Room for Improvement

I've improved my racing strategies, training and racing times over the past years.
5K- 23:00__18:33

12K- 53:41__50:54
Half Marathon- 01:42:31__01:25:22
Marathon- 03:40:19__03:23:55

I create my own training plans according to what I've experienced and learned. I would definitely consider myself to be a running nerd and am convinced that I have been able to see progress with my running because of it. I take notes and keep a running journal that includes all of my past training plans. This is how I keep track of my progress. I also use MapMyRun as a training log.

There is always room for improvement. No matter how great you are at a sport or how much progress you've made, there's always something more to work on. I strive to improve my running performance. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate where I currently stand with my running fitness and that I have progressed with the sport but I also know that I can continue to improve. This can drive my husband crazy at times because as I reach a goal, I continue to set another. Or if I fail, I'm determined to keep trying. 

Running is an individual sport that allows me to compete with myself. I do get excited if I win or place at a race but what matters the most is that I continue to see self-improvement. It doesn't make sense to compare your running fitness to others because there are so many factors that play into why you or another runner is faster/slower or can run more/less miles. I hate being asked questions about my mileage per week or running paces to be judged or compared to. I appreciate the runners that are supportive and encouraging such as my group of crazy running friends that I've been able to learn from.

I try to stay positive as I continue to set new goals. This month, I didn't necessarily reach my goal at the Spokane Half Marathon but I did learn that I have some room for improvement. So, I would definitely consider that race to be a good self-assessment. I'm almost 4 months postpartum and am slowly working back into where I was at before and hope that I can only improve my fitness with time.

Upcoming Races:

Turkey Trot 5k, Nov. 18th

Wenatchee Marathon, April 21st

Spokane Bloomsday 12k, May 8th

Spring Fest 5k, May 26th