Journey to Half Marathon

I will just kind of go back a tad, about 2 years ago I wanted to do a half marathon, why?  I don’t really know since I was not an advocate for running.

I had joined this fitcamp and they did a lot of running.  I however really just drugged my feet.  Once I really started running I kind of enjoyed it.  I made the decision that if I was going to run though, I would have to invest in some good running shoes.  I mean I knew it was going to cost me over $100.  I know some of you are thinking, shoot I pay way more for that on some great shoes.  I went and did a running test on the treadmill to see what shoes would be good for me.  Yes, they were amazing shoes.  I was recommended either Saucony or Mizunos.  Very cushiony.  I loved them.  Most importantly my feet loved them too.

Ok now that I have that I needed to start running.  I ran and ran what I could.  I always was a stickler for my weight training too.  I did that and taught my normal fitness classes.  I would do Saturday long runs and when it came to the 10 mile day, I just had a mental block.  I just kept putting it off.  I thought to myself though, if I can run 10 miles, the last 3 miles should be ok.  I had to get over the hump.  I did.

Jump ahead.  I ran my first 1/2 marathon in December in San Antonio, Texas where I did good up to 10 miles and then bamm, my knee just gave out from under me.  I fell to the street, luckily I stayed near the edge of the road cause I didn’t want other runners running over me.  They are ruthless.

I walked and jogged a little the rest of the way.  Not my brightest moment in life.  So why do I want to try again.  I want to improve what I did the first time.  I needed to put myself on a plan.  I had a plan sort of.  I did do intervals and fartlek and long distance and my weight training but now I know what I really need to keep myself from being injured.

I put myself on a training plan with some other runners who are running the full marathon in this race coming up in December in Dallas, TX.

I thought to myself, why not again and do it better this time.

I thought I would write about it to hopeful inspire others to maybe do the same.

I jumped on a training plan about 3 weeks ago and guess what this last Saturday I was already running the 10 miles.  This time it was run 2 miles take a water break, run 2 more miles and water break, little stretch and I did very well.  I should say I was happy with my body for holding up.  This system seem to work well for me.

Next, I have decided that I needed to add a little more hamstring work and a little calve work with a little leg press.  I still teach my Monday – Friday workout classes both morning and night.  I know I need to eat better too.  Yes, I definitely fall off the wagon and tend to not eat all that great. I drink my water and get my rest.  I need to change things up a bit though to see some real gains.

I will keep you posted on how things are going.

This is my friend Liz whom I am training with.  She is doing the full marathon.  I am only doing the half.  She will keep me going.  It is important to find a buddy who will help you through the struggles.