It's Training Time Folks!

It's that time of year again! The Indy Mini is just around the corner and Monday starts my new training program. This will be my third time running this half-marathon (13.1 miles). It is a fun race and my parents come in for it too so it's becoming a bit of a tradition.

In 2009, I ran it for the first time. I began training in November for the May race by doing the Couch to 5K program. I had run before, in high school, but really was starting from scratch. I used Hal Higdon's Novice running program to train for the half and usually trained around a 10 minute mile. We really didn't know how big of a deal the race would be so when we got there. Tom and I started in the same corral. He decided to run with me since it was so terribly crowded. (This was also the year of all the construction around the J.W. Marriot so the start line was messed up too.) Anyway, though he ran significantly slower than he trained, I ran faster. We finished in 2:04:51 which is about a 9:30 minute mile.

Last year, after having taken a year off due to having Jack, I really wanted to finish in under 2 hours. However, I also wanted to do Insanity which didn't end until the end of February which meant a shorter training session. Then, I had knee issues. I started the race at a great pace of about 9 minute miles, but slowed way down around mile 8 or so. I ended up finishing faster than 2009, but not under 2 hours. My official time was 2:02:43 or about a 9:20 pace. Here's my Race Day Wrap Up post from last year.

To do under two hours, I need to keep a 9:10 pace. I really think I can do it this year. In addition to just running, I'm adding in pace work and speed work which I've never officially done. I'm following Hal Higdon's Intermediate plan. I'll be doing a little "cross-training" with a kick boxing class I really like on Monday nights and maybe Hip Hop on Friday's. The great thing about both of those classes is that along with the cardio work, there is a lot of leg strength with squats and lunges. At this point, I don't have plans to do the races, although I am considering it. I need to just look up local race schedules.

I'm pumped for this year. I think this is the year I can do it. I just need to stay committed and follow the program.