Yes, I just ran a half marathon on Sunday. And yes, I’m signed up for a 5k less than a week post half marathon. Am I crazy? Yes. But will I be at Saturday’s Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5k? You bet!
The bigger question is: will I run this race on Saturday? That is yet to be determined. I ran last night for the first time since Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach, and my legs definitely felt heavy. I jogged more than I ran, but it felt good to loosen my legs up a bit. I don’t plan on running again before Saturday’s race, and whether or not I run, jog, and/or walk this race will be a last minute decision.
At the start line before last year’s 9/11 Race
Having run this race last year, I’m already familiar with the course. The course is relatively flat, until the last half mile which includes running up and over an overpass. Depending on how my legs feel, I may run part of the race and walk the other part. But again, it’ll all depend on how I’m feeling on Saturday.
With that said, I have three different goals, and depending upon how my legs feel will determine which goal I’ll go after Saturday evening during the race.
Goal A – Finish the race in under 34:20 (11:04 pace) – this was my finish time for last year’s race – I’ll go after this goal if I’m feeling good and decide to run this race for time
Goal B – Finish the race in under 37:17 (12:00 pace) – I’ll go after this goal if I’m feeling okay and need to jog this race
Goal C – Cross the finish line – I’ll go after this goal if my legs aren’t feeling up for running
QOTD: How soon after you run a half marathon do you start running again?
I’m glad you are running this! My father-in-law is a retired Arlington detective. He spent 9/11 helping at the Pentagon. 9/11 is his birthday, too! I usually take a week off after a half and then throw in a slow 3-4 miler the next weekend. Then, depending on if I have another race coming up or not, I either ramp back up my training or cut back. After my Oct race I will be cutting back to allow my body to heal from the injury I am training through!
Thank you to your father-in-law for his service. And what a birthday to have!
Have a fun run, such a nice cause.
Which is exactly why I couldn’t pass on signing up for the race, even though I ran RnRVB on Sunday.
One of my favorite races! And the one time I ran it, I was sick with a cold. 😦 After my first half I waited two weeks, and that first one back was less than stellar. After last years Wine and Dine, I was ready to rock after 4 days. You just have to listen to your body. Good luck no matter what you choose to do and make sure you post pics!
I can’t imagine that anybody’s first run after a major race is anywhere close to stellar.
I’m probably the worst person to answer this, since I do back to back half marathons LOL, but I expect you’ll be fine by the race. Have a great time!
Thanks!
Good luck in your 5k. Hope you make your goal! I have only done a 3 mile run since the race on Sunday. Plan on running again today. Getting ready for Philly half marathon at the end of the mth.
The way I’ve set it up, I’ll definitely reach at least my C goal! 🙂
Sounds like a fun race! I’m glad you are aiming your goals at how you feel on race day! Especially since you just ran a half! Good luck!!!
Thanks!
I will be there hopefully, but walking unfortunately because I was ordered to rest my achilles!! Good luck!
Sorry to hear about your achilles. 😦 Hopefully I’ll see you there though!
i thought about signing up for this race but i need 8 miles this weekend and would rather just run them consecutively. have SO MUCH FUN and take it easy 🙂
That’s the plan! 🙂
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Listening to your body and adjusting goals accordingly is a great idea! Sounds like you’ve got it figured out–hope it went well!
Thanks, I can’t wait to share the recap with everybody!
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