The half marathon continues to grow in popularity. Athletes put in the long runs and figure out how to fuel for 13.1 miles. The half marathon can be social. People are willing to travel to run 13.1 or 26.2 and tend to do it with a group. It becomes a mini vacation with a road trip, hotel, group meals and of course the race.
What makes it so appealing? The distance of course. Long is hard, right? You have to train. You put in the hours, figure out your nutrition and make sacrifices. Then that finish line is glory. Too often you hear people, after having completed their first 13.1, refer to other events as 'just a 5K'. What? I wonder what they would say about the mile. Likely they would say it is too short, barely a workout, or not enough of a calorie burn. No - I challenge them - - those are the real reasons. The real reason people don't run the mile is that it is hard.. Yes it only takes a few minutes, but those minutes are way harder than any 1 minute in a 13.1 mile run.
When was the last time you pushed yourself. I mean pushed to the limit. Really tested to see what you could do? That is the mile. No time for mistakes, or to fuel or to contemplate your why. You are in the moment for the whole race. You are present enjoying (or maybe not) every step around the track or on the road. You are pedal to the metal, well that is if you want a medal.
People gravitate to the longer distances. The conquer the 5K and decide to aim for a 10K and then the 13.1. Some start right out of the gate with their eyes on the big prize - a half marathon or if they are really loopy 26.2. Absolutely an awesome challenge, but for another milestone goal how about the mile? I am writing this just after a series of road miles and then the USATF Night of Miles on the Shenendehowa track. After seeing who shows up for the mile events I think it is time for more people to choose a mile race. Now, since we just had them all and we are headed to the half and full marathon season I am going to cut you some slack! You have 9 months to train for a mile! We have 2 new mile races in the area. The Malta Mile is in May. The Route 50 mile is in June and the Clifton Park Freedom Mile is on the 4th of July. Then you can put the road miles to the test on the track at the USATF Night of Miles, a July event. So pick your race(s) and let's see how fast you can go. How hard can you push?
Want help and inspiration? Come to the Shenendehowa track in Clifton Park on Tuesday mornings at 5:30am for a track workout. It is a different workout each week and most are getting ready for longer events in the fall, so perfect timing. Track workouts are great because no matter your pace you never get left behind and I'll guarantee you'll see improvements in your times at any distance. Did you know that Marisa Sutera Strange smashed the National record for the 55-59 age group in the mile at the USATF Night of Miles. She ran 5:27.08 (record is pending certification, prior record was 5:32). The Shen track is FAST - come see for yourself.
Marisa with local incredible Masters runner Renee Tolan after the record breaking run.
What makes it so appealing? The distance of course. Long is hard, right? You have to train. You put in the hours, figure out your nutrition and make sacrifices. Then that finish line is glory. Too often you hear people, after having completed their first 13.1, refer to other events as 'just a 5K'. What? I wonder what they would say about the mile. Likely they would say it is too short, barely a workout, or not enough of a calorie burn. No - I challenge them - - those are the real reasons. The real reason people don't run the mile is that it is hard.. Yes it only takes a few minutes, but those minutes are way harder than any 1 minute in a 13.1 mile run.
When was the last time you pushed yourself. I mean pushed to the limit. Really tested to see what you could do? That is the mile. No time for mistakes, or to fuel or to contemplate your why. You are in the moment for the whole race. You are present enjoying (or maybe not) every step around the track or on the road. You are pedal to the metal, well that is if you want a medal.
People gravitate to the longer distances. The conquer the 5K and decide to aim for a 10K and then the 13.1. Some start right out of the gate with their eyes on the big prize - a half marathon or if they are really loopy 26.2. Absolutely an awesome challenge, but for another milestone goal how about the mile? I am writing this just after a series of road miles and then the USATF Night of Miles on the Shenendehowa track. After seeing who shows up for the mile events I think it is time for more people to choose a mile race. Now, since we just had them all and we are headed to the half and full marathon season I am going to cut you some slack! You have 9 months to train for a mile! We have 2 new mile races in the area. The Malta Mile is in May. The Route 50 mile is in June and the Clifton Park Freedom Mile is on the 4th of July. Then you can put the road miles to the test on the track at the USATF Night of Miles, a July event. So pick your race(s) and let's see how fast you can go. How hard can you push?
Want help and inspiration? Come to the Shenendehowa track in Clifton Park on Tuesday mornings at 5:30am for a track workout. It is a different workout each week and most are getting ready for longer events in the fall, so perfect timing. Track workouts are great because no matter your pace you never get left behind and I'll guarantee you'll see improvements in your times at any distance. Did you know that Marisa Sutera Strange smashed the National record for the 55-59 age group in the mile at the USATF Night of Miles. She ran 5:27.08 (record is pending certification, prior record was 5:32). The Shen track is FAST - come see for yourself.
Marisa with local incredible Masters runner Renee Tolan after the record breaking run.
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