Tag: Nike

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It’s Half Time – We Run D.C.!

Well, after nearly four months of training (with one month off for injury), the time has finally come! I’ll be running my very first race this Sunday, more specifically, the 2nd Annual Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you want to track me as I hit the pavement on this awesome course, my bib number is #3553.

Nike Racing Bib

I’ve really enjoyed training for this half and am so grateful because it helped me discover a love for running. I am feeling ready and super excited to be part of this awesome SHE-power event. My mantra while running will be “I am strong. I am healthy. I am brave” – and of course, say it with me: #WeRunDC!

We Run DC

Looking for some Pre-Race Reading? Here are some of my favorite fitness and nutrition resources for Pre-Race Prep:

If you like these resources and are ready to devour some MOAR, follow me on Pinterest.

READY TO RUN!

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T-8 Weeks to Race Day

I am strong. I am healthy. I am fit. But I am NOT a runner. At least that’s what I’ve always told myself.

I’ve never really loved running in the way that I love yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts, and hiking, etc. I have several fun flings with the sport, but they’ve never lasted more than a few months. So when a dear friend asked me this fall if I’d sign up for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon with her pavement pounding group, what else could I say but YES!

Life is all about challenges. As a wise man once said, if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. And to quote another really wise man, be the change you want to see in the world.

I often motivate myself using mantras about embracing challenge and change in my yoga practice, but with running I’ve always thrown up my white flag as soon as I start huffing and puffing. No more! I grabbed this bull by the horns back in October and I’m about to ride it all the way to the finish line in April. Thus far training has been a huge physical, mental and scheduling challenge, but I’m making progress. I’m very excited to see my stride, stamina and strength improve week over week.

This weekend’s long run (which I plan to knock out after teaching a couple of classes this morning) is sure to be a challenge with a hill or two thrown in, but I know I can do it. And hell, life’s too damn short not to try!

Half Marathon Training

Since I’m a beginner, I’ve been doing my homework and thought I’d share some of the best resources for running nutrition and race training I’ve come across. You can find moar of these resources on Pinterest.com/MOARfit.

Nutrition:

Training:

Though I’m not following it to a T (or any letter of the alphabet for that matter), I wanted to share what I think is a great 16-week (3 1/2-4 month) training schedule for beginning runners courtesy of FitSugar.com. Before you use this baby, here are a few things the author wanted you to know (and I concur are all important and helpful notes!):

  • SS (Strength train and stretch): Do your own routine or take a yoga class
  • CT (Cross train): Do cardio other than running such as biking, swimming, or a cardio class
  • Rest: You don’t have to skip out on exercise entirely. Take a walk, do some stretches or use a foam roller your hardworking legs.
WEEK MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN
Week 1 2 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 30-min CT 2 miles or
30-min CT		 Rest 2 miles Rest
Week 2 2 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 30-min CT 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 3 miles Rest
Week 3 3 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 3.5 miles Rest
Week 4 3 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 4 miles Rest
Week 5 3 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 4.5 miles Rest
Week 6 3.5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 4.5 miles Rest
Week 7 3.5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2.5 miles or
25-min CT		 Rest 5K race
(or 5 miles)		 Rest
Week 8 4 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 2.5 miles or
25-min CT		 Rest 5 miles Rest
Week 9 4 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3 miles or
30-min CT		 Rest 6 miles Rest
Week 10 4 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3 miles or
30-min CT		 Rest 10K race
(or 7 miles)		 Rest
Week 11 5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3.5 miles or
35-min CT		 Rest 8 miles Rest
Week 12 5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3.5 miles or
35-min CT		 Rest 10 miles Rest
Week 13 5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 4 miles or
40-min CT		 Rest 11 miles Rest
Week 14 5 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest 12 miles Rest
Week 15 4 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 60-min CT 3 miles or
30-min CT		 Rest 8 miles Rest
Week 16 3 miles and
20-min SS		 30-min SS 2 miles or
20-min CT		 Rest Rest Race Day!
13.1 miles		 Rest

According to this schedule, my Week 9 starts today so the 5.5 mile run I have planned is right on track–hopefully I can bust out 6-7 miles next weekend!

Are you training for a half marathon? If so, I’d love to hear about your training regimen and any tips or tricks you might have in the reply field below!