Week 4 of training, done

Total miles this week: 14

I am 1/3 of the way through my training and pretty happy so far. I feel like a better person and Mom when I get to run. Running definitely helps clear my mind and center myself.

Today's 5-mile run wasn't too bad and I ran it in 48 minutes, which is a new PR for me. I purchased a Nike+ Sportband so that I can keep track of my mileage while I am running. I am awful with distance so hopefully this will help. I was able to calibrate it after my run this morning so hopefully it will be pretty accurate.

I am quite happy with my progress so far and I am starting to believe that I will be able to run the whole 13.1 miles.

Running routes

I have learned that some routes are better for short runs. This morning I ran 3.5 miles and decided to do what I thought was my "easier" route, yeah...not so much. I hit the 2.5 mile marker and wanted to go home. However, I pushed myself to finish out that last mile. The downside was when I rolled my ankle tripping over a stick. I kept running though because my ankle didn't hurt; however, my shin was bothering me. I made it home in one piece, though.

Tomorrow is a short run day (2.5 miles).

Week 3 finished

Today I ran 5.15 miles in 51 minutes. I ended the week with 14 total miles ran and another training week finished.

I would be lying if I said running 5 miles was easy. It was tough, I knew the route pretty well but it was still rough. However, I felt great that I actually ran the entire time. Once I ran past Hylton I knew that it would be smooth sailing.

Some things I learned:

• Heat and humidity suck
• Hills are easier and I no longer get that nagging cramp in my right side, yay
• Map my run is awesome.

I am contemplating on buying a Nike+ sportband. I would like to have someone to wear that shows my mileage while I am running.

Decisions, decisions

The family that runs together....

Roy went running with me this morning. We ran 3 miles and he pushed the kids in the double jogger. I am amazed that he was able to run the whole time, I know I couldn't do it. Our neighborhood is pretty hilly so there is no way around it. I'm not sure if this will become a regular thing but I did enjoy having their company.

Week 2 done

This morning I finished week 2 of my half-marathon training. I am glad that I am done with week 2. I am excited to start a new week and start adding on some miles.

Some things I learned:

• I run better when chewing gum, it helps prevent dry throat
• Posterior shin splints suck.
• Running in the morning is better even if I am only half awake
• My hydration belt is becoming a necessity with this awful humidity

I miscalculated my miles this week and ended up running 2.35 miles last night and then my scheduled 4 miles this morning. I am hurting a little but nothing a little ice and rest won't fix.

Recap

This morning I finished week 1 of my half-marathon training. I feel very good and glad that I am able to run again.
The humidity is awful and it doesn't matter whether I run in the morning or evening.

I am axious to start week 2 tomorrow. A little stretching and strength training to kick-off another week.

Starting over...

Yesterday, I restarted my half-marathon training. I am still going to use the Hal Higdon novice training program. I did my strength training yesterday and this morning I got up early and did a 2-mile run.

My foot was a little sore at first mostly because my inserts are super firm so I had to get used to it. I need to adjust the insert in my left shoe because it was rubbing the bottom of my foot.

Hopefully I can make it past week 2 and not have anymore injuries.

**fingers crossed**