Halfway to the Half Marathon: Training Update

Hi!  Hope your Sunday is going well.

Remember when I said I was going to update you at the end of the first 5 weeks of my half marathon training?  Well, that time is here already! Time really is flying by....

I can't believe I'm halfway through my training.  So far, it's been going pretty well, and I've only made some minor changes to my SmartCoach Training plan.

What I was supposed to do:

What I actually did:
 
Week 1:  I struggled with the long run this week and only did 5 miles instead of 8, everything else I completed. Total miles: 14
Week 2: I did pretty good this week. I just didn't do the speedwork on Thursday, instead I did a short 2 mile run and a 3 mile walk. Total miles: 15
Week 3:  This week was tough for the plan.  I struggled with the 9 mile run, and instead did a 5 mile run with a 1 mile walk.  Total miles: 12
Week 4:  The only thing I tweaked in this week was running 4 miles instead of 5 on Thursday.  I even ran 10 miles in the rain on Sunday! Total miles: 18
Week 5:  This was a mile cut-back week and I took that a little too far.  I only completed 3 runs for a total of 11 miles. 


How I'm feeling:

I'm feeling pretty confident about being able to complete the half marathon at this point.  I know it's going to be tough, but I have a couple longs runs under my belt at this point so I'm feeling prepared.  I have been struggling with the heat.  I usually run in the evenings and even then it has still been really hot.  I did get a running belt with a water bottle so that has been helping as far as hydration goes. 

I have been running mostly outside, which is good, because I'm getting to run on lots of hills.  I'm not sure how many hills will be on the course, but I will be prepared for them.  I also took my first ice bath after my 10 mile run last week and it was definitely helpful, I wasn't sore at all the next day.  I'm going to try to do that more.  I've been foam rolling a lot too, and trying to do as much as I can to keep my muscles happy. 

Today a new concern popped into my head about the half marathon start time.  I mentioned that I have been running mostly at night, and the race starts at 7 am.  I once read that it's important to train at the time the race will be starting.  I think this week I will try to run at least once in the morning, and in the following weeks, I'm going to try to do my long runs earlier than I have been doing them.  Why does this matter?  It matters for me because it changes how I will fuel.  Usually when I run at night, I have had plenty to eat throughout the day, I've had a chance to go to the bathroom (sorry- gross-but important!) and I usually have time to have a little carby snack before running.  Running first thing in the morning is going to require changes to my little routine.  I'll need to fuel up properly pretty early before going out to run. 


What I'm looking forward too:
This will be my first half marathon, so I'm looking forward to getting bragging rights.  I can't wait to buy a t-shirt, head band, and bumper sticker that all say "13.1".  I think I might even get a tattoo as well as a reminder of what I've accomplished.  Ok, totally kidding on that last one!  Don't worry Mom!

But seriously, I can't wait to run it!  I know it will be fun because I know a ton of people running it.
Tracy, Shaina, Hannah, Yulia, and Tara (I think) will all be there with me.  What could be better??



Have you ever run a half marathon?  Do you like running with friends?  Have you been struggling to run in the heat this summer?