My attempt at a half-marathon

For those of you who know me well. Know that this Spring I will attempt a half-marathon. I know I know, it is not like it has never been done before. Even better, it is NOT a marathon. I get it.

I applaud the runners of the world. Yes, being in shape matters, but to keep running requires mental stability. No I do not mean to be capable of taking a math test, reading a book, or figuring out the answer to our society's health care problem. How does a runner not get BORED while running? Now, that is the true/trick question.

On a personal note, this past week was a great running/jogging week for me. Not because of distance, but because when I was running I forgot about running. Funny huh? I did not notice that until Joe asked me what I thought about when I was jogging, I said whatever I am listening to or watching on TV. (The gym I go to has a TV for each equipment...I know...it is heaven) I have finally found a pace that works for me. I never thought such thing existed. Yea, I had read about it, but really. It happpens! Just hang in there and keep up the jogging!!!

Mapmyrun.com is a really good place to go for people that want to be held accountable for their workouts and also see progress. I was skeptical about my running abilities when I first embarked on my crazy journey of training for a half-marathon. But thanks for Dj steve boy and mapmyrun I can easily jog 3-4 miles without gasping for air when I get off the treadmill. Let me make sure you got that, WITHOUT GASPING FOR AIR. Not bad huh?

(For those of you who are reading this, I get nothing for mentioning either of the websites above!)

Let us talk numbers, I started with a 14 minute mile only being able to do one without slowing down. That was about 7 weeks ago. Today I can do a ten minute mile, without passing out! Even better, now I can do 3 solid 12 minute miles without slowing down. My goal for the next two weeks is to get to a solid 4 miles. I think a 12/mile for me right now is good.

I had a lot of trouble at first figuring out what was better, increase speed or distance. Well, since I am not the best at pacing myself I tried to do both simultaneously. I had to take a week off because I pushed my body too hard. My knees were in so much pain I could barely walk. Listen to your body, but push yourself!!! Another great question is what is the happy medium? Well in a documentary about Marathoners, Deena Michelle Kastor mentioned that she had never stopped running due to discomfort except for one time. She says, it felt different than the other times I wanted to stop. Turns out she had a fractured bone on her ankle and had she not stopped she would not have been able to compete. So, listen to your body!

On the marathoners note, yesterday I met someone that is training right now. To be more speficic she finished her 20 mile run yesterday prior to our meeting. I asked how did you do it... Her response, "I talked to myself, if this were a real race would you quit? C'mon you can do it!" She also says she loves to run and talk with people. My guess is, not many people can cover that much distance in one run. Also, our of curiosity I asked about her time. She proudly replied, 3 hrs and 20 minutes. So, 10 minute/miles all of the way!!! Impressive!!!!!


"Good things come slow - especially in distance running."
- Bill Dellinger, Oregon coach

Peace