The Tortoise & The Hare

I could'nt help but think of the children's story about the tortiose and the hare during my run today. I am the tortoise... a slow runner while building my endurance! I can't explain to you how excited about all the goals I have reached over the first 2 weeks of training for this half marathon!

When I started running (March 2011) I couldn't run for 3 minutes. I never thought I would make it to where I am right now. I have improved my 1 mile time from 15 minutes to 10 minutes (I couldn't run a mile that fast when I played volleyball!!). My 5k time has improved rom 45 minutes to 39 minutes in just 2 weeks.

My next goal is to run a 5k in under 35 minutes, while also training to run 13.1 miles. I am NOT going to try to beat a certain time for the half marathon, unless I get a wild hare! ;)

Putting some pep in my step: Training for a half marathon

During the month of March, I set a goal to be able to run 30 minutes without stopping. I reached that goal and also gained some distance while doing so (2.25 miles). I am VERY proud of myself for reaching that goal because I have NEVER been much of a runner... even in high school when I played volleyball I couldn't keep up with the running.

So, about a week ago my sweet cousins (whom I have admired and looked up to as role models my ENTIRE life) posted on facebook that they were planning on training to run a half marathon before the eldest of them turned 40 in December. At first, I thought to myself "Good luck, and more power to ya" but then I started thinking about it... How many people can actually say that they have accomplished this crazy goal? It got me interested! Plus, I think it would be something REALLY cool for the 3 of us cousins to do together... I mean, nothing is cooler than them taking me to an NSYNC concert but this will just have to do for now (Karen... I LOVED you for that!)

I looked up some training programs and half marathons and decided that this is something I CAN do!
I started my training program yesterday and ran 3 miles in 45 minutes. Now, keep in mind, I am NOT running this race for time... I'm running it as an accomplishment. So I really don't care how long it actually takes me to run 13.1 miles. At least I'm not going to be sitting on the couch! ;) The 12 week program is probably going to take me a little longer than planned because of previous shin injuries, so I am planning to be able to run the Ruben Studdard half marathon on November 18th in Birmingham... yes, yes... it will be such a sweet 1st year wedding anniversary for me and my sweet hubby! I probably won't be able to walk, but I know it will be an amazing accomplishment to mark off of my bucket list!