The first of the month means another 5 by the 5th virtual race recap. To find out more about Laura’s race series, check out her website, Mommy Run Fast.
My goal for this month was to beat my 5k time from February, which was a PB for me at 25:38 (8:16 pace). I just happened to read my training plan wrong before my workout and I thought I needed to better an 8:03 pace. Those 13 seconds make a big difference at that speed but I didn’t realize this until after I was already finished! When I realized that I would have to run 3.1 miles at 7.5 on my treadmill instead of the typical 7.0’s I’ve been doing for speed work, I got a little nervous.
I plan my speed work by using Greg McMillan’s Running Calculator and my plan for this was faster than a speed work session but this is a race, right? I decided to go for it and try to knock off a few seconds to better my best.
I jumped on the treadmill and warmed up at 6.3 for half a mile. Then I restarted my treadmill before I started the 5k. My 5k splits for the race: 8:00, 8:01, and 8:48 for the last 1.1 miles.
I ran my fastest 5k and finally went under the 25 minute mark, finishing in 24:49 (8:00 pace) with a new PB! I know the treadmill makes it easier for me to hit a quicker pace but this really gives me hope that I’ll be able to do this in a road race soon.
I cooled down for a bit and finished my run with a total of 4.5 miles in 38:10 with an average pace of 8:28 for the entire run.
This was tough and I’m going to have to work hard during March in order to take off a couple of seconds for my April 5 by the 5th race. I’m thinking of adjusting my training paces a little because I am getting faster. I don’t really want to use this treadmill race as a guide because I don’t know that I would have actually ran that fast off of the treadmill.
After running on the treadmill I usually use the stairs on the way up to stretch out. After my 5 by the 5th race, my cheering section of one stopped to stretch with me. I love sharing fitness with my children.
And, in case you missed it, here’s my 5 by the 5th: February recap.
This virtual race was my 3rd race of the year. I have one more race scheduled in March and I’m well on my way to completing my goal of 14 races in 2014. #14in2014
Are you running Laura’s 5 by the 5th Virtual Race? How was your March race? Are you participating in 14 races in 2014? How many races have you completed so far?
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Congratulations on your pace! That’s fantastic! I’ve only run one race so far this year, but I have a half marathon scheduled for May 4th. I love the virtual race idea though; it would be great for training, especially since I train alone. Good luck on your next race. At this rate you’ll reach your goal for sure!
~Bre
Bre & Ree recently posted…wheat-free, dairy-free, morning glory muffins
Thank you, Bre! Virtual races are fun but I do enjoy the actual road races more. Best of luck to you on your race in May!
A Mother’s Pace recently posted…5 by the 5th: March
Nice job! I’m making it a point of getting outside for every race during this go around. I’m kind of shocking myself on my pace.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…5 Ways to Improve Your Running
Thank you, Angela. That’s awesome that you are doing so well with your pace! Good work!
A Mother’s Pace recently posted…5 by the 5th: March
Wow!! I somehow missed this post earlier, but fantastic job on your new pr and sub-25 5k!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted…5 by the 5th Winners and Link up
Thanks so much, Laura! It’s exciting, now I just have to do it again at an official road race!
A Mother’s Pace recently posted…Bananas Over Chocolate