Run, Forest, Run

This past Saturday marked the start of my Half Marathon Training Team. It was quite the experience. There are two training levels, novice and intermediate. I am on the novice training team. Of course when I found this out I was looking at the coaches with the *side eye* stare, thinking to myself, I run all the time. This must be a mistake!!! Clearly, I got all hyped up for nothing. Those people on the intermediate team are real runners. They run 25 plus miles per week, have run a 1/2 marathon before, and some even run less than an eight minute mile. Yeah...I clearly don 't fit into that category. After this was explained, I quickly took the roll out of my neck and played my roll as the novice runner that I am.

The training is a 14-week program, with the race being Nov. 13. This first week, we went on a 3-mile run and received our training schedule for the week. In all actuality I probably fit between the novice and intermediate level, so I am going to be modifying my training schedule. No, I didn't pull this idea out my back pocket, it was actually on page 5 of our handy training manual. The intermediate runners run on Saturday and Sunday and have higher running mileage during the week. I am going to opt out of the Sunday run but use the intermediate mileage schedule for my weekly runs. This way I'm not increasing my mileage too quickly and I won't drop dead during my runs. That wouldn't go over too well with my husband and daughter.

The novice training schedule is as follows:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Easy Run
Wednesday: Up to 1/2 of Long Run
Thursday: Easy Run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: Cross Train

The intermediate schedule is as follows:
Monday: Cross-Train
Tuesday: Easy Run
Wednesday: Intermediate Run
Thursday: Easy Run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: Intermediate run (mileage is slightly shorter than the long run)

Now here's my modified schedule. My running days are different due to my husband's workout schedule and the fact that my life is dictated by my child (you parents know what I mean) LOL!!
Monday: Easy Run
Tuesday: Cross Train
Wednesday: Intermediate run
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: Easy Run
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: Rest/Yoga

My weekly mileage falls right in between the novice and intermediate mileage. The novice's first week's mileage is 12, the intermediate's is 23. I know...the difference is crazy!! My mileage for the first week is 16.

There are several websites out there that have sample training schedules. These schedules are not limited to 1/2 marathons. Here are a few websites.

1/2 Marathon
www.halgidon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm --if you scroll to the bottom you will see hyperlinks for all running levels

http://www.marathonrookie.com/half-marathon-training.html

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

10k
http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10knovice.htm

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html This site lists a 5k schedule as well. Scroll to the bottom to view 10k schedule.

8k
http://www.halhigdon.com/8K/8knovsch.htm

http://www.richmondmarathon.com/8k_training_schedule.htm

http://running.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=running&cdn=health&tm=10&gps=395_282_1436_706&f=10&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.running4women.com/starting_out.php%3Farticle_id%3D17 This is more like a run/walk schedule. Click on the schedule to enlarge.

5k
http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/5-Knovice.htm

http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/first5K.htm

These sites are tools that you can add to your toolbox. Remember that however you choose to start your running schedule, never bite off more than you can chew. Never increase your distance and instensity at the same time. If you increase one variable then wait before you increase the other. Straying from this could lead to injuries.

Joining the training team has been great thus far. As a member of the team I get to attend running clinics, weekly running groups with other individuals who are training, motivation, lessons from experienced runners, and so much more. I think it will definitely benefit me as I attempt to run the 13.1 miles and cross the finish line. However, the best part of all fo this is the free t-shirt!!! Until next time folks, PE@CE!!