I’m thinking about blogging my training for a half-marathon this December (so, from now until December 13). But then, I don’t think there’s actually anyone who knows this page exists…

Let’s start anyway.

I have done two half-marathons and a full marathon in the last 2 years. Before I even attempt another full marathon, which is an intensely demanding experience which I’m not sure I can handle more than once every two years, I really would like to run a half-marathon in less than 2:30.

According to the training-schedule-maker on Runner’s World, based on my past 5K times and their training schedule, I should actually be able to run a half-marathon in more like 2 hours. We’ll see. I’m perfectly happy to aim for that in my training, but won’t be overly disappointed if I don’t make 2 hours in the actual race.

I’ve looked at several options for training. For the last month or so, I’ve run 12 – 16 miles a week, 3 – 4 days.  And I’m happy to work harder in the next few months to succeed at my half-marathon time goals.

I don’t like the coaching program Nike+ was offering. It’s too rigid and doesn’t really allow for me having an ‘off’ day on what it scheduled as a hard-workout day. I’ve had fairly good luck with the Runner’s World training schedules before. Using that as a base, I’ve adjusted it so that I get to do some of my favorite workouts along with their scheduled speed work, tempo runs, and long runs. I moved around the days of said work to keep things from getting mundane. I always have Friday and Sunday off, with Saturday being my long run day.

I haven’t registered for the race yet. I can’t afford the entry fee, let alone know if I can afford to travel to Tucson December 13. That will be something I will work on in the next month.