And just like that, the first race of the year is here – the ZOOMA Run Love 10K!
I’m really excited to participate in this virtual run. It’s been a while since I’ve run in an event like this, and the last time I did, I took it really easy.
This time, I want to see how I can push myself. So let’s see my goals for the ZOOMA Run Love 10K!
Today I’m linking up at Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie at The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie at Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Michelle at Fruition Fitness, and Nicole at Fitful Focus! Check out their blogs for some great workouts!
[bctt tweet=”Goals for the ZOOMA Run Love 10K! #thisishowizooma #runchat”]
Goals for the ZOOMA Run Love 10K:
I’m really excited to be running my first race of the year this weekend. Where did the time go??
Racing Strategy:
This is the first race in a LONG time that I haven’t had the guidance of Coach Kristy. So I have to create my own racing strategy, which is a little scary!
The last time I ran a 10K, my goal was to finish under an hour – and I did!
For the Philly 10K, the strategy was to start the first mile at a 9:40 pace, and then see how long I could keep it up.
But this time, since it is a virtual race, I won’t have the adrenaline of being in a crowd to keep me up to pace. I’m hoping Bret will run with me and push me past my comfort zone. He loves running fast.
We’ll see what happens! If I can finish under an hour, I’ll be happy.
Fueling and Hydration:
I won’t be too worried about fueling for this run. Ever since the 21 day reset, I’ve been minimizing my reliance on using fuel on longer runs. But I will make sure to stay hydrated, thanks to the Nathan belt my sister got me for Christmas! I will also make sure I’m completely hydrated leading up to the race. I guess it’s a good thing I’m not drinking alcohol for awhile! The weather will be COLD, so we’ll see how that plays into it!
Workouts for the Week:
Wednesday 2/3: Unplanned rest day.
Thursday 2/4: 2 miles on the treadmill, then weight training class after work. This week, we worked on our biceps, triceps, and abs using the weight machines and lots of crunches variations.
Friday 2/5: Finally out in the elements with a short interval run. It had been a long time since I used my Nike+ watch to do timed intervals, so it was a little awkward. The 15-second speedy intervals went so fast! I only ran 3 miles because we were going out for dinner and drinks with a friend in the evening.
Saturday 2/6: 8-mile long run! For whatever reason, the 8 miles always makes me nervous. I needed some support on this one, so I finally went for a Saturday long run with City Fit Girls. My first mile was running to the meeting spot, then I had 5 miles with the group – ran with two awesome ladies that were fun to talk to. I finished the last 2 on my own. Very happy!
Sunday 2/7: Rest day. I didn’t want to overdo it on the weekly mileage!
Monday 2/8: Yoga at lunch. I attempted side crow for the first time…I could do it on my right side for a few moments, but my left side was impossible! I love challenging myself in new ways. After work was boot camp with plenty of squats and lunges. Then after that I ran on the treadmill for 4 miles with some help from HGTV. I kept it slow at a 12-minute pace.
Tuesday 2/9: Rest day! Monday was insane!
ZOOMA Week 5/6 Report Card:
The mileage has been creeping up as I transition from ZOOMA fully into Cherry Blossom 10 Miler training mode.
So far, I’m feeling very good and so much stronger, thanks to all of the cross-training and strength training I’ve been doing in addition to running. I can’t remember the last time I felt in such good shape!
Now I have to make sure that I keep my easy runs easy and don’t do “too much, too fast, too soon”. I’ve felt some discomfort in my feet and shins so I will be aggressive with foam rolling, stretching post-run, and pacing myself properly.
I’m proud of all that I’ve been able to accomplish as this is the first time I started training for a race so early in the year. Hopefully, it will be the first of many successful races in 2016! I’m giving myself an A!
Are you doing the ZOOMA Run Love Challenge? What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day?
What a fun virtual race! Good luck coming in under an hour- that’s always a great 10K goal! It’s supposed to be super cold here too. I’m thinking a treadmill run is in store. 🙂
Thanks, Julie! The treadmill is always a life saver!
It sure is going to be cold this weekend- looks like you have a solid race plan though! Looking forward to hearing how it goes 🙂
Thanks a lot, Annmarie!
