No turning back

It's official. I'm registered for the race. No backing out now. Yesterday was so hectic that I completely forgot about my cross training until it was 9pm and I was already in my PJs. I threw on some shoes and jumped on the stationary bike, PJs and all. I guess I can say I'm dedicated. I don't normally like to work out right before heading to bed but there was no way I was going to skip it. I don't want to miss a single workout this close to the race. 18 days to go. I just read on the race website that the average temperature at the start of the race is 45 degrees. Crap.

Chaffing

Ten miles. Done. The last two miles weren't pretty but it's done. I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Hell, I'm already sore tonight. And I really, really need to buy some non-chafing clothes. I start tapering now for the next two weeks. That scares me. I've done two half's before and I didn't taper much for those but then I wasn't following a specific training program like I am this time around. I'm going to trust the pros on this and just stick to the schedule but it scares me, after struggling so much to finish the 10 today, to start running less when I'm going to be running 13.1 miles in a few weeks.

Things I have learned

Things I have learned so far:

1. The mood I'm in greatly affects the quality of my run, and vice versa.
2. The right music can drastically improve a run.
3. An article of clothing that is very comfortable on a 3-mile run can chafe in unexpected places on an 8-mile run.
4. I can run in 54 degree weather wearing only a T-shirt and shorts and not freeze my ass off.

A good run

One more month to go until the race. I've managed to stay on track for the most part. I'm running alone but I think I've gotten used to that and running with someone at this point would probably be too difficult. I just crank the iPod and go. I am slowly determining which songs are the best to run to (The Mavericks "I Want To Know" being my favorite at the moment). I do occasionally see some of my students as I run around campus and I think it amuses them to see me running. I've increased my pace so I wouldn't say that I'm "lumbering" anymore but I'm not fast by any stretch of the imagination. I had an awesome run while in Tucson, AZ. A combination of time spent with good friends, being kid-free, and the gorgeous scenery made for a fast and fun run. Too bad they can't all be like that. This weekend is my 10-miler. The 8 that I did a couple of weeks ago wasn't pretty so we'll see how this one goes. I know I can do it, but I'd like to do it well.

Working out the bugs

The training continues but not without issues. One of the days that I run is also my busiest teaching day and I've already missed a run because of that. This week went OK but I'm just going to have to see how it plays out. If I start missing runs regularly I'm going to have to rethink my schedule. I really don't want to have to get up at 5am and run before I head to work but if that's what it takes to stay on track I'll consider it. I also got sidelined by a very nasty virus that I'm still not 100% over. I missed a run and a cross training workout because of that. So this is actually my first full week of training for several weeks now. But I think I'm back in the groove. My long run tomorrow is 6 miles so we'll see how that goes. At least the weather is now perfect for running!

Small steps

Well, I started my training program for the half-marathon. So far, so good. Of course, I'm only on day 3 but hey, you have to celebrate even the smallest steps, right? I mean, I'm on track and I haven't injured myself yet. That's got to be worth a gold star or something. Classes will be starting in 12 days. That will be the real challenge - to stick with my training routine once my work load shoots through the roof. Hopefully with 2 weeks behind me already I'll be in somewhat of a groove. I may have even convinced a fellow professor to join me in the race. I'm sure he'll kick my butt but oh well.

I think I can

I took a look at the training program for the half-marathon in my favorite running book, Marathoning for Mortals. I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to pull off the Philly half-marathon this year but now I'm thinking otherwise. It's a 14 week training program which means I'd have to start in a couple of weeks. Since I don't have any upcoming travel for the next few months I don't see any real obstacles. Except for my laziness, but that's a constant. So I've written the program goals in my planner for the next 4 months and I'm going to give it my best shot. Heck, even if I don't stick to the program it wouldn't be the first time I ran a half-marathon a little under-prepared.