Virtual 5k with Coach Laura!

Submitted by Kate Stoltzfus on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 08:57

Ok yinz, I've been training for almost a month now and my first practice 5k with my running coach, Laura Harnish is this Thursday (tomorrow) morning.

While I just hit the 4 mile mark this week for the first time in my life (woo hoo!), running a 5k still remains pretty challenging. It would be so awesome if I knew there were more people out there running the same race—we'll all be faster for it!

So if you have been looking for an excuse for a little physical challenge, here's how you can participate:

  • Commit to running a 5k on tomoroow (Jan. 26) at the location that is most convenient for you (gym, neighborhood, your favorite park/trail).
  • Post on the blog or yinzpiration FB page that you completed. Feel free to let us know how it went.
  • We'll celebrate with virtual hi-fives all day long!

We'll be running at 7:30 a.m. (you can join at this time or choose a time that is best for you) the only rule is that it has to happen sometime tomorrow.

*As a specal bonus, Laura has agreed to answer any running questions you may have in the comments section of this post. Ask away! (Shoes, mental game, favorite places to run in PIttsburgh... you name it!)

See you at the finish line!

Comments

Rose's picture
Submitted by Rose on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 09:36

I'll be joining you!

Kate Stoltzfus's picture
Submitted by Kate Stoltzfus on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 09:37

Yeah ROSE!!! Let's do this.

Alisa's picture
Submitted by Alisa on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 11:06

I'm in but will sadly have to treadmill it since it will be pouring here. Ick treadmill running.

Kate Stoltzfus's picture
Submitted by Kate Stoltzfus on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 15:49

Yes! Pittsburgh and Baltimore unite!

Sue's picture
Submitted by Sue on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 21:25

I'm in.....might be more of a run, run, walk, run.......but I'm in for 5K!!!

Kate Stoltzfus's picture
Submitted by Kate Stoltzfus on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 14:44

It counts! I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Alisa's picture
Submitted by Alisa on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 09:30

question for Laura- What running gear can you not do without? or not want to do without?

I am a ridiculous gear girl, everything I get into I drool over gear constantly and spend hours talking myself out of buying things. So what is something completely worth the money? I know shoes are worth it but anything else?

Laura's picture
Submitted by Laura on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:45

Hi Alisa! I'm kind of the same way--I love looking at gear, but also try to keep running simple and not spend cash on unnecessary gadgets.

Can I pick two? Here are my low- and high-tech essentials:

1. Wool socks really save the day with the weather we've got here in Pittsburgh. It's inevitable that we'll be running through snowy and drizzly conditions, so wool keeps your feet warm even if it's frigid and you've hopped through some puddles. My favorites are by Smartwool--they're kind of an investment, but well worth it. Did I mention you can wear them at least a couple times and they don't get a funky smell like cotton does? :)

2. I just got a Garmin GPS watch for Christmas, and it's been a really helpful tool. I can geek out with all the information it provides: distance, time, pace, elevation, and heart rate. It takes some of the guesswork out of training, and will be especially great for runs I'll do at my marathon pace--I'll know exactly what that pace feels like, and will be more comfortable knowing it's felt good in training. I have the Garmin Forerunner 210, which looks like a "normal" watch and not a computer strapped to my wrist, definitely a plus!

What gear to you droll over?

Allison's picture
Submitted by Allison on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 11:11

I am also running in the Pittsburgh Marathon relay and started training about 3 weeks ago. Since I couldn't get a run in today, I ran my first 5k yesterday at the gym!!

Question for Laura - I find that I hit a wall around 3.25 miles. How can I increase my distance without hitting that wall. I am currently running 3x/week and have never ran more than 3.5 miles in my life. Any feedback would be helpful!!! Thank you!!!

Laura's picture
Submitted by Laura on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:54

Congrats on taking the leap and signing up for the relay, Allison!

You're on the right track with running three times a week, and gradually increasing distance. I'd try a couple things: First, you could add in some walking breaks. Even 30 seconds to a minute every 5 minutes will allow you to recover a bit and resume running with more energy. At the end of the day, 4 miles is 4 miles and it doesn't matter if you had some walking segments. You'll eventually space those out and then not need them at all! Another option is to slow your pace a little bit for now so you can make it the entire distance.

It's hard to wait patiently for our bodies to adapt to the stresses we put them through, but it will happen! If you stay consistent, you'll have a breakthrough. Keep at it!

Elise's picture
Submitted by Elise on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 15:41

Question for Laura:

What are your favorite running shoes? I currently have New Balances, but it's time to get a new pair and I'm thinking about trying something else. I run 10-12 miles a week on gravel and concrete.

Laura's picture
Submitted by Laura on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 23:53

I run in Brooks, since they're dedicated to sustainability (and I go through running shoes quicker than I'd like!). Most of their shoes are made with a BioMoGo midsole, which degrades 50 times quicker in the landfill than standard EVA midsoles. I run everyday in Brooks' Adrenaline and PureFlow, and race in the Green Silence, which is made of 75% post-consumer recycled materials, and uses water-based inks and non-toxic dyes, among other sweet, eco-friendly innovations. Brooks also accommodates my wider feet and love for color :).

Of course, you have to find a shoe that's right for your foot and how you run, so I'd highly recommend stopping in at a local running shoe store--they'll look at your form and get you into a shoe that's just right for you.