Getting ready for the 5k
JP Morgan Corporate Challenge is not only a company challenge but also a personal challenge. The main goal of the run is to raise money for local causes. In Boston they have been doing so well that over the past ten years they sold out.
Personally it's a mental challenge to run the race - something I probably wouldn't have done on my own. Hey I thought I was done with any type of running when I graduated High School.
In 2013, I accepted the challenge and trained really had to run a good race. I did a great job and learned a lot and running and about my personal capabilities. I did a bit better last year, but I set my expectations too high.
This year, while I am going to try to run my personal best, I plan to have a much better race and try to avoid hitting the wall. I have been practicing running the course and running much longer distances than what I did in previous years.
While I feel that I was in better shape last year, I think my legs are more capable to running the entire race. I also did a lot of reading about the mental game and how to better fight running fatigue. Running can be 50% physical and 50% mental.
Four things that I have learned over the years:
How to practice better and have a better run - I learned taking different routes around the City of Boston to avoid intersections. I learned what routes had the tougher course or would be better for the length that I was trying for.
Set realistic goals - When I would do my practice run I would focus on doing one thing better in every run. At the end I would then think of what I could have done different. I would think more on the food that I would eat and if I was listening to the right music.
Control your Destiny - No one told me that I had to run. I knew that if I didn't run that day, that I was only hurting myself. Missing a run would mean that I would hurt my chances of being the best runner that I could be.
Running races better than the last - I learned how to run a better race than the last one and know what worked for me in the past. I understood my mistakes and weaknesses and have worked hard on having a better race.
You should accept the Corporate Challenge and test your own limits. It may take a few races to understand the reward of hard work and determination. If you don't do it, then you'll never know.