On Track to a Half Marathon

Today, I'm celebrating completing 8 weeks of half marathon training.

Man, it feels good to be two-thirds of the way to my goal.  

Part of me is super excited that there are only four weeks until the Four Bridges Half Marathon.

But another part of me is a wee bit nervous. 

Sure, with each long run (6, 7, 8 miles), I become more confident in my running ability.  For instance, last week I thought, Gosh, if I can do 7 miles, then surely I can do 8.  And I did.

But 13.1 miles?  I'm not mentally there yet.

It still feels like I should leave that kind of distance to my Subaru, not my legs.  You know what I mean?

I keep reminding myself to have faith in the training, to trust in the process, and to continue to take note of what is working for me. 

Here's what I've learned over the past two months:

• Running is just as much mental as it is physical.
• There will be days when I am not motivated to run.  I've found that if I just start running, within a mile or two, I feel better.    
• Buying new shoes is a smart investment!
• Gu Energy Gel rocks!  It has helped power me through my long runs.
• Being flexible is key.  Some days, I put the baby in the jogging stroller.  Other days, I hit the treadmill downstairs.  And for long runs, I ask Brian or my mom to watch the baby.  
• Running with someone else is more fun than going alone.  Brian has been an awesome running partner/coach!
• Technology is helpful.  This website calculates distances for running or walking.  This application tracks your route, distance and pace using GPS.   
• A water belt is handy on long runs.  Along with a bottle of water, I carry my iPhone, two Gu packets, and some pepper spray in the zippered pouch.

More than anything, though, I've learned that if I just put one foot in front of the other, I'll eventually reach my target distance.

I'm going to keep that in the forefront of my mind as I complete my long runs in the next three weeks, and especially on the day of the half marathon, October 28.

Because for me, it's not about how quickly I can complete 13.1 miles.

It's not about whether I run the whole thing or walk part of it.

I just want to cross the finish line.

And then cross "Complete a half marathon," off my list of 2012 goals.

P.S. Whenever I tell someone I'm training for a half marathon, he or she invariably asks: What about a marathon?  In case you were wondering, my response is: Forget about it!