Training Starts Tomorrow
brenstar05
Posts: 70 Member
My half marathon training schedule starts tomorrow. I'm actually pretty excited to get it kicking...
A little background on my specific situation. I started my weight loss journey in April 2011. And I started running in May as my main source of exercise. I generally liked the feeling after I was done running, but found it difficult to get myself out the door. So, I decided to set a goal for myself to do one race a month for 1 year. The plan was twelve 5k races in twelve months. I figured this would keep me motivated to keep running and keep losing weight. I did my first race in July 2011 and completed the Packers 5k race at Lambeau Field, and continued to train and do races. I eventually expanded my goal to do longer races and competed in a couple 5 milers and even a 10k in March 2012. A friend challenged me to end my year long goal with a half marathon. So, I signed up for the Rock 'n' Sole Summerfest Half Marathon in June 2012. And I also signed up for the Madison Mini Marathon in August (really I just wanted the special medal that you got for doing both races). I completed both races. The problem is that my training was AWFUL. I graduated from law school in May and took the bar exam in July. So, I was studying like crazy for finals and the bar in the months leading up to both races. Because I didn't train properly, I was not happy with either of my race results. I finished... and that's always the goal, but my times were horrible. And I really struggled through both races, wondering if I would finish.
Ok, so that was the back story to lead up to the current... I decided that I needed another chance to prove myself. So, I'm signing up for both of these half marathons again this year and I am going to train and dedicate myself to kicking both races booties!! I want to finish, that' is always the goal. But I would really like to improve my training and therefore improve my race times. I need to redeem myself and prove to myself that I CAN do this. I can finish both a training program and these races with precision, dedication, and a good pace!! I really want to do it right this time.
So, the Rock 'n' Sole 1/2 is 15 weeks away and my training starts tomorrow. I'm going to ease into the training for the first 3 weeks, with short runs and some cross training. Mostly, I want to spend the first three weeks getting back into running shape. Then I found a couple 12 week training plans and I'll take that on to get ready for the race. Hopefully, I can use this forum as a way to keep myself accountable with my training. Also, would love tips and advice from anyone else who has gone through this craziness that is training for a half marathon!
Thanks for letting me tell my story... I look forward to many great runs to come. Happy Running!! 
A little background on my specific situation. I started my weight loss journey in April 2011. And I started running in May as my main source of exercise. I generally liked the feeling after I was done running, but found it difficult to get myself out the door. So, I decided to set a goal for myself to do one race a month for 1 year. The plan was twelve 5k races in twelve months. I figured this would keep me motivated to keep running and keep losing weight. I did my first race in July 2011 and completed the Packers 5k race at Lambeau Field, and continued to train and do races. I eventually expanded my goal to do longer races and competed in a couple 5 milers and even a 10k in March 2012. A friend challenged me to end my year long goal with a half marathon. So, I signed up for the Rock 'n' Sole Summerfest Half Marathon in June 2012. And I also signed up for the Madison Mini Marathon in August (really I just wanted the special medal that you got for doing both races). I completed both races. The problem is that my training was AWFUL. I graduated from law school in May and took the bar exam in July. So, I was studying like crazy for finals and the bar in the months leading up to both races. Because I didn't train properly, I was not happy with either of my race results. I finished... and that's always the goal, but my times were horrible. And I really struggled through both races, wondering if I would finish.
Ok, so that was the back story to lead up to the current... I decided that I needed another chance to prove myself. So, I'm signing up for both of these half marathons again this year and I am going to train and dedicate myself to kicking both races booties!! I want to finish, that' is always the goal. But I would really like to improve my training and therefore improve my race times. I need to redeem myself and prove to myself that I CAN do this. I can finish both a training program and these races with precision, dedication, and a good pace!! I really want to do it right this time.
So, the Rock 'n' Sole 1/2 is 15 weeks away and my training starts tomorrow. I'm going to ease into the training for the first 3 weeks, with short runs and some cross training. Mostly, I want to spend the first three weeks getting back into running shape. Then I found a couple 12 week training plans and I'll take that on to get ready for the race. Hopefully, I can use this forum as a way to keep myself accountable with my training. Also, would love tips and advice from anyone else who has gone through this craziness that is training for a half marathon!
Thanks for letting me tell my story... I look forward to many great runs to come. Happy Running!! 0
Replies
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Sounds like great motivation. I'm a firm believer that once you have trained up to a half you can continue to race halfs and only get better. I use the Run Less Run Faster plan, it's ideal for someone who is busy and have previous race experiences to base your training off of. Especially if you are working full time in a new career, it's tough to get started and train at the same time. Best of luck!0
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You can do it!
Put your training schedule on your calendar, so that you can see where there are events that might interfere with your runs and adjust your schedule accordingly. I was startled when I was reading my training program and there was a heading for "juggling", but it was talking about juggling your schedule, not juggling with balls. LOL.
Be willing to tell people "no" if it is going to interfere with your schedule. "Sorry, I'm training, I can't do it that day." Make sure you get enough sleep. Make sure that your friends and family know what is going on so that they can support and encourage you and are not taken off guard if you are not able to eat or do all of the things you usually do with them.0
