Why wait until 2011.... I rocked my unofficial half marathon

Congratulations on your success. I just did my first two 5k's in the last few weeks and I want to do a 10k in July. I am having to do some walking in the 5k's right now (which is starting to tick me off!). I need to set a goal on running a number of miles outside now and get off the treadmill so your post is an inspration!

Wow - 96 pounds lost, you are a rock star.
Now, I have to tell you though, walking is NOT a sign of failure. Actually inserting walking breaks into your running is smart and will usually lead to a slightly better time!

And yeah ... get off the treadmill if you can. Now I live in Wisconsin, so some times I dont have a choice. Although I did recently join the YMCA to get access to the running track, just so I didnt have to run on a treadmill... yep I hate it that much!!

Increasing from a 5K to a 10K is a hike...but you will get there slowly... and before you know it you will think a 4 miler is a short run ... LOL I giggled when I heard that phrase come out of my mouth!

I'm thinking of shooting for a half marathon in August...you totally inspire me! I've been debating on setting it as my New Years Res but have been wavering.... I think you may have pushed me over the edge....eeeeekkk...I don't know. Oh what the heck.....I think I can, I think I can.....I've ran two 5K's ..... I think I'm ready for a new challenge. How do you work out your interval running? I currently run about 30 minutes 3 times a week, I haven't thrown in long runs yet. I can currently run for about 45 ish minutes straight...In your intervals how often and for how long do you walk?

I do 2 min running and 2 of walking for the first mile or so until I feel myself settling in. From there on I do 4, 6, or 8 minutes of running depending on how I feel with 2 minutes of walking. My first long run was 7 miles and it was mostly 4:2 but as I have gotten more used to it, there have been many more 6 and 8 minute segments. I just set my timer for 2 minutes... it beeps and I decide what I want to do. Its effective for me... sure gives my timer a workout though!

Since you can run for 30-45 minutes without walking, I would advice you to try 10 minutes running with 1-2 minutes walking and repeat. Long runs are alot different... and harder on the body. When I do a shorter run (4-6 miles), I can usually run the last mile or so once I get warmed up ... but on a long run this gets harders. I did run from 12.4 to 13.1 this time though... although I thought I was going to die at the end!!