Yes, there is snow on the ground and it is freezing. And yes, I am talking about spring race season!
If you haven’t checked out my post about how long it takes to safely train for each racing distance, let me recap for you:
Bottom line: even though it’s January, it’s time to start getting the gears going.
Here are some things to think about to help you pick that shiny goal:
What is your current baseline?
This question can be a bit off-putting because if you have a history of running you automatically want to believe that you can dive right back into your hottest season. But in order to make the smartest decision at this time (read: least likely to cause injury), you need to take a look at what the past few months have been like for you. Have you been training consistently? Have you been injured? Have you taken significant time off? Knowing where you stand right now will help you know how big of a chunk to bite off.
What does your schedule look like this season?
There have been many times in the past few months that I have wanted to sign up for a spring marathon. I want that goal. But realistically I know that I don’t have the time to train for a full marathon right now. Could I shift priorities and force the time? Sure. But the reality is that I don’t have time to train correctly and I don’t want to shift too many priorities to make that happen in this very season. And that’s okay. So take a look at your schedule in a realistic way. How much time and energy do you truly have to give to training?
What is your goal for racing this spring?
Are you looking to PR? Are you looking to try a brand new distance? Are you looking to just enjoy the ride and have some fun? Are you just start starting your running journey and like the idea of a goal to motivate you? The outcome you want will affect the training required.
What’s the weather like where you are?
This goes for what the weather is like now as you start to train, and also for race day. Some people LOVE to run but have zero interest in running in the extremes (cold or hot). And that’s okay, you’re still a runner. But also if you refuse to run outside when it’s below 40F and don’t have access to a treadmill then choosing a super long distance race 2 months from now might not be the smartest choice. Spring races can be a bit tricky because the weather could go either way on race day. Which is fine, but thinking about the details ahead of time will make race day much smoother and more enjoyable.
Take a look at the spring race options.
Even just googling “spring running races in *my area*” will get you started. Or if you want to travel, then go ahead and search that! But taking a look at all of the options, where they are located, what the distance is, and what exact date they are will help you make the best decision for you.
Still not sure what to do?
That's okay too! Reach out! Part of my role as a running coach is to help people choose goals that are right for them. It’s okay if you aren’t sure. Sign-up for a FREE consult call and we can chat through it together! You definitely do not have to have your ducks in a row before coming to me. My ducks are rarely in a row, but I do know how to line them up when it comes to running.
AND, if you want the benefit of a bigger community to support you, check out our Spring 2024 Training Group.
Comments