It’s been almost two weeks post marathon, and I’m ready to finally determine my spring race calendar. I followed in the footsteps of Amanda at Miss Zippy, and didn’t let myself sign up for anything in the first few days post-marathon.
I was really tempted to look up early summer marathons, but I’m going to rest from the distance training and plan on a fall marathon. For now, I’m ready to focus on shorter races again.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far…
February 17, 2013- Sugar and Spice Half Marathon This one is right around the corner… I’m not sure if I’ll be rested and ready for a strong race, but I’ll give it a shot.
March 9, 2013- Bayou Classic 10k The trick down here is to sign up for races before April, if possible. My last 10k was in May and the heat was brutal. I’m not doing that again! It should be an easy pr, even on a rough day.
April 27, 2013- Sprint for Spring 5k
I ran this last year with some friends, and it’s an easy local race to do again.
Virtual Races:
Of course, I’ll still run my 5k each month for 5 by the 5th race series. My February 5k will also count for Jill and Jen’s Tackle the Miles Virtual run.
From February 1-16, you can run a 5k, 10k or half marathon for Lisa’s virtual race to benefit Kyle. I’m running another 5k.
Also, today Rachelle is encouraging everyone who is able to wear orange and run 1.5 miles for Colton and his battle with leukemia.
Race scheduling strategy
I like to have a general idea of the whole year as I set up races, and then work with 4-5 months at a time. I always plug in the longest race first (half or full) and then fill it in with shorter distances and space it to allow adequate recovery periods. If you’re new to mapping out a race schedule, Heather wrote a fantastic post with Four Steps to Create your Race Schedule.
And finally, my most exciting news of the week…
I finally found an RRCA training nearby, and with space available. I’m so excited to go through this training in a few weeks!
What does your spring schedule look like? How do you plan our your race calendar?
Like I said yesterday on FB, I’m super jealous that you found a coach certification site. Fingers crossed one opens near me this year!
Now that my knee is ok again, I’m ready to sit down and plan my race schedule. I’ve got my favorite local races that I like to always do but I want to venture out and try some new. I’m even looking at a few trail races and a relay.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..I’m Back!
Yay! I’m so glad you can start planning your races, too. A relay and trail are great ideas!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Wait. You don’t have one planned in ATL/trip to see me. Is that an oversight?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Strange But Good Blends
Oops!! How did I miss that? Back to the drawing board…
So excited for you! That’s awesome. I think you will be an amazing coach. We don’t have a lot of half marathons around here so I’m just signed up for the Little Rock have March 3. There is only 1 10K and I might sign up b/c I’ve never run a 10K.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Bike Trainer Spin Workout
I’m so glad you can run again! Funny that you haven’t done a 10k… my first 5k was last year. I stuck to the half distance for racing for sooo long.
Congrats on finding training near you….so exciting!!
I decided to do my first spring marathon this year (I usually do a fall one)…..Pocono Run for the Red in May. It’s supposedly a very fast course so I hope I can PR (no pressure). I also am running my favorite half ever in April, the St. Lukes Lehigh Valley Half Marathon. Maybe another PR? I’m trying to train differently, so let’s see where this goes!
Kristin
The Pocono run was my first marathon!! It is a great course, I’m excited for you!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
I do the same thing – pick the big races first. Then I see what smaller races fit with that training schedule. Your Spring schedule looks packed and fun!
Mandy recently posted..Experiments in Cross Training
Thanks, Mandy. I’m excited to hear what else is coming up for you!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Yay! Good luck on the RRCA training. I haven’t done a virtual race before, but they seem to be growing in popularity!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Turkey Chili Muffins
Thanks, Tiff! And you should check out a virtual race sometime- most are free, and they’re really fun!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
weeee for the certification! you’ll be a wonderful coach!
Lindsay’s List recently posted..behind your computer….
Thanks so much, friend! I’m excited.
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
My race schedule looks a bit hectic right now especially with the virtual races thrown in. I don’t have any races planned for the summer since I will be in full-on marathon training mode.
Yay for the certification. I want to do that, I need to look at the locations.
Natalie recently posted..Defining Me.
