings when most of the world is still asleep.
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15 comments:
It is funny that the longer distances you run, the shorter 5k or 10k becomes. But I think many distance runners hate these shorter distances because if you actually race them, you're in serious out-of-breath pain THE ENTIRE TIME. Many recreational runners don't actually race 800s or 1600s or even 5ks (if they run them, it's for fun) but honestly I think I would rather run a 50-mile endurance race than go back to track season in high school. Those short distances are killer and I admire you for doing the 800-- such a sustained intensity is TOUGH.
LOL I agree with this post. When I first started running all I wanted to do was complete a couple 5k's and now it's progressed to something else. Never in a million years did I think I would laugh at how "short" 3 miles is.
I hate 5ks. Working the puke threshold is not my thang. It just seems like there is no room for error, it's do or die. Where as in the longer distances you can recover.
haha yes i totally agree...i think its just a preference/perception thing. some people like to run that fast and all out for 3.1 miles... not me! i would rather do a 10+ mile run anyday where i go through my phases of warm up, getting in my groove and finsihing strong. i definitely prefer distance!
I agree. When I frist started running 3 miles were enough for me. Then I got bored and my times started to get better so I added a little more. When I reached 5 I thought, that is enough who needs to run further. Then the cycle began again and I started to add a little more. Then the thoughts of running a half entered my mind, but those were pushed away when my friend convinced me to run a full.
Now, if I run 3 I feel like didn't do anything. It is funny how things change. I am sure as I get older the cycle will reverse and 3 miles will once again be enough.
I really like the 5K. It's short and sweet and makes me feel good about myself without killing me. But then again I consider myself a beginner so maybe that's why I still heart 5Ks.
I like to mix it up an run 5k on up....one marathon a year is good enough for me.
I've never done a 5K (we have very few of those in NYC) but have done a bunch of 4 milers, and I have to say that it really takes a lot of you, but in a totally different way than a longer distance race.
With all things being equal, I like running half-marathons the most because I feel it's the perfect distance to showcase the combination of stamina, strength, and speed. However, once in a while, I like racing the short races too because I like to push the envelop and figure out what my top speed is.
It is especially fun after a season of marathon training to run shorter races and finding yourself making strides in those distances even without having specifically trained for them!
Oh gosh, I really don't like 5K's because it's so short. I've NEVER been a sprinter (even when I ran the 800m in high school, too!) and I certainly prefer using a 10-miler as a "short" run.
It is all about perception, I agree!
I have to say that as my running as progressed, and the distances get longer, 3 miles really isn't that big of a deal anymore.
I will do a 5K every once in a while, but they're not my favorite race.
In high school I used to think that any thing over 3 or 4 miles was way too much. But the older i get the less and less i think that. I love going on longer runs. I think that they are so much better and interesting. I would rather run 8-9 miles than run 3 because the is a faster race. I guess with me, its mental. HAHA :) However, i do see your point!
Hmmm...I do like my 5ks. I really do. I like having to run hard for 24 or so minutes and then being able to get on with the day, feeling fine because the distance wasn't that long. But, I do like longer races, too. I'm sorta training for a 15k in November, which is one of my favorite races.
I TOTALLY recommend the fitness classes at gyms. They're so fun, and good for changing things up. I go to the local YMCA becuase they're always nice, and it's cheaper than other gyms and has no contract.
Ha, I think 3 miles is short, too! I love running half marathons because it's just the right amount of suffering but the good kind. But, after I run a half, I keep thinking: I could have done the full. So with all the glory that comes along with it (and the pain), I prefer the full 26.2 miles.
Good luck on your 5k in a few weeks!!
I seem to be with the general consensus...a 3 mile run on my own seems like nothing, but for a 5K I feel I have to cram in the excursion of a longer race, which can be a painful 3 miles!
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