Half Training

For the next month, I'll be training for my first half marathon.  I've done many 5k and 10k races over the years, but I've always shied away from anything more extensive.  This is quite silly too because I always have a much higher success rate on races that are a longer distance.


In high school I ran cross country and played softball.  I sucked at cross country, pain and simple.  The only reason I did it was to keep in shape for softball season.  I had little motivation to excel at the sport.  It's a real shame too.  I haven't picked up a glove or a bat in years, but here I am now running almost every day.  


Once I went to college I began running a lot in fear of the infamous "freshman 15."  For those unfamiliar with this phrase, its widely known that the majority of freshman gain an average of 15 lbs that first year of college.  I was not going to be one of these unfortunate fatties.  In fact, I went overboard and actually lost 10 lbs.  Once I went home and weighed myself however, I started eating more and continued moderate exercise.


I learned from experience how to correctly train myself to eat right and stay in shape.  Now I feel that I have enough knowledge after all the trial and error to attempt something bigger.  That's why I'm working toward a 13.1 mile race.  


I have exactly a month left to train.  Lately, I've been running about 7-8 miles about 5-6 times a week.  That's been going well, but I feel like I'm not getting enough rest and recovery time for my body.  I'd like to increase my distance a bit too.  


Now I'm going to try 9 miles about 3 times a week, then increase this by a mile each week leading up to the race.  This week I'll do 9, next week I'll do 10, all the way to race week when I'll attempt 13.  I'm really hoping this strategy works out.


I'll keep you guys posted on my training and let you know what's working and what isn't.  Wish me luck!