On Saturday night, I will be running my first race since November 2012.  It’s only a 5k (it’s absolutely insane to me that I can say “only” when talking about 3.1 miles), so I’m not really doing any race prep, per se.  I’m staying hydrated (which I normally do), trying to get plenty of sleep (which I normally do), and eating normally.  I’ll run my scheduled 4 miles tonight at a normal pace and then that will be it until the race.

I had said previously that I didn’t have any goals going into this race, but I guess that’s no longer true.  I’d like to PR (last official 5k time was 31:31).  I’d also REALLY like to get under 30 minutes.  I’m trying to remember, however, that my ultimate goal is to complete a half marathon.  If I go in guns blazing for a 5k, I could potentially injure myself and throw off my training.  So really, the idea is to run at my normal short run pace and have fun.

In other news, I did an upper body session with my buddy Andrew last night.  He’s my friend, Aimee’s husband, he’s a PE teacher, and he’s a BEAST!  They have a bunch of workout equipment in their basement and they live about a 10 minute drive away, so it was more convenient than going to the gym.  The session lasted over an hour, which is unusual for me anyway, but it was also absolutely the most intense weight lifting session I’ve ever done–I got my butt kicked!  While I’m really sore at the moment, I loved it.  Andrew is very knowledgeable, and super positive, so he’s a great workout partner.  Of course, I can’t lift my arms above my head at the moment, but that will pass!  I’m excited to hopefully keep up these lifting sessions.  Andrew kept saying, “Just wait till leg day…” *gulp*

Do you incorporate strength training?  Do you lift alone, or with a partner?