Training Help for the Young Guy

[saintralph]

Hey, it's everyone's favorite little inexperienced runner again ;D. Baldisbetter (wonder how I got talking to him) recommended asking frojoe23 and wvurunner this question. You guys know I just finished my big 8k Shamrock race this past weekend and, since I am just that freaky, am looking onto the next race. I made the goal to try to PR at the Great Escape and, since you two dominate 5k's, are there any changes I should make to my training schedule? What would you say is the best training idea for a next-year freshman preparing for the Great Escsape.
As always, thanks so much for listening, and I promise the rookie questions will someday come to a stop!

[frojoe23]

I would say that the thing to focus on in your training right now is having fun. You have plenty of time to set new pr's and as you get more into running that will just happen. Don't worry yet about setting pr's - just go and have fun and most likely you will set a new pr anyway.

[wvrunner]

I agree with Jaron. Just make it fun. Don't concentrate on too much speed work at this point. Do most of your runs at a relaxed pace and just let your body adapt to distance running. Saint Ralph, no question is ever a stupid question. The more you ask, the more you learn, the more you learn the faster you will run. You have great mentors in your brother and father. Keep up the good work and good luck.

[saintralph]

Thanks so much for the advice. That's a good point frojoe; if you didn't have fun when you PRed, what was the point in puhing it:) I actually took your advice on my run today! You were exactly right, I had an all-out BLAST!! Instead of worrying about my pace or how I felt, I made corny little weather comments to people walking their dogs:)!! And thanks for the advice on asking questions, wvurunner, and trust me they'll probably keep coming!
I'll be sure to keep listening to my good ol dad, except when he tells me to take out the trash:)