30 10K races in 2009

by RC Tulio
(Quezon City, Philippines)

Me at the left - Years Back

Greetings to the readers of Distance Running Tips.com!

I am from Manila, Philippines. Male and 44 years old. I work in a credit card company with Sales. I have been running off and on for 10 years as am also a badminton enthusiast. It was late year, that I decided to focus on running - specifically 10K running.

I made a promise to run 30 races this year 2009 and of course improve my time for 10K. This is coming from 1 or 2 races in previous years. I wanted to get some personalized coaching with my training but decided to first see what I can do on my own using a training program I downloaded from the Runnersworld.com.

My best time to start this endeavor was 1:04 last Dec 14. Starting 2008, I have been diligent in my 3 day / week training session. I am happy to say that, I have joined 3 official races so far and have improved my time to 54 mins (45 seconds). A ten minute improvement!

The training sessions are really working out for me. It is composed of speed work, long runs, and race speed runs. It is the first time I have done speed work and it has really helped me experience how running in a sustained fast speed feels. Usually, I just jog along in the races I join -- hence the 1 hour finishing time -- a norm for me.

Now, only after 6 weeks of training, I feel I really run a race. My legs have gotten stronger. I actually run in the race. My basic strategy is to divide a 10K race in 4 parts or roughly 15 min parts. My race strategy is to run the first 2 parts strong, cruise in the third part, then end strong again or maintain. I sprint in the last 500 meters if I still can -- mentally.

This project has given me positive benefits, I have kicked my smoking habit and drinking. I wanted to improve my times and realized I could not do it with these vices. I have lost 5 lbs and feel really fit.

I hope to bring down my personal best. On my own, my goal is to break 50 minutes. At the end of this year, I plan to invest in personalized coaching. I still am a heel striker. When I train in our local track, I see forefoot strikers from the elite runners. I hope to be able to do the same to improve my speed.

I eagerly anticipate the newsletters from this site and hope I can learn more about my running. More power to you and all runners!