Half Marathon Training Update – 1/13
13 Jan
I’ve been meaning to write a training update for a while now, but it kept getting pushed to the back burner for some reason. Today I realized it’s been over a month since my last check-in, so this post quickly moved up on the priority list.
Let’s take a look at how things are going in preparation for the Disney Princess Half Marathon…
The Plan
To be honest, I’ve abandoned any sort of “formal” plan at this point. Yesterday I ran 7 miles, so I plan to increase that by 1 mile each weekend, eventually reaching 11 miles on February 16. I’ll have one remaining weekend before the half, and I’ll plan to do a short run. (Or should I do 12?) I’ve also been completing short runs during the week when I can.
Aches and Pains
So far, so good in this department!
I’ve noticed that I can run farther without my legs starting to ache, so I’m happy to be improving. As I mentioned, I ran 7 miles yesterday. I made it to mile 5 before feeling any sort of pain in my legs, when it usually hits me much earlier than that. However, it did feel like my ankles were going to snap when I first got out of bed this morning; I should have slept with my compression socks on!
Success and Struggle
My biggest success is reaching 7 miles! I had attempted it a few times before but was never successful. I got so happy yesterday when I hit 6 miles, was still feeling okay, and knew I was finally going to do it.
I think my biggest struggle for the remainder of my training is going to be finding time for my long runs. Saturday morning is ideal for this, but the farther I have to run, the longer it’s going to take (imagine that! 
).
Cross Training
I’ve still been taking CX Worx and BodyPump classes regularly (usually twice a week). I’m excited because my gym is launching new releases this week… the current ones are getting kind of stale.
New Running Gear
I’ve been loving my Garmin Forerunner 10; it’s such a lifesaver! Gone are the days when my Nike+ app resets itself for some ungodly reason.
I’ve also been doing my long runs with a SPIbelt (I always need tissues). Chris got me an iPhone armband for Christmas, and I’ve been getting a lot of use out of that, too.
I’ve also been trying out various types of fuel for my long runs. I had tried Gu gel a few weeks ago, but the texture sort of grossed me out. I bought a few new products at Dick’s on Friday, and I used the Gu Chomps yesterday. I loved the taste (watermelon flavor!) and definitely preferred the texture to the gel! It didn’t seem to upset my stomach during the run, but my stomach wasn’t feel so hot afterwards.
I plan to try the Shot Bloks and Sport Beans in the coming weeks. Some of my Instagram friends also suggested raisins! I’m not a huge raisin fan, but I might give them a try.
What I’m Listening To
Here’s a look at Saturday’s playlist…
Days Until Half…
40! Ah! It’ll be here so soon!
What’s your current favorite song to workout to? I’ll need to add a few songs to my playlist for next weekend’s 8-miler.
It’s coming so soon!!! Congrats on the 7 miles – you’re doing awesome!!!!
I know! I can’t believe it’s next month already!
I’ve found that my stomach hurts after long workouts when I don’t eat right away. Even when I’m not hungry, my stomach needs refueled or else I feel sick the rest of the day!
And the watermelon chomps are my jam. So Good.
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PS Congrats on the run
You go, girl!
Nikki recently posted..My Bridal Party
Hm, I guess that could’ve been it? Although it was like as soon as I stepped foot in the house, my stomach started hurting?! Hopefully it doesn’t become a repeat thing!
I have a few of the GU gels to try out once my runs get longer. At what point did you take yours during the 7 mile run? And congrats on the 7 miles! The farthest I have gone so far is 5, can’t wait to increase the mileage
Danielle @ Truffles n’ Treadmills recently posted..New Faves & New Years Resolutions Giveaway #3
I had one Chomp around mile 3, and then another around mile 5. There wasn’t much strategy to it… I just popped one when I felt like I needed it! The time I tried the Gu gel, I had it halfway through my run.
I love ‘I Knew you Were Trouble’ by Taylor Swift. I think it has a great beat and is so catchy for working out! Best of luck with your training!!
Yes, that’s a good one! I love the entire Red album, so that’s one I can easily add to my playlist!
Congratulations on reaching 7 miles! What an amazing accomplishment girl. If I didn’t have any blocks or beans, I would use starbucks. I know it’s candy, but they were always a big help =)
Jessie recently posted..Marvelous In My Monday :: Enjoy your life
Huh? Starbucks???
And thank you for the congrats!
Whoops.. starBURSTS!
Jessie recently posted..Marvelous In My Monday :: Enjoy your life
lol Starbursts are a great idea… I love those! I’ve also heard people use Swedish Fish too!
I always struggle with what to do the weekend before the half marathon. I personally feel a lot better if I do a 12 mile run before the race, so if I haven’t done that yet, then I will do 12 miles the week before. If I was able to do it already, then I’ll drop mileage to 7 or 8 miles the weekend before. For fuel – I like candy – gummy bears! and if you don’t like raisins – which I don’t either!- try any dried fruit that you might like. I use craisins sometimes.
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted..BODY PUMP
I was wondering about gummy bears!!! They’re one of my favorite sweet treats, so I might have to try that. Thanks for the advice Katie!
Woo! congrats on 7 miles!
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Thank you!
You are doing awesome! I’m so happy for you! Right now I’m listening to Taylor Swift – I know, I know!
Alysha @ Shesontherun recently posted..Friday Things
Oh please! I am Taylor Swift’s #1 almost 27-year-old fan!!! haha Red is already on my iPhone and I’m going to see her in concert in July!
Thanks for the fuel reviews! I’m looking to buy the Clif Shot Blocks before my long run this week.
Amy H. @ Run with Perseverance recently posted..Best Body Bootcamp Week 1 + Manatees!!
Congrats on the 7 miles!! That’s so awesome!!! I’m sure you’re going to ROCK the Princess half! Disney is such a cool experience! I know for my half we did taper the weekend before, and I’m glad I did. It also mentally made me feel better to have a super awesome and successful shorter run the weekend before, instead of risk having a bad long run that totally mentally messes you up for the race. Also, I’m also a Clif products fan (I like clif gel WAY better than Gu), and I LOVE the shotbloks. But I do have to take them like 30 min before I run to digest them. Just make sure to take them with water or they definitely will mess you up!
Stephanie @ My Freckled Life recently posted..WIAW: Sickly Edition
Maybe that’s why I didn’t feel so hot?! I didn’t have any water with me! Good to know.