finding your pace

one thing we want to teach our youngsters in the rsr program is to find the pace that works for them. the ability to identify "what works for you" is challenging even for adults. there are a couple of running exercises in the program that help kids learn the difference between pushing and pacing. often with the 8-13 yr old age group, kids start off pushing as hard as they can and then get tired before they complete their distance goal. when we teach kids to listen to their bodies and find "what works for them," we are giving them tools for running and for life.

whether their goal is to run the 5k, walk the 5k, or any combination of the two, we encourage them to set the goal and achieve it... pacing themselves throughout the training and on their final 5k run.

i had my own challenge with pace today. i had a 6-mile recovery run after my 18-mile distance run over the weekend. i found that i kept speeding up to my regular pace, when with a recovery run you are supposed to run 1-2 min slower than your regular pace. recovery is so important in training. i slowed down, i enjoyed, i recovered. then, i felt the parallel in my day as well: parenting, working, embracing, enjoying.