Half-Marathon Mama: Week #1

I took up running in 2006, but it took me quite a while to work up to a 3 mile run. I ran on the treadmill because that was the only way I had to track my time and distance. Then March of 2007 I bit the bullet and bought a Garmin Forerunner 201 so I could start running outside. While I loved the feeling of running outside, I felt like I had to start almost back to square one because it was much tougher than running on the treadmill. Plus our addition felt like running up one huge hill. ha!

I progressively did better so I raced a few 5ks that summer. I didn't know I would love running in a race so much! Then I decided to run a half-marathon in the fall of 2007. I was about 3/4 way through my training when I became pregnant. Since it was my first pregnancy I was paranoid about continuing to keep running. I wish I did :-(

Since having a baby I've started to train toward a 5k off and on, but never really could get back into it. Back in May I started following the Couch to 5k program again and stuck with it. I had a few weeks of having a difficult time sticking with it. I think part of it was the summer heat. It's difficult to run in heat!

So, running a half-marathon is still a goal I want to achieve before having another baby. I just started my training again this week for a half marathon for the end of November. My long runs will be done either on Saturdays or Sundays. Yesterday was my first long run. It was only 4 miles, but I am so sore today.

I'll be writing the end of each training week to help keep me on track and help nix any excuses I may have not to continue with this! Running can be difficult when you have a teething toddler waking up several times a night (or not sleeping at all *sigh*), plus I still breastfeed. However, running really is a "mind over matter" thing.

Maybe I'll inspire one of my readers to take up running. You don't have to run fast or run in races to be a runner. Believe me, I'm not fast at all! I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about running. I'm not an expert, but there are some great websites I can point you to.

Feel free to grab my "Half Marathon Mama" button on the right and put it on your blog. You'll find all my posts archived under "Half Marathon Mama" as well.