Motivation gets you started, habit keeps u going

That VDOT thing is pretty good! Theoretically, you should train at the VDOT value based on your most recent race. So, for me, that's my 1/2M of several weeks ago. If you train at a higher VDOT (the one you wish you were at), you will not benefit as much from the training! And, training at a higher VDOT increases you chances for injury.

Good luck finding the magical Chia Seeds. And, yes, you can grow a Chia Pet from them also!

I agree with auntieem. Train at the VDOT you're at. Don't try to push way beyond that. If you keep training, your VDOT will go up, but you can't rush it.

I agree that running a lot can cause laundry issues.

I don't have any other races to compare to unfortunately. I thought Daniel said you could train where you want to be. Obviously not 6 VDOTS above but maybe at 31 or 32. Who knows maybe I'm higher now. I do know that if I run an easy run at 12 somethign I will die. That is too slow.

I think I won't worry about it for the next week or so. I have to taper next week anyway and get a new race time next week and then I will start training at VDOT whatever that will be. I know I"m stubborn

Way to push the pace and great job! I am just gross and wear the same running clothes a couple of days in a row.

April-Really? I do that in the winter but I don't sweat as much then and usually there are layers and how has enough winter running clothes? I know I don't!

You do want to train at the vdot you're at currently. But didn't you do a 5K more recently? Last year's race doesn't tell you where you're at currently. If you haven't raced in a few months, then set yourself up for a race of some sort--you can do a 3 mile race or a 5K if you know a course--and THEN look up your vdot. You should not train at a higher vdot.

And I also wear clothes a couple days, unless I'm running with someone and want to spare them my stench, or if I pick up a previously worn shirt and it makes me retch :)

Tracy, I don't remember seeing a 5K race in the book to refer to for the VDOT...I remember there being a one miler and the meter ones, 1/2 and fulls. That is okay, it seems like it is sorta too late to worry about it now. I plan after the race to reflect on how well I did or don't do and what I can do differently for next race. I'm thinking about doing the indy mini in May which would mean training through the winter and student teaching...You went through student teaching--do you think it is possible?

I use this website:

http://www.attackpoint.org/trainingpaces.jsp

You can input a specific race distance.

And also, you could definitely do student teaching and training at the same time. Your student teaching is a constant (like you know you'll leave at 7 and get home at 4) so you can plan around it easier than classes that vary.

I think it'll be a good stress reliever!

Good point--My hours are all over the place right now. I was worried b/c basically it is a 40 hour a week job that I don't get paid for, so I may work once a week at my current job (going to see how that goes and add or subtract from there)

thanks for the website. I'm at a VDOT 33 right now according to my last 5k. That seems about right. I wish my marathon pace would be a little faster but--I do start out slow and end fast and strong so we shall see how that goes!