Day 1 Training

Today is day 1 of my training schedule, and I am adjusting it a bit. I am actually starting with a five mile run, as I have been keeping a six mile base, so I could run 5K's and 10K's without much effort.
Tonight I left at 18:00 for my run, it was about 50 degrees out with a 6mph wind.These are pretty decent running conditions. For this temperature I wear thermal running tights, an Under Armour compression long sleeve shirt, and a technical fabric short sleeve shirt over it. I also wore my running mittens (which I LOVE) - perfect.

***DISCLAIMER***



I feel I need to let you know that what works for me, may not necessarily work for you. I have a flaw--I have no fear. I run when it is pitch black out and I can not see the road. I run on the wrong side of the road (I'll explain why in another post). And, I don't worry about cars, dogs, strangers or any other variable that can come up on a run. But, just like not everyone can have Lance Armstrong's endurance, and not everyone can have Michael Jordan's wingspan; you have to find what works for you and not necessarily what works for me. So, adjust accordingly for any advice that you take away from this blog.

So, it was very dark out on my run, and I like it. It's kind of like riding the Space Mountain ride at Disneyland. The mind go's into a different mode of operation when running in the dark and you are unable to see elevation changes or obstacles. I am able to go into a zone where I just focus on the mechanics of my run. Fortunately I run a course that I have logged hundreds of miles on, so I know what my obstacles are likely to be. My stats for tonight's run are as follows:

distance     5.11 miles

time           55:31

pace          10:50 min/mile

calories      643

Overall, not a bad run. I'm not worried about pace when I am running with obstacles, like not being able to see, and I have a couple of intersections I have to wait at.  So, I am fine with tonight's efforts.

The Plan!

My training plan comes from http://www.halhigdon.com/. Hal's plans are easy to follow and they are free to download. If you are ever looking for any kind of running plan, stop at Hal's first. I am going to be following the intermediate training plan as I have a pretty strong running base - I've been running for 10 years, and my long run each week is usually 6 miles. So, basically I'm halfway there! I also like that he advocates incorporating strength training & stretching into a running schedule. Core strength is especially essential for the distance runner. I love the stretching as it keeps the muscles elongated, and body parts are stretched out and elastic for the demands of running.
I am adjusting the beginning of my day 1 just slightly, as I am already used to running 6 miles on Sunday's. I will also be incorporating some cycling into my routine as I have a century (100 miles) ride two weeks after my half marathon.
Here we go!

Beginner 12 Week Schedule

Intermediate 12 Week Schedule

Ogden 1/2 Marathon

I was one of the fortunate few who was able to secure a spot in the upcoming Ogden Marathon which will take place on May 21, 2011. The event sold out in record time; partly due to an article which appeared in Runner's World magazine, which stated that Ogden was one of the "best" marathons to run. There were a lot of people that were disappointed that they were not able to get in ~ early birds get the worms.
I am particularly excited to run this race as Ogden is my hometown. I will be running the 1/2, which for you non-runners is 13.1 miles. The run begins up Ogden Canyon, and the first 7 miles will be running down through the canyon, then onto the river trail. I run the river trail every time I visit Ogden, so that part of the course will be very familiar to me. It will be interesting to see how a 4' wide trail will handle so many runners, as both the 1/2 and full distance will be using this route. The finish line is down Historic 24th street at the train station - flat, flat, flat! We runner's love flat running, because flat equals faster.
This will be my third half marathon. My previous two were in Las Vegas, so Ogden and it's altitude will be a new challenge.
I will be posting my daily runs, and schedule here, as well as tips, thoughts, and ideas as they come. I would love any input or questions.

Happy Trails!