half marathon training

This summer FLEW BY.  I can't believe it's mid August already.  I haven't been running very consistently in the past 6 weeks, but all of that is about to change... because it's time for half marathon training to begin!  M and I have signed up for  the City of Oaks Half Marathon!

We are just under 12 weeks away, so we officially started our training program on Monday!  Here's a snapshot of what my August training looks like:

Basically, the plan is 4 runs per week: one long run, one speed workout, and two easy runs... but every other week, one of those "easy" runs may be replaced with hill training.  My new neighborhood is fairly hilly, and the half course isn't exactly flat either... so as painful as it may be, I need to train on these...

to get ready for this:

I'm also going to try to do regular strength training - probably mostly at home, with hand weights, and my trusty Jillian DVDs.  It's been a few years since I've done the 30 day shred - maybe I will bring it back!  I also probably need to incorporate more cross training.  I'll definitely start going to spin class when the semester begins, and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the fall gym class schedule to see what else I might try!  (Zumba? Cardio Dance? Pilates? Yoga? Who knows!!!)

I'm really pumped about this half for several reasons.  One of the beneficiaries is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and I currently work with bone marrow transplant patients - so I definitely feel connected to that cause!  The patients I work with are so incredible - I am always inspired by how resilient they are, and I hope that I can capture that spirit during the race and tough training runs.

Training is going well so far - Sunday I did some strength training at home, and Monday M and I headed out for an easy 3.14 mile run.

Who is also starting to train for a big race?  What races do you have planned for the fall?

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Completely random, but local Durham blogger Sarah has a $100 Visa card giveaway on her blog right now - so go check it out - especially if you are a mom or expecting mommy - the post is (sponsored by and) about Boudreaux's Butt Paste - a diaper cream/paste she highly recommends.  If you haven't seen Sarah's blog before, she writes about life as a doctor, her adorable little one A, running, cooking/eating, and life in general.