Ah, the exhilarating world of running!
As I slip into my favourite running shoes and hit the pavement, I am instantly transported into a realm of personal growth, determination, and a shared passion for pushing limits. Today, I want to delve into a practice that has become a game-changer in my running journey – training runs on actual race courses. This isn't just about clocking miles; it's about gaining a profound familiarity with the course, tracking my progress, and diving into the exciting realm of virtual competition through platforms like Strava.
Unveiling the Course's Secrets
Imagine this: You're standing at the starting line of a race you've been anticipating for months. The adrenaline is pumping, but so are the nerves. However, there's a secret weapon I've discovered – training on the actual race course. This practice isn't just about getting my sneakers on the ground; it's about unravelling the course's mysteries. Every twist, every hill, every curve becomes etched in my memory as I traverse the route during my training runs. This intimate familiarity transforms race day from an intimidating challenge into a thrilling adventure I'm prepared to conquer.
Timing My Triumphs
One of the most satisfying aspects of training runs on race courses is recording my times. Each practice run becomes a personal challenge, a mini race against myself. By timing these training sessions, I create a benchmark against which I can measure my progress. When race day arrives, I don't just toe the starting line; I step into a familiar realm, armed with a powerful tool – the knowledge of my previous training run times. This not only fuels my motivation but also empowers me to set achievable goals for the big day.
Strava: My Running Companion
In this digital age, running has taken on a whole new dimension, thanks to apps like Strava. It's like having a personal coach, a cheerleader, and a virtual running community all in one. One feature that has me hooked is the "segments." These are specific portions of a route where runners can
compete for the best time. What's even more exhilarating is that many race courses are set as segments on Strava. Suddenly, my training ground becomes a virtual battleground, where I can engage in friendly rivalry with fellow runners who have also dared to conquer the course.
Strava segments inject an undeniable allure into my training runs. As I upload my runs and race performances, I am instantly transported into a world of virtual competition. I see my name on the leaderboard, surrounded by fellow runners who share my passion and determination. The rush I get from comparing my times with others is indescribable. It's not just about the numbers; it's about the camaraderie, the shared goals, and the collective pursuit of self-improvement.
As I reflect on my running journey, the significance of training runs on race courses and the exhilarating world of virtual challenges through Strava segments becomes crystal clear. It's more than just a strategy; it's a way of embracing the sport I love from multiple angles. By training on the course, itself, I gain an advantage of familiarity and confidence that propels me forward on race day.
As the official race courses for RunHaven 2023 are approved, I decided to create the Strava segments for them!
I tried to do them in a reasonable pace – not too slow and not too fast. Now it is on YOU! Chase my crown and join me on the leaderboard of the Strava segments in Laurieton, North Haven and Dunbogan.
The runs are fun and so scenic. You will find the 3k kids run, the 5k and the 10k run course at Strava segments. Soon I will do the 21k for you as well!
Looking forward to see you running at the RunHaven race courses. Give me a Kudos after you finished a course!
Comentários