10 weeks to 10K: How our runners are doing (Week 3)

Share

Sherry Lang-Laveau and François Laveau

Big on numbers? "I just sort of time myself more than anything," Ms. Lang-Laveau says. As for François, he's not big on numbers either. It's more about the run for him."

Why: "As I get more serious, numbers might be motivating, but as a new runner my aim is basically to finish the race," she says. "If we get really hooked on this and want to do more runs, then I think it will be more important."

Challenges so far: For François, it's finding the time to train with a busy work schedule. For Sherry, it's a matter of finding the right clothing with the temperature changing. "I'm still getting used to what to wear," she says.

Jean Choi

Big on numbers? Ms. Choi keeps a log of all her runs that includes routes, whether it was a long, moderate or short run, and her time. She tracks it all on an Excel file, although she says she's "not hard-core" about number-crunching.

Why: "Just to make sure that I'm kind of mixing it up," she says. As well, she says, tracking data from runs is very motivating.

Challenges so far: "The first run just about killed me," she says of a 10K she did on a very windy day. "I did plan an easy run, but it was much harder than I thought it would be. But with each subsequent run, I love it now."

Jen Cooper

Big on numbers? "No, not at all," she says. "I basically look at the clock when I leave the house and when I come back I check out the clock and that's it. So I don't know what my pace is, I don't know what distance I've travelled. I don't really care, to be honest."

Why: Keeping track of numbers is a distraction. "Running for me is a way to de-clutter my mind," she says. "I don't even have a watch." Ms. Cooper says she runs more for mental fitness than physical fitness, and ignoring numbers helps her keep clear.

Challenges so far: Having to put aside training in order to care for her daughter, who has come down with a mild fever. "It's not been a great week," she says. But, Ms. Cooper adds, "I'm still feeling confident about the race."