The Road to My First Half Marathon
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So if you’ve been reading my blog for the past few weeks, you’ve probably seen me mention that I’m training for a half marathon…that is my first half marathon ever. To this date, the farthest I’ve ran is a 10K back in September. But now I am taking it a step further, and am in the midst of training for the More /Fitness Women’s Half Marathon on April 3 in Central Park, NYC!
I wasn’t really planning on signing of for a half marathon; it just sorta happened. A friend of mine (thanks Pao!) posted the link on my Facebook wall, and at first I thought “HA, that’s crazy,” and went on with my day. Then I clicked on the link for shits ‘n’ giggles and immediately felt inspired. An all women’s race? Sponsored by More Magazine and Fitness Magazine? Right then and there I knew I had to do it.
I just dove right in, so I wouldn’t have time to look back. I ripped the band-aide off, entered my credit card number and did it. Sometimes in life, that’s the best way to get things done! I also convinced a few other friends to sign up including my great friend Kiley (who has ran one before), cousin Sara (who is pretty much a running Queen) and my younger sister Krista (yay us!) I am so excited to accomplish my first half surrounded by inspiring, healthy, strong women, particularly my friends and family members I admire so much.
Now I’m in the midst of my training, and couldn’t feel better – about my body, my motivation, and my focus! Since I’ve started training using Hal Higdon’s Novice program, I’ve seen great improvements in my running, more definition and toning in my body, and greater focus throughout the day – go me! After all, running 15+ miles a week is something I never thought I’d be doing. I used to HATE running…I loathed it. The program also includes cross training, strength training, stretching and rest days, which are oh so important as well, almost juts as important as the running part!
I’m also paying more attention to what I put in my body, being sure to fuel myself properly with hearty, healthy, wholesome eats to give me energy and strength! Lots of water is also super important, so I’m paying extra attention to chugging the H2O. Gotta quench the thirst.
I couldn’t be more excited for my first half, and am kinda on a permanent runner’s high because of it. I think having goals and focusing on something new is a wonderful thing, in all aspects of life!
What are your current fitness goals? Have you ever ran a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon? What was your experience like? What got you through the finish line?
January 18th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Good luck! Looks like a safe training plan.
January 18th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Woohoo!! Too bad I can’t run this one with you, but I love how we’re both running our first half-marathons just a month apart!
January 18th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Thanks ladies! And Bianca, I couldn’t agree more! Now I can cheer you on for your first one and make you a pretty sign : ) It’s in Boston, right?
January 18th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
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January 18th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
I am so excited to see you’re running your first half! It is an amazing experience – and definitely the HARDEST thing I ever did. But I’m damn proud of it and now that plenty of time has passed since I ran mine (last Sept), I’ve got the itch to run another one. Scary how that just sorta “happens” after you get one under your belt. I’m so excited to watch you train, for me that was probably the best part – the training, seeing how far I could push myself/surprise myself, etc. So very cool.
January 18th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Thanks for the motivating words Jess! What inspired you to run your first half? How and how long did you train? I can’t even wait and am excited for that feeling you get when you cross the finish line!
January 18th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I just was so intriqued by it all and suddenly decided to just GO for it, much like you! I trained with my husband, my sister and close friend – we did all of our long runs together over the summer and mixed in shorter/mid-length runs during the week to train. We probably trained a lot longer than most but mostly because we loved that time together!
January 19th, 2011 at 5:49 am
I ran my first half marathon back in September. It was hard, but so worth it! I was really proud.Before, I never thought I could do it, but I trained during half a year, managed not to hurt myself and actually enjoying the experience of running 2 hours straight. Now I’m about to start training for my second half and hope to run it in less than 2 hours. We’ll see…
January 19th, 2011 at 8:30 am
WOW Sarah that’s amazing, very inspiring! Good luck to you in running your second : ) The most important part I feel is the training, and making sure you treat your body well so you don’t hurt yourself. Thanks for sharing!
January 20th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
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February 17th, 2011 at 11:11 am
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