Remember that time in January when I mentioned I wanted to compete at some point this year?
As I was attempting to squeeze into a pair of Bermuda shorts (cute, one-of-a-kind Bermuda shorts from my old town that were purchased two summers ago) on Friday morning, I realized two things.
One, that my muffin top was NOT attractive and completely out of control.
And two, that I have a few resolutions to keep. And the year is halfway over. (Seriously, y’all. When did the time start flying?)
Driving to work, I began to assess the situations, and I came to the decision that it was time to put my girl girl shoes on and do something about the muffin top AND the fact that I have yet to compete this year.
And then I stumbled upon a website that had race information. One thing led to another, and after checking with a marathon-running friend that I would not die during the training process, I decided I will be running the Nashville Women’s Half Marathon on September 25. Two days after my 26th birthday and a little more than a month before I walk down the aisle.
To be honest, this weekend has been a whirlwind because of these new plans.
After taking Lucy for a run on Saturday morning, I headed to one of the local running stores to purchase these:
Yes, I purchased new running shoes. Yes, they were desperately needed. (My last pair of running shoes was purchased for recruitment for my SOPHOMORE year of college. Yow.) And yes, they are majorly comfortable.
As I get started on this training program to prepare myself to somehow run 13.1 miles, you better believe I’m going to document it here. I have never run this far before, and I am excited/scared to really dig into it because who knows what will happen?
All that I know is I am excited about this step up in fitness and health for myself, and Lucy is really excited about it, too.
Have you run a half marathon? Do you have any advice for a newbie? If not, would you run a half marathon?
I'm E.P. I have stylish handwriting. I enjoy a nice cappuccino in the morning. And I am fascinated with capturing life as it is.
{ 49 comments }
YAY! I ran my first half last Nov. It was crazy and so worth it. In fact I am on a training plan to run one or two this fall. The easiest way to stay motivated is to run with someone. It makes those long runs more fun. And dont do too much too quickly.
AND when you are getting ready for a long run (more than an hour) you may want to buy a hydration belt.
AND when you are making goals for your race…..make it to finish, dont try to PR. That was my goal and is my goal for my next. How exciting! I cant wait to read more
Congratulations! Starting to run is really scary, but if you get on a real training program from what I hear it's very possible!
I'm right there with you- though I'm definitely not going as far
yay!! I'm so excited for you! Finishing any race is a HUGE accomplishment trust me it'll all be worth it in the long run
If you need any help finding a training program let me know – there are TONS out there (i rec. runnersworld.com ) <3
Yay! Good for you. I ran a half marathon several years ago and the one piece of advice I have is to not be afraid to run slowly, especially as you build your mileage. I was trying to run too fast for a while and it was making it hard for me to increase my mileage at the rate I was supposed to.
I've been doing the Couch to 5K again, because I'm no longer in shape, and it's been fun. I really love to run.
GO GIRL! I can't wait to see your progress, and this is so motivational – I've never done anything like this, but I've always wanted to attempt a 5K. Maybe this year yet?
I did three half's last year and right now I am training for my first full!
My advice is to take it easy with your pace and don't be afraid to take walk breaks: it's so important to listen to your body!
Have fun!!
way to go! I've been debating with myself for AGES about doing more races (I do love them) but have been hesitant to sign up (or they're at plain bad timing for me -aka on the busiest workday of my year) and think that maybe I should just bite the bullet. Then again, should I start slowly with like a 10km?
There's a 1/2 marathon the day before my 25th b-day and it sounds awesome to say that I ran a 1/2 marathon before I turned 25….
Yay! I have done 2 road half marathons (one of which your Dad ran too!) and one trail half…. totally worth it and honestly not that hard. Setting up a schedule is the best thing, I think, and, if possible, having a running buddy, which maybe Lucy is the best kind!
Good luck! You will love it and do well, I am certain.
I always pretend I'm going to going to get in shape but never seem to get around to actually doing it. Running just scares me–I spent most of high school trying to get out of running in gym class haha! I hope you have better luck with it and enjoy it more than I do!
Nice! You can totally do it!
I have never run a half marathon, but I ran a 10 miler once in extreme heat after not really training. It wasn't my best idea ever…
I have a goal to run a half marathon in November, a month before my birthday. Maybe we can bloggy support each other? (I will promise not to make too many bloggy/joggy support puns/jokes.)
I wish I had advice but I only run when being chased, and even then not so much. But those shoes look cool as hell.
I think it's so awesome that you are doing this. I am not a runner at all. I hate it too much…makes me feel sick. Still, I really admire people who can do it!
This is inspiring! I've never run a half-marathon, but I have run a few 5K's and 10K's. I would say just to take the training program as is, and not to beat yourself up if you can't run the whole length on one training day.
At this point in time, I would say a BIG FAT NEVER to running a half-marathon. But that's because I can barely run 5 minutes without wanting to die now. So, who knows? Maybe in 2011?
Awesome! I'm very impressed and glad that you signed up! I've been wanting to run the OKC 1/2 marathon for the past 2 years and have come up with an excuse both times. I'm hoping next year (it's in April) I actually run it!
New shoes are key! This is a great start for sure. Let me know if I can help with your training plan so that you can get started soon. We'll have to do coffee and chat some other tips about the later training and the race itself sometime in a few weeks.
I'm about to run my 7th half marathon. Anything you need, I'm here for you. Also, if you want to watch our training process, my friends and I vlog it: http://www.youtube.com/adorunrun
Search for chronicles of a half marathon. Be excited!
Awesome goal – totally do-able. Plus, I hear the women's only triathlons are a really supportive and fun event … my guess is a women's half marathon is going to be similar! I've completed five marathons and countless mid-distance runs (13.1 miles, 10 miles, 9 miles, etc.). Feel free to drop any and every question on me as you train … the most important thing is to find a training plan that will mesh well with your life. You don't want to become a stressed bride, because then training won't be fun and you're less likely to do it!
This is so motivating! I have always wanted to do something like this (although my goal is slightly smaller at a 10k), but I am just not a runner. I am reading “Born to Run” right now, which is really inspiring. I would highly recommend it. You have a fantastic event to look forward to (WEDDING!!!), and I can't wait to watch your progress! Good luck Lovely!
Those shoes are HAWT and you will rock it! My bffie is a superstar at marathoning- if you have an questions, hit her up on Twitter @chasrunner
Wow, good luck!! I thought about doing a half, but when I started running more than 4 miles at a time, my body rebelled
Not a runner, but I did hike 4 days over the Teton mountains (Montana) in h.s. Training for that was from some running book, where you walked for so many steps, then run for so many steps, getting harder incrementally. I need to get new shoes so I can start WALKING again.
Good luck, very exciting. Good to have a goal, something besides the wedding. (Not that I'm knocking weddings…)
Keep us posted (and I'm blogging again!)
xo,
SL
My simple advice: listen to your body! If you do that, you'll do great =)
You're amazing. I'd love to run a race like that but my knees won't let me. You'll do great.
i am SOOOO EXCITED for you! and so proud of you. i've never competed, so i have zero advice for you, but i have faith in you! good luck
Thanks so much, lovely! I appreciate it! I'm super excited, too.
Thank you! And the whole amazing thing is yet to be determined. I've got a LONG way to go!
Thanks, lovely! That is what everyone has told me, and I am doing my best. My ankle got all cramped up Saturday when we were running, so we slowed it to a walk and made our way home. With basketball and volleyball, I had a lot of sprains, and I don't want to knock myself out of the competition before it even begins!
I'll have to check out a book like that because that training sounds absolutely INTENSE. Did you love your hike over the Teton Mountains?
And thank you so much! I appreciate it!
I've been struggling getting myself to run more, though I am doing better now. I hope my body doesn't start to rebel at 4 miles!
A 10K is awesome! When is your race? And I might have to check out that book because, honestly, I'm not a natural runner. I was an athlete, though, and I think that's helping me along my way, slowly and surely.
Thanks so much, lady! And good luck to you, too!
I might be sending you some questions because this is way more complicated than I thought it might be! And I completely agree about finding a training plan that meshes… because I have yet to find one that works so well. What kind of plan do you use for your races? And are you continuing your running now?
Thank you so much, Pham! I am gonna have to check out y'alls vlog about running and get some inspiration from y'all. I've been enjoying my runs… though I'm having a hard time adding miles. It's still early, though, but I don't want this to be a sign of things to come, you know?
How did you get into the half marathons?
We definitely need to get together to chat about this! I know you're crazy right now, but when things calm down, let's make it happen!
Do it! So far, this has been a HUGE challenge for me, though it's totally do-able. And when I make it through, I can send you the training plan, etc., I used to make it work.
Thank you, lady! I've never run a half-marathon, either, and I haven't really run a race since, umm, high school? So it has been interesting so far, and I am going to take your advice to heart because I have had a hard time fitting my training in between work and life.
And I totally support a half for you in 2011 if you're up to it!
I've never really been a runner, either, so this is doubly a challenge for me. I'll let you know how it works out because I always admire the people who can do it, too. Hoping this catches on and I start enjoying it. So far? I have, and so has Lucy.
Haha, I love that! And I run my best when I'm being chased… so yeah.
And I'm glad the shoes look cool as hell. At least I'll look good, shoe-wise, when running, right?
Yes, yes, yes. Let's make it happen! Support is a GOOD thing with stuff like this!
Thank you! I hope I can make it happen!
And the 10 miler in extreme heat after not really training? Ouch.
Haha, thank you! I was kind of the same way when I played basketball… I hated the running. So I'm hoping it catches on now. And so far? It has been working.
Thank you so much, friend! I might have to pick your brain about the schedule you set for yourself because so far? My schedule has been sucky at best. And I've got to get my act together so I can run this race!
It WOULD be awesome to say that, huh? What are you thinking?
Thank you, lady! I'm excited that you have run three halfs and are training for a full! That's incredible!
And I am taking your advice to heart. I've had issues with my knees and ankles for years, thanks to basketball and volleyball, and Lucy and I take quite a few walk breaks on our runs.
You have fun, too!
Thanks, lady! It's been interesting so far, and I think you should totally try for a 5K. It'd be fun!
Maybe that has been my problem so far? Not running slow enough? Could be, though I pretty much run at a snail's pace.
It's been quite a change trying to build up the miles, but I have been enjoying myself so far.
And that's awesome that you are doing a Couch to 5K. What exactly does that entail? And when is your race?
Thank you so much, lady! I appreciate it… and might be picking your brain sometime soon!
I love that we are both training for races right now. It's a lot of fun, even though it is kind of scary starting to run again.
That's awesome that you ran one last year and are training for one or two this fall! I've got to find a running buddy, other than Lucy, because she doesn't force me to get out of bed in the mornings.
I'll have to look into the hydration belt, as our runs/walks are taking upwards of 45 minutes now. And my goal is just to finish… especially since I don't have a PR in anything like this! And I love that it's your goal, too.
What kind of training program do you use?
Comments on this entry are closed.