It's been 2.5 years since my last run, which was a half marathon. When I was asked to run the Nike GO LA 10 km event I was a little scared I have to be honest. Yes, it's only 10 km, but running has a way of scaring you — even though I consider myself fit with the other activities I do such as weights, Pilates and boxing — the endurance of running can be a little daunting for some.
I always thought with my training I had to run 10 km every day to get through the race but what I have learnt thanks to my Nike coach Lydia O'Donnell and the Nike+ Run Club app it's a lot simpler then you think.
I was given a 5-week training program. Within each week there are three types of runs with the option to do more. Each week also includes Lydia's five Super Saturday sessions to help prepare me for the big run.
Examples of what each week looks like:
Week 1: 12 minute and 7 minute runs to allow the app to track the pace that you are at.
Week 2: 20 minute, 12 minute and 7 minute runs.
Week 3: 4 x 400 m, 4 x 800 m runs — to be completed in one session — and a 15 minute benchmark run.
Week 4: 6.5 km run and a 4 x 1 km treadmill sprint session.
Week 5: 2.5 km run, 4 x 400 m run session and a 3.5 km recovery run.
My first run felt slow and sluggish I started with a 6 minute 50 second pace and now pre-race I have my pace where it needs to be to feel comfortable with a 5 minute 15 second pace.
Lydia organised calls with me every Monday to give me tips, find out how I went in the previous week and offer advice on how to improve my pace and recovery. She reminded me that regular stretching and mobility before each run is super important, along with weekly massages on those legs — something I could really get used to.
But let's talk about the shoes the Nike Epic React Flyknit shoe has had so much hype since it's launch and boy, has it met all expectations. The sneaker is designed to offer more cushion for the impact of each stride. I would say it's like running on pillows, honestly, it's lightweight but supportive throughout the run particularly when you need it the most at the end of your run.
My goal time for the 10 km run is to complete it in under 58 minutes and with the help and support from Lydia and the Nike+ Run app I definitely know I will achieve this on the big day (April 22).
So let's lace up, get out and choose GO. Stay tuned for my results and more from the epic trip Nike has in store.
