Week 1: 13.1 Training

This week actually went pretty well despite it being an "off" week for Peter's work schedule meaning everything that had been put off had to get done.  I managed to stick to the schedule.  We had a million errands to run--eye appointment, doctor appointment, car appointment, dog appointment, A/C appointment, etc.  The only thing that didn't get done was Lyna didn't get to the vet.  But that's what Monday is for--and they said she's fine not to worry so I don't feel so bad about not making her a priority.

Lyna was my running buddy every time!  She slows me down, but I like having her there.  Monday was a rest day so I gladly took that off.  Tuesday through Thursday were 3 mile days.  I forgot to time us, but I think we averaged about a 10 minute pace.  Thursday was really exciting because I motivated Peter to go running with us so the whole family (baby included) went for a run!  I made sure our route went past some sailboats for my husband since he really enjoys sailing.

Saturday was a 4 mile day (the long run day of the week), and I had the whole course mapped out.  It was a simple out & back course on a bike trail.  I knew just after we crossed rail road tracks, I was supposed to go around a curve and turn back.  The only problem was, the curve that I saw first didn't seem big enough to be considered a curve so I kept going to the next curve.  That was my mistake because the little curve was the correct curve meaning I went an extra 1/2 mile out of my way.  At that point, Lyna was dragging me down, so I stuck her in the jogging stroller with CJ where she gladly accepted the lift for the next mile and a quarter sitting with a smile on her face panting and drooling on the baby's feet while he napped.  Then she decided she wanted to snuggle, and tried sitting on CJ's lap.  Of course, a 25 pound dog on a 20 pound baby wasn't really going to work out (even though he was still asleep) so I made her run the rest of the way.  It also had my biceps burning like crazy!  If I keep pushing those two around every time I run, the half marathon will seem like a piece of cake without them.  I have contemplated pushing CJ for part of the half though because strollers are allowed, and it would be a good nap for him.  I guess we'll see how I feel about that later.

I haven't really nailed down a goal time for the half marathon yet.  I ran my marathon in 4 hours 25 minutes.  I'd like to do better than that since it's half the distance for sure, but I also have to be realistic.  I had a lot less commitments in my life then and my schedule was pretty much set for every day of the week so finding time to run was a lot easier.  According to the Race Times Predictor on RunnersWorld.com, I should expect to run a 2 hour 7 minute half marathon.  So maybe I should set my goal at 2 hours?  I'm not sure.  I think I'd need to go for a run outside without the dog & baby to see what pace I'm really able to run.

We had an exciting first week of fundraising efforts!  I am happy to say we raised $175 already!  I did go ahead and change my goal to $1,000 because $500 just seemed like I was setting a goal just to be able to reach it.  I want to have to work and worry about it.  I do want you to know that when I registered, I said I did not want to accept the prizes for reaching certain goals.  The AHA does give out prizes if you reach a certain "level" of money, but I do not want to do this for my own personal gain and I'd rather your donations be put to good use saving lives.  If you would like to make a donation, please visit my page here.  Here is a little snippet  about what the money donated is used for: 

• You put up-to-the-minute research into doctors’ hands so they can better prevent and treat heart disease.
• You support groundbreaking pediatric heart and stroke research to help more than 35,000 babies born with heart disease each year.
• You help get lifesaving information to those who need it most, from how to recognize the signs of heart attack to making healthy eating choices.

Half Marathon Training Officially Begins Today!

Today is the first day of my half marathon training.  With my marathon training, I followed Hal Higdon's Novice marathon training plan and it worked out very well for me so I plan on following Hal Higdon's Novice 2 Half Marathon Training Program.  I finished 5 minutes before my goal time and felt very good throughout most of the marathon.  I thought that training was going to be difficult at that time in my life because I was a college student, working 2 jobs, along with my leadership position in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.  I also thought that I was always "tired" then because of my life.  Boy was I dumb!  I wasn't tired at all!  Being a mother is what really makes a person tired.  Luckily, he isn't a toddler yet which will be exhausting, I'm sure.

I realize that now getting out for a run means planning around my child's schedule, my husband's schedule, and everything else that always comes up.  So I'm already not going to fuss about making sure that Mondays I rest and Tuesdays-Thursdays I run, etc.  If I have to run on Monday and rest on Tuesday, that's just how it will have to be.  The important thing is making sure I get in the mileage--especially the long runs over the weekends.

As far as cross training goes, I'm loving getting workouts by hooping!  I started [hula] hooping at the beginning of the year when I made about 10 hula hoops and sold a couple.  (If you want a hoop, let me know!  $25!)  It burns about 500 calories per hour depending on what tricks and all you're doing.  I'm not very good, but that's what YouTube is for.  I also have a bike with a double bike trailer that converts into a jogging stroller as well.  And for early mornings before Peter goes to work, I have the option of going to the Y and working out in air conditioning on whatever I want including swimming.

I'm very excited to get started running & raising money!  Some people might consider waiting until closer to the date of the half marathon to donate, but having the early donations roll in really hold me accountable.  If I have people who put their money into believing I am going to run 13.1 miles, then I have even more motivation to get out there & run!  Thank you in advance for all of the love, support, prayers, and donations!