ten things this tuesday: my half-marathon training plan

I’m too excited about this post for a witty intro. Let’s get to the business at hand, shall we? This Tuesday’s countdown is inspired by what’s currently inspiring me: THE START OF MY HALF-MARATHON TRAINING!

TEN THINGS THIS TUESDAY: IMPORTANT NOTES ON MY HALF-MARATHON TRAINING PLAN

1. The training schedule. So this is what I came up with. It is basically Jeff Galloway’s half-marathon training schedule for runners and walkers. I consider myself both, so it was the perfect choice.

 

A few notes on his program:

• To start this program, one should have done a long run/walk within the past 2 weeks of at least 3 miles. Um, hello Race for the Cure two Saturdays ago? Good to go!
• He recommends that first-time half marathon participants do not set their goal to finish by a certain time – just that you finish. FINE BY ME.
• Also, this is the minimum amount of training that he recommends so the runner finishes strong. A big YES as I’d love to have a decent finisher’s picture at the end of this thing.

A few notes from my usual randomness:

• You’ll see the beginning of October is a busy time at work for my department. I’m hoping to sneak in some workouts in the morning, but will not fret if I can’t still to my plan 100% during the first part of that month.
• I’m thinking about sneaking in a few races between now and the January half-marathon, including a 10K on October 16th and a 5M Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. Not committed yet, but I think if they fit in the training plan, why not earn a shirt for it?!
• I’m already stressing about that 14 miler scheduled for Christmas. Is it okay to fuel for a training run with egg nog?

2. The running days. On my training schedule you’ll see three types of runs/walks:

The Saturday Long Runs: As the single most important run of each week is the long run, I hope to do as many of these outside as possible. Knowing Cleveland weather, anything is possible but so race day can be too.

The “30 min run”: Twice a week during the work week, I will get up to Bally Total Fitness and do my new favorite workout: 5 minutes on the elliptical at a low incline and speed, then running one mile on the indoor track – all repeated four times.  Depending on how I am feeling, I will sub the elliptical sets for strength training

The Thursday “easy walk/yoga” day: I will listen to my body to see what type of physical activity it wants that day. If it wants to move, I’ll do a maintenance run of a few, easy miles (think your standard “pace day” routine). If I need a good stretch, I’ll lead myself in my own yoga practice. If Grady’s looking cranky that day, we’ll go for a long pup walk. No matter what, I will sweat somehow.

3. The yoga. I am SO happy to report that I bought a ten class pass to Nishkama Yoga and am using it!!! I made my triumphant return on Sunday and highly enjoyed a 90 minute hot power Vinyasa class. It was challenging but glorious. Yoga does so much for both my body and my mind, so I think it’s the perfect compliment to my running. I can’t wait to make it a habit every Sunday!

4. The virtual team trainer. Mary, my virtual trainer from the Arthritis Foundation’s Joints in Motion program, contacted me this past week . There are a total of seven of us on the “national team”, training on our own in different states across the country. Once in Orlando for race weekend, we will join the Florida team members. It’s great to have an email-able resource to answer questions and to keep me accountable! After checking out the blog, she even suggested we run the Boston Marathon route next time I’m in Boston. Let’s get through this half-marathon first, Mary!

5. The rest. Not gonna lie – I am looking forward to the rest days. As I’m coming back from a workout hiatus and still building up my endurance as a runner, I am nervous about going “all out” too soon and wearing myself out. I need to find the right balance of training in my daily routine.

6. The eating. I’m interested to see how my hunger will adjust to the increase in physical activity. I already feel like I am eating all day long. I will be looking for more calorically dense foods if I find my hunger to be absolutely out of control. Suggestions are welcome!

7. The travel. Since the race takes place at Walt Disney World, I’ve been freaking out about booking airfare. As a person who has spoiled herself with deals and discounted stand-by tickets, I’m hoping one random weekday something will pop up from CLE to MCO at a rate that doesn’t give me a heart palpation. As a member of the Joints in Motion program, the program coordinator takes care of the hotel and transportation details – the less to worry about, the better!

8. The gear. Here’s what I got already:

• A gym membership. One of these days I’ll write about my love/hate relationship with Bally Total Fitness. For the next few months, I’m going to enjoy my low monthly rate and use what will be convenient and affordable for me.
• Protein powder. God bless Hans for keeping three different flavors of the stuff in the house.
• Nike+. I bought this back in 2009 with my iPod Nano. I never got into running that year, so I never even set up the system.  I know it’s not perfect, but as long as I set it up correctly, it should do the trick.

Here’s what I’m expecting to invest in in the upcoming months:

• Running shoes. I’ve been alternating between two pairs of Adidas running shoes. I know I’ll be due for new shoes sometime before race day. This is not something I’m looking forward to as my uber-large foot makes it difficult to find ANY shoe. Big footed running sistas – any suggestions?
• Another yoga class pass. My current one expires on November 28th.
• Cold weather running gear. Thank GOODNESS for 30% off at Kohl’s! I picked up some FILA workout pants for super cheap this past weekend. Now I just need some long sleeved items for those late autumn runs.

One splurge that might find itself on my credit card: a Garmin Forerunner 305.

(picture c/o amazon.com)

I’ve been eyeing this thing for awhile now. We’ll see how the Nike plus does and re-evaluate. Or we’ll just see if I get it for a late anniversary present!!!

9. The fundraising.  Several very kind individuals have already donated to my goal for the half-marathon.  Even with this great start, I still have some work to do. While my monetary goal is substantial, I feel confident in being able to raise money for this fantastic organization.

If you are able and interested in donating to my goal for the Arthritis Foundation – even $10, $20 – I ask you to please visit my Joints in Motion webpage to make a donation today. Know that every contribution is greatly appreciated!

10. The motivation. Now with a plan, I’m UBER excited about this EPIC challenge. I’m feeling inspired by:

• Raising money for a great cause
• Honoring myself and what I need at this point in my physical fitness journey
• Owning of some new bling at the finish line:

(picture source)

LET’S GET RUNNING!

Runners: what tips do you have for me? Race day is only 105 days away!