Turkey Trax 5k

I love it when a plan comes together...

This morning was the Turkey Trax 5k and it was one of the best races I have done in a long time.  Ideal running weather and I even got too hot in a long sleeve top...in November.  There were 1,200 people running this one.  It is one of the biggest turnouts for a race in town I have seen. The course was hilly but I felt great and could tell I was keeping my pace the entire run. I went without my watch because I tend to stress out more and focus on my time wearing it versus just running based on feel without the watch.  My training runs have been going great lately and I have been running faster during training than ever.  I know I always run faster on race day than I do during training so I was hoping for a new PR.  Today I was 10 seconds away from a PR but am still excited with how I finished.  I felt great the entire race even when sprinting an uphill finish.  When Glenda told me the course was the hardest we have ever done (we do a lot of the same races) I wanted to jump for joy since it felt easy to me.  By easy I mostly mean at no point did I see my life flash before my eyes while thinking I was on the brink of death by hills. 

So after the run I started thinking "what have I been doing differently that would've made such a difference in how this run went, and even how much better training runs are going?"  

1. I have been drinking a LOT more water lately and made a real effort to drink more the day before the run. Hydration for the win. 

2. Ate steel cut oats an hour pre-run versus Cream of Wheat and I think the fuel stayed with me a lot longer.  

3. Telling myself the saying "I don't stop when I am tired, I stop when I am done" during training.

4.  Incline hill walking on the treadmill a few times a week.  

5.  More consistent running in general. 

6.  Picturing a new PR in my head. 

7.  Hard leg days at the gym equals stronger muscles to get uphill without my legs feeling like they are on fire.

Overall I think consistent training and proper fuel and hydration plays a huge part in helping me get better.  My old gym closing made me switch up my routine but it seems like it was overdue.  I needed to switch it up to get better. Tomorrow it is supposed to be much colder than today so I really am thankful for the great temps today.  Tomorrow is also Black Friday and the most exciting thing for me is discounted race entries for next year!  

Today I realized just how much I go into my own world when I run. Glenda and I were talking about the course after the run and I could describe a horrible hill or two but couldn't really say where they were.  I  ran to the finish line and heard some encouraging words but no idea where they were coming from. All I saw was the mat followed by the clock. I go completely into my own head.  Today my breathing, legs, and focus all came together perfectly for one of those runs that remind you why you do it.  All the pain of the tough runs, the hills, the leg presses....it is worth it when it all comes together and you get to discover the runner's high is real.