Training Begins

I started my 12 week training program on July 29th. I'm following the MapMyRun MVP Half Marathon Beginner program. I like their app for tracking my runs. I like seeing the map of where I ran and my split times. I'm still trying to figure out how the courses work so I can compete against myself.

This weeks Program so far:

Monday - 4.0 mi Run / Jog (Done - Ran pushing stroller 4.27 miles, 10:43 Pace, Total time 45:47)
Intensity: Conversational
Run at an easy conversational pace

Tuesday - Off (I did not do this, I need to plan these out better)
Intensity: Moderate
Duration: 45:00 Begin with the general strength routine and complete a core strength routine and then move to you choice of cardiovascular cross training options: elliptical, stair climber, exercise bike, rowing machine or cross country skiing machine for the remainder of the time.

Wednesday - 4.0 mi Run / Jog (Done 4.31 miles, 9:47 Pace, Total time 42:12)
Intensity: Conversational
An easy run at a conversational pace with 4 x 100m strides after run

I'm feeling a little sore. I plan to add a Bikram Yoga class or Regular Yoga class once a week to make sure I'm stretching enough. I think I will do Zumba on Friday and Bikram Saturday morning.

13.1 Miles because I'm only Half Crazy

I have never been a runner. I've always envied those that are. Thinking how easy they make it look. In school I always struggled with the 1 mile run. I hated running!

Fast forward to my 31st year of life (2013).

I've always enjoyed gym classes like Zumba, Kickboxing and Spinning. Heck I think I'm pretty fit in those classes. When I look around and see others huffing and puffing and I feel strong. I even did Zumba until I was 38 weeks pregnant while scaring my fellow classmates and instructors to death worrying that I was going to give birth in the middle of class (if only it were that easy). Yet running I still struggled with.

Now don't get me wrong I'm not a superwoman. I get on and off the fitness wagon enough to just about make my goal and then relapse to 5 to 10 pounds over it. Hey life gets in the way, right? You just gotta keep fighting the good battle. (I digress...)

Ran my first 5K :: March 2, 2013

Then a group of my coworkers signed up for a 5K and I knew I had to conquer this running demon I've had on my back all these years. There is no reason you cannot run I kept telling myself. I can do 2 hour Zumbathons with no problem. So I did some training and by golly I ran my first 5K without walking. It was an amazing feeling. I loved passing other people and realizing I could run. It was not my body that denied me this pride it was my mind.

I did a couple more 4 and 5K's and decided to do a 10K. I did not train very much but I was able to complete it in just over an hour. I could not believe I had ran 6.2 miles straight. If you had told me that a year ago I would have asked you what you were smoking.There would be NO way.

Now I've committed to doing my first half marathon. I feel a little bit of dread when I think about it. But I also think about what I will feel like at the finish line. I like doing things I've thought I could never do. It's a great reminder of what is possible with dedication and belief in yourself.

I still don't LOVE running. But I no longer HATE running. We are in a "it's complicated relationship".

Here is my journey to 13.1 (because I'm only HALF crazy)......