Tortoise vs. Hare. One of Aesop’s classic fables about how slow and steady can indeed win the race.

Wanna race?

For a competitive guy like me (big surprise, I know), my default speed is “full tilt boogie.”

Mind you, when it comes to racing, my boogieing full tilt still means I’m finishing in the middle of the pack… but maybe just a little more to the front of the middle than normal.

I like to test myself, to see exactly what my limits are and find out how I can push beyond them.

So, obviously it can be a bit difficult to purposely take my foot off the gas… even when it is the wisest move.

Here’s my upcoming 3-pack of half marathons this weekend:

• 11/15 (am)- REVEL Canyon City Half in Azusa, CA
• 11/16 (am)- Avengers Super-hero Half in Anaheim, CA
• 11/16 (pm)- Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half in (you guessed it) Las Vegas, NV

Utilizing my normal race strategy for all three races would be a surefire recipe for disaster… an utter “bonkfest.”

Not this weekend.

If I indeed want to finish and have a good time, I need to treat this weekend like a whole different beast: a tortoise seems appropriate.

My method of running is the “Galloway Method” which employs a run/walk ratio. Run so many minutes, then walk a minute. Repeat “ad nauseam” until I’m across the finish line holding bling and gulping down Gatorade.

I currently run at a 6:1 ratio (running six minutes and walking one). And my pace, depending on the race, is usually somewhere between a 9:20- 10:20 min/mile. I average around a 2:10 half marathon these days.

No way I’d be able to maintain that pace over all three races.

So, I spoke to one of my running coaches and we’ve come up with a gameplan. I’m going to be utilizing a 3:2 ratio (run 3 minutes, walk 2 minutes) for the REVEL Canyon City Half and shoot for a 2:30 half marathon. That’s about an 11:30 min/mile pace.

For the Avengers Half in Anaheim, I’m going to downgrade to a 2:2 ratio, still aiming for around a 2:30 finish time. But I’ll be listening to my body and slowing down if necessary. However, if my body tells me I can go faster, I’ll fight the urge and stay on pace to keep that energy in reserve (I have a feeling I’m going to need it).

As for the final race in Vegas (my 3rd in 33 hours), I’m hoping to continue with the 2:2 ratio and an 11:30 pace. But this will be uncharted territory for me. I may need to break out some “running jazz” and improvise.

For Vegas I have only one goal in mind: finish.

So for this weekend I’m going to be leaving the hare at home and channeling my inner tortoise.

Don’t worry bunny, we’ll go full tilt boogie next time.

Run on… just a little slower than normal!