I ran 4 miles this weekend - and it was fun!
I ran a 10k (6.2 miles) a few months ago - and though I was sore afterwards, it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought.
So now the inevitable question has wedged itself in my brain....
What's next?
Do I strive for a faster 5k? Work on strengthening up for another 10K? Find the elusive 10 miler?
Or...am I crazy for considering a Half? Is 13.1 miles insane? There is a "flat, fun & festive" Santa to the Sea Half in 123 days...is that enough time to train?
Tell me the truth, please :) I work full time, have a toddler, can probably fit in two 30-40 min runs a week plus a longer weekend run in addition to strength training. Is that a plan for success? Anyone have any good training plans, tips or advice? Can't wait to hear!
I need to trick my brain to do that!
ReplyDeleteHaHa - good luck :)
DeleteYou're not crazy! I love it! Running is so addicting. After each race there's that thought of "what's next?".
ReplyDeleteI love tackling longer distances, but it's also fun to spend some time focusing on getting speedier at shorter distances. First, though, I'd say do the half. If you did a 10k and didn't think it was that bad, then you've got the half marathon in the bag! :)
I am so addicted to "what's next?" :) I think you may have inspired me to do the half!
DeleteI think you can do it! If you're running 6.2 miles, you're about halfway there. I have a half coming up in 113 days, so your timing seems good.
ReplyDeleteRunning is so addictive. Give the half a shot!
As long as I know someone is doing it with me, I'll be ok :)
DeleteI am not a runner. I have shin splits, bad knees. I'm not a runner. lol. But my husband just loves it. I say if you enjoy it, then totally go for it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement!
DeleteI think if you enjoy it, go for it!!! I can remember when I used to enjoy running. Need to get back to that! It does help having a goal. So, if you commit to a race, that should keep you motivated!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need a goal - and someone(s) to keep me accountable! You should definitely get back into it!
DeleteIf you love it, go for it! I wish I got into running as much as you, but i just never have. Now swimming, that I love!
ReplyDeleteI love swimming too - need to find access to a pool!
DeleteWow - hats off to you for running a half marathon! If I could do it, I would. :) Have fun girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWow, I don't even know how you do it. I have no energy to even think about any type of activity. Good for you, I say keep setting those goals higher.
ReplyDeleteGreat words of wisdom - I will keep setting my goals higher :)
DeleteI feel the same way. I did my first 10K this summer, and am running a 7miler this weekend. The thought of doubling a 10K distance scares the running tights right off of me, however the feeling of training for something and accomplishing it thrills me to no end. I say if you love that feeling as much as I do- go for it :)
ReplyDeleteI thought 6 miles was crazy, so I might as well push myself a little more, right? or so I tell myself now...
DeleteIt's not crazy at all! 123 days is plenty of time to train.
ReplyDeleteI've always ran at least 4 days a week before a half marathon but I know there are plans out there that do it on three. I'd look into one of those (Run Less Run Faster, I believe) to see if it is manageable for you.
Best of luck to you!
Thanks! I will check that one out!
DeleteYou should absolutely do a half! It feels incredible once you finish to know that you could accomplish such a distance, and if you can run a 10k comfortably, as long as you train fairly consistently and keep a solid pace during the race, you'll finish strong and have a great time!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement - I think I might just take the leap!
DeleteYes you can do it! It takes work and planning but is easily doable. I train for multiple marathons and halfs a years with a 3 year old, while working fulltime and was in grad school. I wake up early or run late and hubby and I split long runs on weekends. I love writing plans for busy moms if you are interested.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I would totally be interested!
DeleteI really really really just want to do 5Ks and perfect them. I have been saying over and over and over. I did do a 4 miles over 4th of July and signed up for the Dumbo Rundisney 10K but I think that is all I am gonna do. I guess what I am saying is to not beat yourself up if you want to perfect instead of going long....at least that is what keeps telling myself. lol
ReplyDeleteDumbo Run Disney sounds like fun!! I think I'm going to reach for the half, then spend some time doing more 5ks. They are so much fun, and quick! I may even try one with the running stroller :) Good for the arms?
DeleteI'm training for my first half marathon right now too! I definitely think you can do anything you set your mind to. That being said, your plan sounds solid. I think you may have to add an additional run day as it gets closer but you'll find the time for it, I'm sure! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice - that was sort of what I was thinking as well. It'll be darker in the AM so my little guy will sleep in - good for sneaking in an additional run!
DeleteIt is totally possible. I went from no running in October 2011 to running a half in June 2012. And in just 8 weeks I went from running 10km to running 16km. 16km was the last long run before my half. So yes it totally possible.
ReplyDeleteSo do it, you'll love it.
Nice job! That's impressive! Ok, totally doable, here I come :)
DeleteI think you should def consider running the Half. I know I've never felt so accomplished as as much of a Rockstar as I did when finishing my first Half. The only suggestion I'd have for you is to ask yourself if you'd be ok to run/walk it since 30-40 min training runs are not going to properly prepare you to run 13.1miles. Other then that I say GO FOR IT!!
ReplyDeleteI'm ok walking! As long as I finish :)
DeleteYes! You can do it! This coming from a runner who loves to answer "What's next?" Based on what you described training is definitely doable. Good luck and keep us updated!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love the what's next part :)
DeleteStopping by from FF! You can totally do the half! Do it! My last race was a 10K which is what motivated me to run my first half. I also agree with kelsnsher above. You may need to walk some of it. Anyways, let us know what you decide. Stop by and say hi too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive reinforcement! I think I'll try it! I'm totally ok with walking! Will stop by :)
DeleteYou can totally do it!! 120+ days is more than enough time to get yourself ready. The hardest part honestly, is silencing your mind. Our bodies our capable of physical abilities beyond measure. And yeah, if you need to walk a bit so be it but you can definitely do it and I say GO FOR IT! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're going to do it based on the above comments. You won't regret it. When I ran my first half marathon last fall I was so proud of myself and all the training was worth it. I look forward to hearing about what you decide!
ReplyDeleteYou are totally and utterly crazy! At least as far as the majority of the coach potato crowd thinks :)
ReplyDeleteI will never forget my first Half (was a few years ago). I literally will never forget the nerves beforehand and then how tired my legs felt at the 10th mile (it was a pretty long hill) but knowing that I was going to make it one way or the other. The training gave me inspiration and finishing was a revelation.
I think you will actually find finishing to be significantly more awe inspiring than you may think. The very fact that you don't know if you can do it now.. and are worried that it is crazy.. will make crossing that line that much more sweet!
You can train on 3 days a week (4 runs in an 8 day period would be even better) but your mid day runs should get a bit longer as the weeks go on. I think you will find that you can find an extra 15 minutes twice a week to have them go longer.. I know time is a tough thing believe me (I mean we blog too right :)
I was glad to hear that you do a strength training session as well.. I have incorporated leg training at the gym for my first 24 Hour Race that I am doing at the end of December. I am only running 3 days a week but believe that my extra work in the gym (and race walking) will get me strong enough.
My training routine is here if you are interested http://www.mavrocatstrength.com/2013/07/16/my-across-the-years-24-hour-race-training-outline/
Best of luck! I found you on Friday Linkup and look forward to checking out more of your posts!
And if you do decide to do it, I will definitely be following your training!
Chris