I found the website was always behind, and courses were full. Make sure you get on the email list, so you can be notified when a course comes near you!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Glad you found a RRCA course, I waited a few years until one was near me. Randy was a very interesting and dynamic teacher
My spring races include a half, 10 Mile and goal marathon!
Jen recently posted..Speed Work and the best motivation
A few years?! Wow- I was impatient after 6 months…
Which marathon are you doing?
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
A small one (350 runners), Lake Wogegon Marathon. Only $35 so I couldn’t pass it up!
Jen recently posted..Speed Work and the best motivation
Congratulations on getting into a certification course! One was announced about 3 hours away from me yesterday and I missed it
It filled up so fast.
Andrea recently posted..Long Runs-Pre vs Post Baby
Oh, bummer!! It’s crazy how fast they fill up. Hope you find another one soon…
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
I’m starting to look at my schedule
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Chocolate Protein Dipped Frozen Banana Bites!
My spring schedule is set with the Canyonlands Half on March 19 and the Eugene Marathon on April 28. I’m hoping I’ll get to do some shorter ones, too, but it might not happen–maybe I’ll get to do some more group workouts, though.
Now I’m trying to pick my fall marathon. Not sure where that’s going to lead me yet, but I’m worried about some of them selling out, so I’ll probably pick soon.
I hope to do Eugene someday… curious to hear which fall marathon you choose!
Good luck with the RRCA training. What a great addition to your skill set.
Looks like a good race schedule. I’m not making an official calendar this year, I want to take things easy and listen to my body. I do have a few local 5Ks planned and of course will make sure to keep up my virtual challenges.
Carrie @ FamilyFitnessFood.com recently posted..Five For Friday
That sounds very wise. I love that you’re focusing more on s/t, too… that’s something I need to do in between training cycles. And thank you! It will be nice to offer both running coaching and health coaching…
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Race calendars make me SO HYPED! Even other peoples’!
You’ve got this girl…that marathon BQ and PR was amazing!
Kat recently posted..Finally made it to the BOX
I am debating between The Woodlands Half and doing the Dallas Half with my friend in March. I may sign up for one or two shorter distance races in April and/or May, but it will just depend on the weather and how things are doing.
I did a 5k on 4th of July last year….my first…so of course it was a PR, but it was TERRIBLE, so hot, I could barely hang with an 8 min pace!
Keep me posted on what fall/winter marathons you are looking at. I am looking at Dallas White Rock or Memphis in December, and Disney in January! Will be trying to stack a few and shoot for a BQ!
Crystal@TheFastFitRunner recently posted..You Have to WORKOUT, to Get a WORKOUT!
I wanted to do the Woodlands, but I think we’re traveling that week… yes, I’ll keep you posted on marathons!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Youre race calendar is filling nicely! I plan much the same way you do: big ones first then fill in with shorter distances. Yay for RRCA!
Marcia recently posted..Reformed Slutty Brownies
Great race calendar! I also make a schedule of what I’d like to run for the year, really helps kick up the motivation factor and get me excited!!
Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted..Motivation, Weightloss & Continuing Goals
Until I have medical clearance that it’s okay to run on my busted foot (hopefully on Thursday), the only race on my calendar is Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle in June. Though I’m itching to sign up for this St Patrick’s Day half… we’ll see.
I’ve always wondered how people in warmer states manage running/racing! I live in Washington and am ready to die of heat exhaustion even at 70 degrees!
Rachel B @ Busy Mama Fitness recently posted..Goal Check-In
I love seeing everyone’s race calendars come together over the winter/spring. It makes following along in the journey noteable.
Congrats on the RRCA spot! That’s awesome. You’re a quick lil lady and so detailed, you’ll make a grea coach/teacher!
I have been having trouble putting mine together, but as of yesterday it all just kind of clicked! Post is in the works
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Playlist Thursday – Rock It Out
Good idea on your races, and I agree, I don’t have any races after April, the heat is just too brutal around here! Good luck with all of those. And I’m glad you were able to find a RRCA course! You will be great at that!
Lauren @ The Unlikely Runners recently posted..The One About Gym Goers
I love the name of that Feb. half. I think you’ll be plenty good to go by then and will have your marathon fitness to work from. Looks like a great, well-rounded spring for you!
