A New Goal - 13.1

After experiencing the duathlon last summer I realized how much more effective I am in my workouts when I have a goal I am working toward and a plan to get me there. Before I started training for the duathlon I would never have even considered a two hour workout. In fact - I'm sure I would have convinced myself that a two hour workout was actually unhealthy. I did end up referring to the two hour workouts as 'the crazy-hard' workouts but I pulled off several off them last summer and am definitely more healthy as a result.





I've enjoyed some downtime for the last few months. I've spent more time doing things I didn't have time for during my training like rock climbing and yoga while still running and biking but at a much more moderate (and lets be honest - realistic) level. As much as I have loved this time it wasn't too long before I started craving another challenge. I considered several options including another dualthon and and indoor triathlon but it was the half marathon that seemed like the logical next step.

Yep - a half marathon. That's 13.1 miles. I have been running for a few years but I still consider myself a beginner. I typically run about 3-4 miles at a time at a relatively slow pace or in intervals that include short, relatively fast runs followed by extremely slow running or walking. Even though I've never raced more than 4 miles I'm actually v. confident my heart and lungs will make it - with relative ease (key word = relative) assuming I keep up with my training. My biggest concern for the training and actual race is my right knee which tends to hurt - to the point where I actually have to stop running - somewhere between mile 4 & 6. During the height of my duathlon training last summer it would start to hurt about 1.5 miles in. I've used my down time to focus on strength training for my quadriceps and knees and ran 4 miles last Saturday with no pain - v. encouraging! 5 miles next week will be the real test : ).

More on the half marathon in a later post - I would LOVE to have a running partner - let me know if you're up for it!

(This post inspired by my cousin Melanie - check out her blog!)