Training to Run a Half Marathon – Week 1 #Running

My first training day is here! To start my marathon journey, I am using the Couch to Half Marathon plan from Women’s Running magazine. In their June issue, there is a 14-week plan that takes “you from the sofa to the finish line.”

I believe that nothing is random in life and everything truly does happen for a reason. Before I started to even think of running a marathon, I grabbed this magazine for a group vision board that I was hosting. I didn’t even read it. I shared a bunch of magazines for that event and this was one of them. As I stumbled across my workshop bag, I saw it and pulled it out. Of course, I read every word immediately! I’m a runner now. Ya see?

I will post weekly results, successes and failures through my journey to run my first half marathon. I’m not signed up for a half marathon yet per se however I am considering one in September as well as the Diva Dash later that month. I really just need to commit to a date.

Here’s the plan for the first week, won’t you join me? Please?

DAY 1  Rest

DAY 2  R/W 2 miles

DAY 3  XT 30 minutes

DAY 4  R/W 2 miles

DAY 5  Rest

DAY 6  R/W 3 miles

DAY 7  W 2 miles

Ready to learn how to read the code?

R/W (Run/Walk): Alternate between running and walking. Perform your walk intervals at a brisk pace, so it’s not too difficult to transition back into running. Try alternating between one minute of walking and one minutes of running.

XT (Cross-training): Incorporate one or two days of non impact cross-training, such as cycling, elliptical, swimming and yoga.

Today was my first day, which meant I had to R/W 2 miles. I set the alarms for 4:30 am but I didn’t successfully make it out of bed on time, like at all. So at 5:15, I rolled over and debated if I wanted to run. I had some negative thoughts that were holding me back but only for a minute.  I was on a time crunch since my husband was leaving for work soon and I need to hear the children if they get up. With this being said, I didn’t let it stop me. I still ran but it meant I could only get 1 mile in and not 2. I will run another mile later this evening and I’m okay with what I had and could do. Just being up and moving is a great start.

I have a treadmill so I grabbed my shoes and went downstairs still half sleeping. I drank a little bit of water before I started, set the treadmill to a walking speed and I was off. 5 minutes of slow walking then I moved the speed up. I changed the speed back and forth from 3.5 to 3.0, turned up my ipod and was moving. For the first time ever, I wasn’t looking at the clock as a “count down” and really enjoyed my run/walk. I did go a little over one mile but I wish I could have went longer. Perhaps that’s good motivation for tomorrow. 😉

Women’s Running Magazine has no clue I exist but I wanted to share with you my thoughts of it. I absolutely love it! They share inspirational stories from runners, tips on running, the latest trends (which I so need some new clothing appropriate for running!) what to do if you have aches/pains and more. I’m looking forward to grabbing another issue!

Okay, so are you with me? Will we succeed together? Will we cheer each other on to the finish line? I sure hope so. I’m always looking for cheerleaders! We can do this – together!!!!