What Runner Are You

"You may have a fresh start at any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down but the staying down"

-Mary Pickford

WEBSITE: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating-help/control-cravings/how-to-cheat-without-wrecking-your-diet/?sssdmh=dm17.491649&esrc=nwfitdailytip122410&email=2686729334Cheating on your diet can be OK at times!

Well, T-6 days until my marathon! I can't believe next Sunday I will be pounding the pavement with my eyes focused on the 26 mile goal! I could not be more excited and more nervous! Leave it to me to get injured the week before, so I am currently sitting on the couch, icing my knee, and praying God brings speedy recovery and pain relief-I worked too hard to not put my best foot forward!!

Many of you sit and think never will I ever run a marathon...maybe even a half marathon...but find your best running personality!

The Speed Racer: Speed is your thing. You were built for the 5 and 10 Ks so that you go for that quick pace!

-Your Strategy-Want to run fast? Practice fast! Reach max heart rate so that oxygen moves to your muscles. Bursts of speed will shed sloppiness in the stride and increase efficiency

-Your Workout-Speed. Intervals at the fastest pace you can sustain for 2-5 minutes, quick recover and then repeat

-Extra Credit-Legs. Strengthen your quads, hams and calves for powerful strides

The Middle Distance Racer: You can sustain a challenging pace and are best suited for 10 milers and half marathons

-Your Strategy-You want to run comfortably hard. 20-45 minutes of an intense pace that can be held stable will build mental stamina.

-Your Workout-Tempo runs. 15-20 minutes at a pace about 30 seconds slower than your 5k pace. Build up to 45 minutes while gradually increasing pace.

-Extra Credit-Breath and relax so you don't waste energy on a run. Your efforts should be in the stride so release tension from your jaw down

The Long Hauler: (my place) You may not be fast but you were cut out to go the distance. The full marathon is your true calling.

-Your Workout-Miles, miles and more miles. The more you run, the stronger you will be for long stretches of times. Your body will increase efficiency at utilizing fuel and preserving energy.

-Your Workout-Weekly long run. You want to start about 30 seconds slower than marathon pace then shift into race-day gear as you gain confidence in the distance.

"Many people think the marathon is the Holy Grail, when they really should be doing the 5K" (Jason Karp). I will never run a 20 minute 5K. Speed will just never be my thing! Make the most of what you are born with.

Megan