Sometimes the calendar doesn't do a good job of reflecting the seasons. But Mother Nature couldn't have timed it any better this year.
Spring appears to have arrived on time, which has put some extra bounce in my footsteps.
One day last week, out running on a back country road with Pink Floyd's Division Bell album playing on my iPod, it was clear that a new season is here. My enthusiasm carried me through a workout of hill sprints even when energy wasn't abundant.
Once again the urge to race - to test myself and gain some valuable experience for Grandma's Marathon in June - fills my thoughts.
While many of us have a goal race, it's almost always a good idea to run some shorter races leading up to the big day.
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A big part of my progress as a runner in 2008 can be attributed to test races that year. Those events - shorter than my goal race - helped me develop a better sense of pacing, race strategy and simply learning more about myself. You can't expect to do in a race that which you haven't done in practice.
Test races are a perfect place to practice your pre-race routine, clothing, fueling and every other aspect of running.
In 2009 I focused on big races and mostly abandoned test races. While my pre-race routine is second nature now, my confidence suffered heading into last year's Fargo Marathon. In my mind, I knew that I wasn't tested and doubt about sustaining my goal pace crept into my thoughts.
This spring, I'm going back to what worked in 2008. Before I step to the Grandma's starting line, I plan to run half marathons in St. Cloud and Fargo.
For runners looking for test races before Fargo's races May 22, there's one key weekend coming up.
On April 17, Minnesota State University Moorhead's Dragon Walk is perfect training for anyone running events from the 5K to half marathon in Fargo. The Dragon Walk event offers 5K, 10K and 10-mile runs.
The same day, runners planning the full marathon in Fargo should consider the Earth Day Half Marathon in St. Cloud, Minn. It's a good event - but requires an overnight stay because of the packet pickup policy - and the hills are good strength training for Fargo. The event also offers 5K and 20-mile options, too.
Forum News Director Steve Wagner writes a running blog, which can be found at www.areavoices.com/runningspud .
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He can be reached at (701) 241-5542 or swagner@forumcomm.com .
