Coburg Half Preview

For years, we’ve made the Coburg Half the team’s target race for July. This year it has new management (Eclectic Edge), a new name (Summer Half Classic) and a new start time (8:00 this Sunday). Otherwise the course is the same, starting and finishing at Coburg’s city park. I’ve sent a map by email.

The weather looks to be runner-perfect: starting temperature in the 50s (with a day’s high in 70s) and cloudy. The latter is a blessing on this course with almost no shade trees.

I’ll be at the start (by about 7 o’clock) and halfway, plus the finish. If you want a special drink besides what the race provides, hand it to me before you start.

WEEK 10 LESSON: YOUR RECOVERY

Question: What should I do in the days or weeks after this race?

Answer: One of the most important phases of a training program is also one of the most overlooked. This is what to do AFTER the race. It doesn’t end at the finish line but continues with what you do – or don’t do – in the immediate and extended period afterward. One popular rule of thumb is to allow at least one easy day for every mile of the race (about two weeks after a half-marathon). One day per kilometer (or three weeks post-half) might work even better if the race was especially tough. During this period, take no really long runs, none very fast, and avoid further racing. Run easily until the prospect of training for another race excites you.