A New Challenge

On October 16, I will run my first half-marathon (13.1 miles): the Big Woods Run in Faribault, MN. That gives me 6 1/2 weeks to finish training and work up to my longest run ever, on a course described as "aggressive and hilly dirt and gravel trails." Sometimes I can't wait for it, and sometimes I question why on earth that sounds like something I should do!

I've been training for a couple weeks, and I'm following a more intense version of the training plan I did last summer, which prepared me for a half-marathon (that I never ran) by getting me up to 10 miles. This version has me building up to 12 miles in a long run and 15-25 miles per week. It also has me doing hill repeats, speed bursts, and tempo runs, most of which I think I'll ignore! Last month I ran 56 miles, and set two new personal bests for the 4-mile distance.

How will I fit all this training in? Well, I can do the shorter training runs with the jogging stroller, and I've been waking up early to do the longer runs before Isaac goes to work in the morning. He's been very supportive helping me get the time I need.

My goal is to run the entire 13.1 miles and cross the finish line. I'm hoping it will take me between 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes.