Ty Miranda, YinD 127

An eight minute mile is the same distance as a twelve minute mile. That’s what I tell myself all the time. I have been running for about 16 months now and I can say that it feels awesome to have participated in so many race events and activities with Peace Corps Volunteers. Yes, I am still the slow one of the group, but that doesn’t stop me from running a race with a smile.

With help from Sticky Rice and PCV Jim Damico, we are creating “The Road to Khon Kaen,” a running series where we are going to post articles, tips, and advice for PCVs interested in running the Khon Kaen Race on January 29, 2017. The race includes a 5k, 11.5k, a half marathon and a full marathon. For the next 23 weeks, we are going to be there to cheer you on, give you motivation, and make sure you are prepared for race day.

Deciding the Distance

But, first you will need to decide how far you want to run. If you are a beginner and slightly unmotivated, try shooting for either the 5k or the 10k. You can train for a 10k in about 10 weeks but you can stretch this out for the next 23 weeks. If you are new-ish to running, but can run 2-3 miles with no problem, try shooting for the half marathon. Most half marathon training programs are 10 weeks long, but you could stretch this out for 23 weeks if you want.

If you have been running 3-4 times per week for the past six months to a year, and are comfortable with at least 6 miles, then why not train for a marathon. Marathon training is more grueling and takes a lot more dedication, but can be done. Most marathon training programs are 16-20 weeks and vary between 6-30 miles per week. But, if you have the time and want something to train hard for then WHY NOT! 

(Tip: you can always move down a race category on race weekend. If you shoot for a marathon, but are injured halfway through and need to do a half marathon instead, it is usually okay.)

Building in extra weeks gives you more time to recover and more time to increase your running increments. We are going to talk about training schedules next week.

Signing Up

So, now that you have decided the distance, you need to sign up. Go to www.khonkaenmarathon.com/ starting August 15 to register. Fees will go up by the end of the year, so sign up and commit.

(Tip: As soon as you pay and commit, sh*$ gets real and you get your butt up and running. That’s just from personal experience.)

If there are any topics, ideas, or questions you have, let us know on the Facebook PCV Running group or on Sticky Rice’s Facebook Page.

Happy Running!