Would you believe me when I tell you that my half marathon looms on the calendar just shy of 20 weeks away? You may call me a crazy person for saying “just 20 weeks away”, but have you seen how this year has flown by already?! I have and I know that 20 weeks will pass before I know it. I also know that I like having a plan of attack. So, this crazy person signed on to Runner’s World this past weekend to see what training plan their Smart Coach would spit out at me.

I liked what I saw. Each week includes the following runs:

• 2 shorter, easy runs (2-3 miles through entire plan)
• 1 speed work OR tempo run (starting at 4 miles and building to 6 at the end)
• 1 long, steady-state run (starting at 6 miles and building to 12 at the end)

I like the look of this plan for a variety of reasons. When training (aka doing whatever) for my 10K, I had been fitting in two 4-5 mile runs during the week. I prefer the idea of splitting one of those into two shorter runs. It will keep my mileage in the same range, but feel more manageable for my time and my body. Score.

Secondly, I knew I wanted to take a slow and steady approach to preparing myself for the half-marathon. I’ve been looking into training plans for awhile now to have an idea of what I will need to commit to for adequate training. I figured I would go with a standard 12 week program from Hal Higdon or something similar. Yet, I found I like the look of the longer training plan. Why? This plan builds in lower mileage recovery weeks every fourth week, so I can slowly build up over time. I prefer a longer plan that can fit in recovery time rather than 10+ weeks of straight-on mileage increases and intense training. I don’t know if that is the “best” way to do it, but it sounds like a good fit for me. I would already plan on running regularly similar to this plan anyways, so this keeps me in check with caring for my body as I prep for my race.

Lastly, I kind of love speed work and tempo runs. Sure they build endurance at a faster pace, but they also give me a little thrill at pushing myself in new ways and allow me to mix up my running. For this self-proclaimed exercise ADD gal, that makes me happy. And I completed my first one today!

I found a public track close to where I live to hit up for speed workouts. Fabulous! I loathe the treadmill so it thrills me to have a track for these runs. You would think running around in circles would bore me as much as the treadmill, but it didn’t. How can boredom set in when my mind runs wild with visions of hosting boot camp classes there and the crazy workouts I could use to torture whip clients into shape. 😉

But back to the workout. The plan called for a one mile warm-up, then 1600 meters (4 laps) in 8:00 minutes, followed by 800 meters (2 laps) of a recovery jog, then another 1600 meters (4 laps) in 8:00 minutes before cooling down and rounding out my 4 miles. Well…I get an A for effort! I did the first speed interval just fine, then crapped out after one lap of the second interval and decided to just finish up my 4 miles at a steady pace. No biggie! I still ended up with a great run covering 4 miles in 35:56 for 8:59 average pace:

That’s another great thing about this plan. Having twenty weeks allows me to feel more flexible with my runs. I know what to shoot for, but I also know that if my body tells me to adjust some things I will still end up with ample training. I didn’t have to worry about completing only one speed work interval today because I have many other chances to challenge myself with such a workout. And I will accept that challenge you betcha! I can already tell track workouts will be the workout I love to hate!

• Do you like having workout and/or training plans? I do, as long as I can build in some flexibility to keep me sane.
• Of Possible Interest: 4all by Jofit (the AWESOME fitness apparel brand I work with) has a special contest going on right now to provide a makeover to four women’s golf or tennis teams. Check it out!!

I have a special treat for you all tonight – a special post from Anne of fANNEtastic food! I’ve been reading Anne’s blog for at least a year and enjoy every single post. Since she has inspired me so much on my own running growth, I asked Anne to share her running story with you all. Get inspired from one of my favorite blog friends! Take it away, Anne!

Hey, Faith, Fitness, Fun readers – Anne here from the food and fitness blog fANNEtastic food! I started my blog in October of 2009 as a way to motivate others to lead happier, healthier lives through fitness and nutrition. Since starting my blog, I made a big career change and headed back to graduate school to become a Registered Dietitian! I’m now half way through with my program – so far so good 🙂

On my blog, I share delicious and easy healthy recipes, simple health tips (check out my recent post about how to make a recipe healthier – includes a printable PDF!), and my adventures in fitness. In particular, I love running, and was thrilled when Tina asked if I would share a post with you all about how I got into running!

Because you see, I wasn’t always a runner.

If you read my blog now, you might think that I’ve always been able to run 10 miles, or 11 miles, or even 13 miles – but that’s not the case at all!

When I first graduated from college in 2004, I ran occasionally, but I’d never run more than 3 miles. I mostly stuck to using the elliptical and weight machines, but every once in awhile I’d go for a run on the treadmill, or outside. But I still couldn’t make it past the 3 mile distance.

In 2006, I signed up for my very first 5k race. It was the “2nd Annual Gulf Coast Relief 5k” for which the proceeds went to help revive the New Orleans area following Katrina. A big group of my friends and I all signed up for the race (which was basically the whole reason I signed up), and I remember being so nervous and excited that morning standing waiting for the race to start. And then – what a thrill! Races have such an incredible energy because there are so many people – both on the sidelines AND in the race itself! I loved running among all the others in the early morning light, listening as we passed people cheering us on. It was over in a flash and I was SO proud crossing that finish line! My first race and I was hooked.

Flying high from that accomplishment, I decided it was time to delve into the world of over 3 mile runs. Tentatively, I agreed to sign up for a 5 mile turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day, 2006. My dad, uncle, and brother also signed up for the race, which really helped my motivation. I remember that race as being the day I really believed that I could run longer distances. Running is never easy, no matter how much you do it, but that’s part of what makes it great. It’s always good to challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone!

It wasn’t until 2009 that I delved into the world of longer races (10k’s, 10 milers, and eventually my first half marathon), but that first 5 mile turkey trot was what gave me the confidence to really believe I could do it. It’s still kind of crazy to me now that I ran my second half marathon in March. Just goes to show how far you can come with a little determination (and good training buddies)!

I’d love to hear from you guys now, too! Are you a runner? If so, how did you get started? If not, do you think you want to try?

And if you’re looking to get started but want to try the treadmill first before venturing outside – check out my printable PDF treadmill workout brochure. Just adjust the speeds to your level and you will be good to go!

A big thank you to Tina for having me here today – I hope you guys will stop on by my blog to say hello 🙂

Happy running!

Thanks, Anne! And as she asked – Are you a runner? If so, how did you get started? If not, do you think you want to try?