all the Universe conspires to help you achieve it.
- Paolo Coelho, The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a short story that changed my life. So many things have happened over the last twelve months that have impacted my life that it is hard to choose a single defining event. However, the story helped me realise that life is for living and we must first find what we want to do and then worry about how we are going to support ourselves. The Universe has been doing a mighty fine job of taking care of me over the last little while. In order to say thanks, I have decided to exploit my gifts to their potential.
When I finished my race last Sunday, I felt that all I really need to do was post my time for my race report - it would have been a lot easier for you to read! On reflection, there is a lot to take away from this race. I learned about myself and also have some insights that might help you race faster.
I am still not quite sure what happened to me out there on the course but it was the sort of day that you hope will happen. My taper had been ideal. So good that I was worried that I was feeling "too fresh" for the race. Ever since I have dropped my overall volume and increased my intensity, I feel great all the time. As endurance athletes, many of us (myself included) worry that if we are not destroyed then we are not working hard enough. Well, ever since I started focusing on getting faster and stronger - rather than my weekly volume - the results have been amazing.
Volume is still important but I believe that the place for volume is the winter. Log those slow base miles when you are weightlifting. This will get your body ready for the stress of the race specific strength work that comes in late spring and early summer.
I had two goals for this race - sub-4:45 and a solid run. My superstretch goal was 4:30 but I didn't believe that was possible.