Holy Week Running Resolution

Last Black Saturday, I had the "mistake" of checking out the titles in BookSale, SM Baguio. My eyes fell on this book: "Marathon: the Ultimate Training & Racing Guide". Instinctively I muttered, "No, not yet". But the more adventurous side of me came up with a reply. "Well, no harm in reading right? You might even get a couple of of sound tips to improve your current PRs".

That seemed to make more sense so off I went with it. After reading a few pages, my Holy Week ended up as not only a time for spiritual reflection, but also for contemplation on my running plans/goals for the year.

Looking at my race performances, the finish times were more or less close to that of average runners. However, my training log looked miserable. I had less than 15 running sessions since January- with the PSE Bull Run & Condura Run races already thrown in- and barely 100kms of total mileage for 3.5 months (!) Plus, I rarely do speedwork and often ignore tapering before a race. My friend Dree puts it rather more accurately: "[for Jihan] race = practice!" Hah, I might have relied too much on talent (indulge me on this one, ok?)!

If I am to incorporate running in my lifestyle, the training discipline will obviously need a major upgrade. And as with any endeavor, it is always good to have some goals. Here is my list for 2009, coupled with a big dream...

GOAL 1: Aim for a weekly mileage starting at 25-30kms and eventually increase to 50kms
GOAL 2: Beat my 5km PR of 27mins
PR made in the Davies 5km Unity Run, Aug 2008
GOAL 3: Finish 10km in at most 60mins
current PR is 63mins in the '09 PSE Bull Run
GOAL 4: Do a 2nd Half-M at 2:15-2:20
1st half-M was finished at 2:29 in the Condura Run last month

DREAM: Have my first marathon before I get married (i.e. before 01-23-10)!

Hopefully, if I am able to achieve Goal 1, this dream should become a reality by October 2009 ;-)