Let the training begin….

by Heidi on May 9, 2008

So I’m officially starting my training this weekend or well….monday morning.

I need to get in the habit of mostly being a morning runner because of the fact that i often work late and this time around? No hiatus’s.

But I’m a bit worried about my knee(s). I plan on taking more preventative care this time around…icing, taking more potassium pills to keep my muscles strong, buying better sneakers, and the like…but I want to finish in 5:30:00. thats my goal.

The race I’ve decided on? The Hartford Marathon in Hartford, CT. We’ll be able to crash with boyfriend’s family since they’re from the CT and hopefully?? I can get my family to come down to cheer me on also! It should be…awesome. This marathon – unlike MCM you have to finish in under 6 hours…so keeping a 13:00 minute pace. I figure…if i train properly? It shouldn’t be a problem/

Also? I’m running the North Face Endurance Half Marathon at the end of August. It’s in Great Falls, VA, all trail running (less wretched on my poor knees!) and well…I’m pretty stoked that I’ll be doing not one…but TWO races. And i might also run the Capitol Hill 10k and the Komen 5k….if i feel up to it.

I’m excited to get back into this. I tried to convince myself that running wasn’t my thing. But in all reality? It is. I just…hate the effort but I want to embrace it. I want to be a true runner. I want to get up at 6am for my runs. I want to not miss a training run unless ABSOLUTELY Necessary (i.e. my friends wedding that I’m going to in Boston at the end of June…) this time around? I’m doin’ right since i know…I KNOW that I can.

So i need to find a training plan…I need to find new sneakers. I want a new long sleeve shirt to run in, I’m going to start eating better, and stop drinking…sunkist soda which i thought was caffeine free but was told today that i was wrong…so very very wrong. Damnit. Also? I need to register for said races. $60 for the half, and $80 for the full. I’m excited though