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.

We're Building a House! - Construction Update - 2/1/12

Today may be the first day of February but you wouldn't know it from the weather! It's 60 degrees with the most beautiful blue skies! It truly feels like April out there today!

The house has been moving right along. Once again, I'll document things in photos. I don't have a ton of interior shots because it is mostly unchanged. But, the exterior framing has finished up so we have some great photos of that.

These are the rough in's for the beams in the family room. They will have can lights in them. Tom went yesterday to a barn in Knightstown and picked the wood for the various areas of the house.

I think we landed on our granite as well. This is a photo of the sample. It's definitely in the gray family with streaks of black as well.

This is the metal roof that is over the dining nook and right outside of Jack's bedroom window. Someone remind me to switch his bedroom once he's old enough to figure out he can get out the window and go sliding of the roof!

 

Here's a great shot of the front. This will look much better once the dumpster is removed. 

I am absolutely in love with the decorative truss in the entryway. At first, I really thought I wanted to paint those accents the trim color. But, the natural cedar is very appealing and looks a lot better than I imagined. So, we'll likely just be staining them.

Here is a view of the back of the house now that all of the exterior elements are complete. 

Another metal roof is over the garage.

This is the view from the screened in back porch.

And, a photo of the hearth room which is right of the kitchen.

Another great shot of the entry. In the far right peak, you can see a corbel. Those are custom designed - by Tom - and look really cool.

Finally, we've landed on paint colors. The very top color will be the field color for all of the lapp siding and board and batten. The dark gray will be for the door, shutters and the shake siding. Alabaster will be the trim color.

We will have an exciting few weeks ahead of us. Drywall installation is starting tomorrow and should all be hung by Monday. Then, all of the finishes get started. Cabinets will be in town, notice I didn't say at the house - that depends on when drywall is finished, on Tuesday. We've ordered the stone too and are hoping this mild winter continues!