The returning runner…

Act 63 – Checking with comeback runners – the right distance

The tunnel was just short enough that you could barely get by without a headlamp and, even so, steps in the middle were a leap of faith (hopefully the ground is where you expect it). I was matching 8min/mile pace with a gal who was overcoming the impacts of a lifelong Type 1 diabetes struggle. We made the turn at halfway and surged the second half downhill. It was a good day. It was the best day. The best day since “coming back” to running. The Bizz Johnson ½ marathon is a great gravel trail course. A bit of altitude paired with great scenery. I had been gradually working up to the half marathon distance, but did I need to go farther? That seemed to be the frequent question from other runners…I decided that was a good distance to stop at. Even during my high school days I was just better at shorter distances.

So, after you have done your first comeback 5k run and things are going well, it’s time to start thinking about what distance you’re really want to focus on. Then surround it! If you are focusing on a 10k distance, then run a 5k and half before. The 5k pace will make your 10k pace comfortable and the half will make the 10k distance seem so quick!

Photo: A nice view of the Bizz Johnson trail – not a bad spot for a race or training!