Running For Trevor

You've done a good job taking it easy this week. I'm glad your run yesterday ended up being on the slower end of things - that was good for you. 9:40 pace would have been better :-)

So what's next for you, now that you have a shiny new HM PR?

Every time I read something about the orchards in your posts I am insanely jealous!! Sounds simply beautiful! :)

You are quite amazing!!

I am considering (can't believe I'd admitting this out loud but would love your opinion) taking the year off of the marathon. Getting my feet completely figured out and focussing on shorter distance and then really going after the OTQ in 2014. This will be tough for me because I love the marathon but if the ultimate goal is qualifying I've gotta commit 100 percent and take the smartest approach to get there. Lots to think about...

I think that's a great idea Rachelle. I wish more people on here would do the same. There's so much talent on here and yet I feel that...

You've got the right attitude and drive and talent to make the OT's. The fact that you're thinking like this shows that you'll make it, imo.

Physiologically, and this applies to the men as well, you've got to be able to run certain times for 5k/10k/the half to be capable of hitting the OTQ time. Yes, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

Big thumbs up from me. And, when you're improving at the shorter distances, you could look at many of the different approaches to the marathon - this will also help.

Here's the banner from a newspaper in Ireland:

BEFORE YOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND - OPEN IT!

You have so much room for improvement in 5K-HM. It would be great if you took those races seriously for a year. And you don't want to beat yourself into the ground with marathon training if you have some stuff that needs to heal up (feet).

For 99% of the running population, all people care about is the marathon. But there is still that 1% (maybe 0.1%) of us who really "get it" and recognize that a woman running a 35 minute 10K is a lot more impressive than finishing a marathon. And if you're really going to take a stab at the OT qualifier in the next couple years, your running world boils down to that 0.1% anyways.

After Phoenix, I don't see myself taking a serious stab at 26.2 until Fall 2014 at the earliest. I'm gonna focus on getting really good at the HM and be able to compete at the national level from 15K-25K. The marathon will take care of itself if I start hitting my goals at the intermediate distances.

Its tough, though... because you can really make some noise (especially in Utah and regionally) in the marathon. So I would never blame you if you changed your mind and jumped in one at some point, but I commend you for thinking outside the "marathon box" a bit and thinking about this sport as being more than only that race.

Thanks so much for the feedback Bam and Jake. I really appreciate both of your insight. I am currently registered for UV full marathon so we will see if I can resist the urge to race it and drop down to the half. :)

That said I really do think it would be wise to focus on gaining speed and improving my 5k-hm times. Now that I've broke 1:25 I'm itching to train for the sub-1:20.

Awesome week Rachelle. I'm no expert on this running thing, but what you're saying makes a lot of sense with holding off on the marathon this year. I, along with a lot of other people, would sure have fun watching you improve you HM and under times.

Pretty inspiring to see you considering this OTQ stuff. :) You'll do great!

I, too, would support your decision! Sounds like a perfectly formulated plan. OT aren't for a couple years now so you have the time...make the most of it!

I, however, know there isn't a shot in H#$$ of me ever making the OTs :) So, I am going for the marathon burn-out cycle! I just love the miles and putting them in. I'm trying lots of new things this year and letting my focus relax a bit as well. Sometimes I think you need to change things up to keep ourselves entertained in this crazy running world. Monotony is a killer :)

Just catching up on your blog. You bounce back from races so quickly!!

Stepping back and analyzing things from a 'big picture' perspective is so important and the plan you have displays just that. Here to cheer you on whatever you decide :)

Also, one of my employees was having that burning sensation when she was running. We got her a pair of the Brooks that have that arch support I was telling you about and she says her feet have been burn free... Now she does not run anywhere close to your speed so I don't know if you'd have the same results, but maybe worth a try??

Matt - Thanks so much. It is kind of fun to have my options somewhat open right now.

RAD - I completely agree about changing things up. Taking 2 months off of training and running purely for fun was the smartest thing I ever did! You just cannot compete at a high level and expect to improve year round in my opinion.

Christie - Thanks girl! I have definitely found that more arch support really helps. I just need someone to buy me shoes....they are so expensive and I'm trying to use the ones I have before buying new ones. Is there a certain pair of Brookes you recommend?

The pure connects have amazing arch support. I think you should give them a try :)