It’s almost race time! I initially planned to do the 5K but now I’ll up that to two 5Ks over the weekend. I know it’s hard for me to keep a competive pace on the treadmill but I may have no choice if it’s below freezing. Good luck!
Thanks, Jennifer! You got this!
it is going to be really cold this weekend! Not really looking forward to that. I have 2 virtual runs on my schedule for this weekend too. Have fun and stay warm
Thanks, you too Deborah! The cold might make us PR 🙂
That’s too bad that the weather isn’t cooperating but maybe that will make you want to finish faster, ha ha!
Yeah having freezing weather usually does make me pick up the pace!
Good luck! I am supposed to be doing the ZOOMA Run Love 10K too but fell during a training run last week and get a concussion. You will do wonderfully and I will live vicariously through all the ladies who are running it! I am looking forward to all of the pictures this weekend! I have to chuckle about weather, though I don’t think 20 degrees is warm, here in Minnesota 20 degrees on race day is warm. Last year, I ran a race this weekend and the wind chill was -26, yes negative twenty-six! But I do know weather is all relative! Good luck and enjoy, I will be cheering you on!
Missy, I’m sorry to hear that you hurt yourself! I hope you’re doing okay now. Yes, being from Minnesota, you definitely win when it comes to cold weather! I’ll try not to complain too much 😛 Thanks for the support!
Good luck with this. I’m really considering more virtual races once my May race is done. It’s still fun to travel, but virtual races keep things fun.
Thanks, Lesley! It is an affordable way to race for sure, without the crowds!
I can’t believe how cold it’s going to be this weekend. I might need to move my long run to Monday. I hope you have fun tackling your virtual race!
Thanks, Nicole! Yeah, I think it’ll be better Monday? Brrr!
I’m not looking forward to the cold either. Brrr. I’m going to be trying to break an hour as well, but it will be harder without a race or my dad to push me. And I can’t keep up with my husband, sigh.
Have a fun race!
Thanks, Erika! This is the first virtual race where I want to push myself, so I’m not exactly sure how it’ll work out…honestly I’m looking forward to being done so I can get back inside!
Sounds like a fun virtual race! It’s going to be cold here this weekend too. And I have a 12 miler on Sunday. I bet you can hear me whining all the way from Chicago! Waaaaaaah!
12 miles? Phew! I’ve never felt the wind of Chicago…I can’t even imagine! 🙂
What a great group of running women! Love it! The temps are really heating up around here…and then not. My running drawer is an unholy mess of shorts/tank tops and ear warmers/gloves.
Thanks, Cocomama, they are so much fun! The changes in weather from day to day have been crazy here!
“too much, too fast, too soon” — ugh, I’m always trying to make sure I don’t do that and yet continue to push myself. It’s a hard line to run!
Good luck — it’s going to be brutal this weekend (high of like 10 here this weekend).
Yes, it is definitely a struggle, so I really have to keep myself in check! Thanks…you stay warm too!
I’ve never done a virtual race, but I keep seeing everyone doing them. I’m thinking as I get back into running they could be great motivation!
Oh yeah it can be really motivating – this was great because it encouraged me to start training again in mid-January! There are a lot of affordable virtual options too!
Sounds like you had a good week! I’m just starting half marathon training this week (I’ve done the half before but am coming off of an injury) so I’m with you on the mileage that’s creeping up.
Thanks, Chrissy! Glad you’re back to running after your injury!
Cant wait to hear all about it, should be alot of fun! Stay warm!
Thanks a lot, Autumn! It’s gonna be sooo cold!
Yeah Zooma!!
Me and a few of the DMV ambassadors are getting together to run in Saturday. COLD!!!! LAWD it is suppose to be in the teens…uuugh!!
Great strategy-I am going to push for a 9:30 pace.
Good luck! Have fun!!
I hope you had a great race, Tamieka! 🙂
Oh, gosh, are you running outside this weekend? I think I’m going to sweat it out on the treadmill. Good luck!
Thanks, Coco! I’m glad I braved the cold, but man was it tough out there!