I've run quite a few races - 5ks, 10ks, trail runs, and fun runs and I've coached for Girls on the Run, but this year I finally decided to bite the bullet and do something I haven't done; a half marathon.
I decided to finally commit to my first half for a few reasons.
- I'm in good running shape right now. 5 mile runs are comfortable, and I have been able to push myself to finish an 8 mile run with only a few stopping points.
- I have the time to fit in training over the next few months
- I have the perfect training partner, my friend Kristin. She hasn't run a half marathon either, and her and I are into the same workouts and keep each other accountable.
- Joel is an expert runner and is "coaching" us - within my patience level (And can be fired at any time)
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This week:
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Monday
2.5 miles
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Tuesday
Hot Yoga with weights
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Wednesday Strength & Speed
Either an interval class or HIIT workout
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Thursday
3 miles
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Friday
Rest
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Saturday
5 miles
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Sunday
2 miles or strength & stretch
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It's a pretty do-able schedule, and I'm swapping in an extra spin class when I can.
My runs in the last few weeks have been pretty quick. I've never run any race under a 10 minute mile, and my goal for the half is to just pace under 11 minutes - and finish the damn thing without dying.
But, seriously, let me know if you have any first-timer advice. I'm open to any tricks of the trade that might make this thing not half bad.
So excited for you and your upcoming race! Your runs/times look great, keep up the great work love!
ReplyDeleteI'm LOLing at the foam roller. I LOVED mine when I was training but also lived for:
ReplyDelete1) Uncooked rice pack -- toss a cup or so into a tube sock, tie off the end, pop it in the microwave. It's amazing, slow-releasing heat that you can put on targeted areas.
2) Tennis balls -- mini massagers without any grid issues
Impressive goal!!! Can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteColor me way impressed! I still haven't completed a RUNNING 5k. Maybe I'll do that this year. But I'm scared. I don't have the mental fortitude for it.
ReplyDeleteI think you can do it Tess, and be way more successful than me. haha
ReplyDeleteI recommend sticking to your training as much as possible. And don't feel bad if you have to walk some. You may get to a point where it hurts whether your walking or running, I definitely did. lol And definitely fill up at every station. Most stations I took 2-3 cups of gatorade/water.
Don't be surprised if you don't get much sleep the night before. It's the night before that that's important. Drink plenty of water the days leading up to it. Have a great playlist that will keep you motivated. And be sure to walk around for a while afterward (and the next day) and ICE. It will suck and you'll be sore, but you won't be as sore the following days.
Im doing a 1/2 in December. I have done 2 before...walked both of them though...one when I was 7 months pregnant. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteLove this goal!! I ran my first half marathon in 2006 and then my first marathon in 2007- it becomes addicting! Your training schedule sounds perfect. You can do it!
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