Taking the Leap

After taking a somewhat extended hiatus from training, I’ve decided to take the leap to do my first half-marathon.

 I have never trained for anything over 10miles and that was two years ago. Since then, I've only done shorter distances and trail races (another topic for a later date).

I have been inspired and motivated by my run-buddy, Kim. Knowing that I will have someone to stay accountable for and some company for those long runs, has kicked me into action.

And by action, I mean starting out a training schedule, not actually signing up for the race…yet.

So here are the deets:

The Race: Niagara FallsWomen’s Half Marathon

I always said that if I did a longer race (ie. half or longer) for the first time, I would want it to be a smaller, local race. I can get carried away with the crowds and overwhelmed by small details, like shuttle busses. My run-buddy Kim ran the race last year and loved it so much (even though it was a real tough one for her) she wanted to do it again. In 2011 it was the race’s inaugural year and they have received high praise for their organization. The best part is that you can park right by the start line! For those of you who race, you know how exciting this is. 

The second best part? A bottle of wine in the swag bag. The third best part: Katherine Switzer, woman running pioneer, will be part of the whole event. The fourth best part…really I could go on. Basically, this race has it all. 

The Plan: 15 weeks, custom made

I created a plan for myself based on several resources. A torn out page from an old copy of Runner’s World magazine, it was only 10 weeks and all in miles so I had to convert it all. The Another Mother Runner’s “Finish It” Half Marathon plan. It was 16 weeks and included some optional workouts (less guilt is always good). I also had to adapt these schedules to my actual life. The nitty-gritty of when I would do the plan workout. The process looked like this:

 I'll post details of training as I go.

 

The Goals: Live to tell the tale

Being my first ever half-marathon there are some goals I would like to achieve.

  

• Complete the training as best to my ability without making my husband resent me and my kids    forgetting who I am.
• Get to the starting line injury free
• Enjoy the race! Take in the sights and sounds and people around me.
• Set a realistic target time (and a secret target time) and work hard to get there.
• Savour the hard-earned taste of that wine after the race

Not so difficult, right?