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Preparing for a Half Marathon, or Two
As part of my goal to run 13 races in 2013, I decided to tackle at least one half marathon this year. While I’ve only been running recently for almost a year, I used to run longer distances when I only had a few kids. My first race about 14 years ago was the A to Z 10 mile run, a race that is no longer around.
I knew I would have to increase my mileage in order to finish the half marathon. The most I’ve been able to do in the past year is 7 miles as part of 20 miles during the week. I did some research on training for a half marathon including pace for the weekly long run, and then started building my mileage. I know that winter may throw some obstacles in my way though I’m looking forward to meeting the challenge.
I’m fortunate to have a fresh water marsh/wildlife refuge run by the federal government near by. The trails are always well-maintained, and the refuge is relatively flat. Depending on how I run the trails, it’s pretty easy to do 8 miles out and back along with adding on mileage.
Last week, I ran 7.25 miles. Granted it was after doing a 1.5 hour boot camp session the day, however, I hit a wall around 6 miles and then got my second wind. I was pretty tired for the rest of the day. This time, I skipped the boot camp, and tried a new strategy.
I knew I needed to slow down for the long run with my pace between 10 and 11 minutes per mile. I ran the first 2 miles and then walked for a minute at the start of the 3rd mile and continued to walk for a minute at the beginning of each mile. This time, I didn’t hit a wall and I ended my 8.46 miles feeling pretty good. My pace per mile was 10:10.
Say Hello to My New friend, Swiftwick socks
I wore these Swiftwick socks
Tomorrow, I am doing my first race for 2013, the winter Pickle Run series. The race is a trail run that takes place at a local state park. I will be wearing my Swiftwick socks again to see if they help me do well during the race and recover quickly afterwards.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Love Swiftwick! I’ve even started wearing them to work every now and then
Enjoy the Winter Pickle Run!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || 5 Important Tips for Winter Racing
Good luck on your race tomorrow!!
Just looked at the winter Pickle Series, just about died laughing at the poems people wrote about “playing with their pickle.”
Andrea @ From Florida to North Dakota recently posted..Clean Eating Recipes and a Workout
LOL – That’s why I’m looking forward to the race! It’s a hoot!
Good luck on your race tomorrow! Looking forward to reading all about it.
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..SmartPhone Smart Aleck
Good luck on your race. I have never been much of a runner, but I have started a new fitness goal of trying to do at least 4 miles a day on my exercise bike. Ultimately, I would like to get to 10, but for now I am doing baby steps
lesa recently posted..Someday it will be ok…
Sounds like you have a solid plan. I have to give credit to those who can run, because I certainly can’t!
Thanks for sharing at A Humble Bumble
Have fun tomorrow! It’s so much easier to motivate yourself when you’ve got a beautiful place to run!
Xandra recently posted..A Holistic Approach to Flu Prevention – What We’re Doing in Our Home
I have not ran in years. I really miss it. Bad knees and I just gave up. It is funny seeing your pictures, I want to get out there and run. Good luck on your 1/2 marathon. I look forward to reading about your journey to prepare for it.
Cynthia recently posted..How often should You have a Check-up?
Barb, when running through the marsh, don’t run with headphones on, if you are running by yourself. I don’t think it is safe for women to do that, IMO.
Sheila recently posted..For 50 cents more, you can get a large popcorn and large drink
Yes, you’re right. I’m actually thinking about getting a can of mace to carry with me. I feel mostly safe around the main loop, not so much when I go farther out. There’s also wildlife to look out for. The Canada geese are very protective of their young in the spring, not to mention the snapping turtles.
I have been wanting to try trail running myself. Unfortunately there aren’t too many trail runs in my area. Though I am looking forward to hearing about your race.
Kelly recently posted..Half Marathon Buzz
Is it too suburban where you are? Even though we’re right outside Philly, we have a state park near by, plus a federal wildlife refuge, college campuses with woods, and that’s just off the top of my head. Maybe once or twice a month, you could go a little farther and hit a trail.