I ran the San Jose Rock N Roll Half Marathon yesterday.  I finished with a very respectable and fast (for me) time of 1:56:58.   I had three goals for my race, my “Happy Goal” of 2 hours, my “Happier Goal”  of 1:59:59 and my “WOW, I Rocked It Goal” of 1:57:00.

I didn’t even consider being able to beat 1:57.  And while I only beat it by 2 seconds, I will take those 2 seconds and dance with them.  For those of you who have run with me before, you know I don’t round up.  That goes for mileage and time!

I am not writing today to crow about my time.  I’m actually writing to remind you  that it’s important to work smarter, not harder.   Running, whether it be a race or just out for 5 miles can be challenging sometimes.  In a race you are pushing harder than normal (this is the definition of racing) and when you are running 5 miles you want to run 5 miles.

And while I’m not an expert, on this, I am experienced.  Meaning I have tried these tricks out and by golly, they work.  There are only 3.  Note:  You may not go with me on #3, but one day, give it a try.

1.  Use your arms.  Please.  People underestimate the power that your arms provide when running.  In fact, your legs can only go as fast as your arms swing.   I’ve been told that I have a very strong, very powerful arm swing.  I use them like pistons to keep me going when my legs get tired and let me tell you, it came in handy from miles 10-13.1 when my legs started to tire.

2.  Stop struggling.   Sometimes at the end of a run or during a race I feel like it’s so hard to keep going.  I’ve recently begun to let go of the struggle.  I breathe deeply and imagine my legs gliding and flowing.   I find my body relaxes and the rest of my run isn’t as hard.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m still glad when it’s over.  But it’s not so mentally draining.

3.  Run faster.   Easier said than done, I know but this is what my running brain has figured out.  I’m running a race and I have 3 miles to go.  If I pick up the pace just a bit, move my arms faster, have a faster turnover, than I’ll be done sooner.  Even if it’s 15 or 20 seconds sooner, it is sooner and I’ll be done.  Done.  I have found that the pain, stiffness or tightness at that point is pretty much going to be there until the end of the race.  If I can finish earlier, I stop earlier and the pain ends.

Now go run!

Keli