You’ll love all that you will learn in the RRCA class. It will turn some things on their head for you, too. And expect a sore butt-lots of sitting!
Thanks for the shout out!
That’s so awesome that there’s a coach certification site nearby and that there’s space available!! You would make an awesome run coach. After you’re certified, will you coach me??
I love seeing your race calendar and think that it’s so smart to put off another marathon until the fall. Can’t wait to see what you do then!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: TGIF
I think you’ll be ready by February for sure and like you, I’m playing with the idea of a fall marathon, but going to be training hard for the Nike Women’s Half in the meantime. Let me know what you end up choosing for the fall, maybe I’ll come run it with you if bigger life stuff isn’t happening (which I’ve been meaning to email you about actually!)
I’m about to write a post about why I want to get my coaching cert, I’m pretty excited and nervous about the course, I think it will help to see you go through it a week before me!
MegG recently posted..Why “fast” is relative
I need to do this. I’m so indecisive. I’m thinking I might do Kyle’s Krusade for my February 5K though. Thanks for the heads up!
Sarah S @RunningOnWords recently posted..Weight Loss Wednesday 2.3–Managing Cravings
Nice schedule!
Since I’m 21 weeks pregnant, my schedule is super-light. I’m planning to walk the Monument Ave 10k with my mom (she’s come to cheer for me 7 years in a row! I’m so excited to do the race with her!) and maaaaybe run a half 5 monts postpartum (which will be November, which is technically Fall. But I’m already pumping myself up for it!)
Amanda K. recently posted..Racing while pregnant: How pregnancy changed my half marathon
Aww, that will be fun to walk the 10k with your mom! And a half at 5 months pp is doable, especially if you go in with no time goals. Can’t believe you’re over halfway through already!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
so excited you found a training!!! have fun!
Come to Austin for a race! Not quite in Austin, but I’ve got the Moe’s half marathon on my schedule in March. It’s in San Marcos, and a classic. A fun run through the country when the wildflowers are starting to come out.
Clea recently posted..Ella, RIP
Oh, that sounds so fun!! I’m looking it up right now…
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Your race schedule looks good girl! Thank you again for your help with and participation in Kyle’s Krusade Virtual run! love you so much! Can’t wait to see your RRCA button on your sidebar, it’s a interesting course and I am still good friends with many of the people I attended with. Have a wonderful weekend!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Strawberry Napoleon with #SilkAlmond Pastry Cream
Your race schedule looks great. I am struggling between signing up for a few versus trying for another baby. My body needs a couple extra pounds on it and lower levels of working out to conceive so I can’t train and try for #3 at the same time. But your race schedule is quite tempting…
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family recently posted..Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
That’s exciting, Lindsay! I understand about cutting back to get pregnant… best wishes either way.
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
What a great race plan! I’ve lined up a few new ones for myself this year and am looking forward to them. Congrats on your coaching class! Happy Fitness Friday!
AmyC recently posted..Fitness Friday: Ready for the Cold
wait, i don’t see an austin race on there. hmmm… you should!
lindsay recently posted..Things I Love and Love Grown Giveaway
I was seriously considering the Austin 10/20… still might… I’ll definitely let you know!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
YAY! Congrats on getting into the RRCA class! I took it last year. Definitely a good deal of info that I already knew – but I learned a bit about training for shorter races (I’m always so focused on marathons!). Also put me in contact with some nearby coaches/runners who I’ve kept in touch with!
LOVE that you waited to sign up for your spring/summer races – SO SO SO smart =)
Michele @ Nycrunningmama recently posted..Helpful Distraction
Oh how funny! I just checked your blog and I happened to register yesterday myself! Too bad we can’t be in the same class
I’m going to be at the Dayton, Ohio course in March. You will have to let me know how yours goes, I will be so curious!
Christina recently posted..RRCA coach certification and a half marathon on the schedule
Oh that’s awesome!! I’ll definitely post about… curious to see how yours goes, too!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Sounds like a great schedule of races!!! Yeah…I totally signed up for another race a few days after the marathon…oh well! Lol!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted..Fitness Friday…Let’s Get This Started!
Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it…
I was tempted to sign up for a spring marathon right away, but a little rest reminded me that’s probably not the right thing for me right now.
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
I usually do the same as you. I map out my schedule in four main seasons (spring, summer…). My spring marathon goes in first, then a half or 10 miler a couple months before. After that I fill it in with local running club races.
I usually alternate seasons too. Spring=road, summer=trail, fall=road, winter=off and trail. I seems to be the sweet spot for me that keeps a demanding, yet uninjured workload. 
Karen recently posted..Grocery Shopping Hungry
I like your cycles, especially with winter off… I think that’s something I need to add back in, with more emphasis on cross training at certain times of the year.
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
You are awesome. That is all. I will be happy if I accomplish a half and full marathon.
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Health Benefits of Water- How Much Is Enough?
I don’t know… are addictions awesome?
Hope you get in both of your races!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Those look like fun races! I definitely didn’t wait a few days after the marathon to register for another race, it was the same night!
Congratulations on signing up for RRCA training, that’s exciting!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..It’s Cold in Rochester
Laura – I am so excited about your race-schedule. As for the RRCA coaching class, I am going to bow out for this time as I don’t think I will be able to squeeze in CPR within the next 60 days given the marathon training and other work travel.
See you soon!
No problem- and I heard it filled about an hour after I got in, yikes! So it’s probably a good thing you weren’t still trying to sign up… hope to run with you Sunday!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Congrats on finding an RRCA class! That will be exciting. I really need to follow your lead and think about recovery more. I plan too many races in one year.
Jerilee recently posted..Marathon running rambles…
No race calendar for me. Since I’m doing the 5ks for 13 in 2013 I think it isn’t really critical. Am I wrong?
Congrats on the training! I just signed up for and started training for my Pilates certification today.
Carli recently posted..The Tainted Coin
I think that makes a lot of sense for your 5ks. Congrats on the Pilates certification course!!
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Yay – I’m so excited you got into a RRCA training clinic!! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it. I actually just signed up for a TrainingPeaks clinic that I’m SUPER excited about – we’ll have to exchange notes after our classes.
And thanks for the shout-out today – it makes me feel so good that you liked that post!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Fitness Friday: What Gets Measured
I plan my race calendar for the whole year with a few contingent races. It’s seems to be the most productive and easiest way to work around a busy family calendar of 2 teens that have long competition seasons.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Ultramarathon || Recovery 101
Sounds like a great calendar! I’m running three half-marathons (NYC in March, Nike Women’s in DC in April, and NJ Long Branch in May) and the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC in April! I’m really excited for my spring schedule, actually, because I’m hoping to break 2:00 in a half!
Jen @ Jens Best Life recently posted..Easy Indian Vegetables Recipe
Good luck breaking 2 hours, Jen! Also, I’ve always wanted to run the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, looks gorgeous.
Laura recently posted..Mapping out the Spring Race Calendar
Looks like a great schedule! And I think you’re smart to plan on a fall, rather than summer, marathon. Your body and your brain will appreciate the break : ) So excited for you about the certification!!!!!
Michelle recently posted..Still More Questions Than Answers
Looks busy! I only have 3 things this spring – a 5K, a half, and a 12K. I’m hoping my body cooperates for them!
MILF Runner recently posted..Coffee Makes You Happy?
It’s fun for me to see what you have mapped out. I am living very flexibly lately…not a lot of plans. Just one race at a time, and maybe in a “seasons” theme–> Long season, short season. You have the hot season and the cooler season
I bet you rock your 1/2! I did a huge PR half when I ran one about 6 weeks after Eugene marathon 2010. But be careful to recover fully from that race as well
Those races look fun! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the RRCA coaching certification!
Alison @ racingtales recently posted..Infinit Custom Nutrition Review and Giveaway
Thanks, Alison. Can’t believe it’s next weekend already… I’m excited!
Laura recently posted..Fueling for Performance
I’m catching up on my blog reading. I’m ready to nail down that half marathon that I want to do. Maybe once I do that, my race calendar will come together better. I like your strategy.
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted..Making the Switch!