2012 racing debut in Stromlo Running festival XC

I guess you could argue if this was a race that counts, or not.

Yes I did wear a number (790) I did get a time (26,59) and I earned a place (3rd female).

But it was used as a part of the training plan with the emphasis on getting a good hit out and getting readjusted to a race pace effort. There was no resting, or taper or specific race preparations done prior.

In training we go hard, sometimes long other times fast. But it’s all under controlled formats, specific routes or laps being executed at certain heart rates or effort levels. There is some rest between each effort, we get advice on form or pacing and the session is weighed against pre fatigued legs or upcoming sessions.

But when the gun goes and the time is ticking, it’s different. The game has changed and the comfort zone is long gone.

It’s you vs. time and distance.

How fast can you go to run as quick as possible for the remaining distance.

This is a skill. And just like all other skills, it needs practice.

The best possible way to do so is during a race, like the Stromlo Running Festival‘s Cross Country race last weekend.  A 7,5km long race with handicaps for your age and gender.

It was fun, it was hard and I beat myself up a bit.

Then I backed it up with 1h45min long run the following morning. And a regular training week.

This Friday I’ll run a 5km track race up on the AIS stadium.

Again, a number and a clock. And a great opportunity to get the system going.