Using the Jack Daniels running program has given my training the formal structure I have lacked since beginning running some two years ago. I have incorporated tempo runs, intervals, hill climbs, and fartlek running into my training in the past. What was lacking was a cohesive regimented structure to the training.
I have already noticed I have progressed to a new fitness tier. One thing I had skipped in my training was simple and easy long distance runs. By pushing myself too hard too frequently I was dancing on the wrong side of the aerobic / anaerobic fence too frequently. The whole month of December was dedicated to long easy runs. My average run for that month was nearly six miles. It wasn't too long ago I couldn't run six miles.
I feel more confident running now than ever. I am beginning to feel like a bona fide runner. I have had to rid myself of many years of internal rust via running. I have accumulated about 1400 miles of running in the last two years. I feel my body is finally responding well to training. I no longer have chicken legs - they are more muscular - comparable to a turkey's legs now. For so many months I felt like I was 'getting there' fitness-wise. I didn't feel as fit as I wanted to feel.
An interesting racing strategy I read recently was to set a split for where you want to be at the 2/3 mark of the race. Then from there race with your heart or guts. I think the logic is to run a structured race for the first two thirds of the race and then let everything go from there for the last third. I will most likely use this strategy first during the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K race in April.
I haven't set specific goals for 2011 yet, but I would like to break 21 minutes for a 5K. Breaking the six minute barrier for the mile was my highlight of 2010.
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