April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Erika from MCM Mama Runs, and Patty from No-Guilt Life.
This week's topic is Favorite Distance. If you had asked me that same question a year ago, I would have said the half no doubt but since then a lot has changed. Running has meant a lot more to me now and I do a lot more races (they are just so fun!). The more I have been thinking about this topic all week, the more I realized I do not have a favorite distance because they all mean something different to me. So can my answer be-ALL but it depends?
5k: Race your heart out
As the Dodger 5k was the first 5k I ran (I ran one as part of the 2011 Christmas Run but it was insanely hard after doing the 10k and then resting for an hour) but I LOVED it. It was short and challenging and I really got to push myself as it was only 3.1 miles. Intervals are there but do go out the window quickly depending on course. I can't wait to do another one!
10k: Race but with a purpose
As with the Great Race 10k and the Culver City 10k I got to run a hard race but follow more of a plan. Both times I came away with PRs and I really liked them. A bit more challenging than a 5k but not as much work as a Half. Intervals are important but can be manipulated to fit the race course.
Half: Challenging yet fun
This distance will always have my heart as it is where it all started for me. I enjoy the challenge of finishing the half and all of the planning that goes into it. It is very important train, stick to your eating plan, carbload and also follow your intervals. It is best to hold back a bit so you can fly at the end. I can't wait to race the LA Rock n Roll in less than a month!
Full: HARDWORK but so rewarding
The big one. It takes a lot of pre-work (early nights, long runs, fueling, researching, training, mental training) and it is such a long race and such a mental game. However, when I finished the LA marathon, I have never been prouder of anything in my racing career. It is a huge endeavor and the reward is amazing. Intervals are a must and really holding back at the beginning is clutch. All of the long runs are a MUST and trying out different fueling techniques is so important. Also, food and fuel is more important here than anywhere else not to mention the mental game as running a fuel is a lot of time for your mind to play tricks on you.
Honestly, it depends on the mood I am in. I love all distances and the each bring something rewarding to the table for me.
Because of the love for all of the different races, I am participating in Jill Conyers 14 in 2014! You can click on the picture at the top and it will take you to the website for more details but I will be running 14 races in the year 2014 (and will probably go over that total!) I have included all distances on there as I think they are all important. To see all of the races I have done this year and will be doing in the future, make sure to check out my Races Recap page.
How about you? What is your favorite distance?