Week 5 Virtual Race & Training Plan
For the 5K and 10K training plans that are all about running, week 5 is a return to speed paces and tempo runs. The Run/Walk training plans will be continuing to build-up the total duration running within each workout. How you should handle these workouts is dependent on how you have been doing with the training up to this point.
If you have moved through the training without too many modifications and have found the workouts to be manageable, then keep going strong!
On the other hand, if you have had to consistently make modifications and/or have found the workouts to be difficult to complete and stay on pace, then you should look to make more long-term changes to your training. This is not meant to be discouraging, but rather it is facing the fact that training our bodies to do something that it has not done before takes time.
In my one-on-one coaching of athletes, I build training plans in blocks of 2-3 months at a time. Each one of those training blocks is given a certain focus goal (i.e. base building, strength building, racing, etc.). Inside of each one of those training blocks is a constantly evolving and adapting web of workouts. As I work together with a runner, we might find that endurance, speed, or something else is lacking. So, we shift our focus more on developing that particular weakness to become a better all-around runner.
My main point is that training plans have to remain fluid as you learn more about your body and mind. As you become more well-versed in running, you learn to adapt your goals to better suit your style and schedule. You have all done great taking on this challenge, especially during this difficult time. Keep up the good work as we move through the second half of the training plan!
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