My Plan for a Sub-2 Hour Half Marathon
Pin Share Flip Save NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that…
NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
Three weeks ago I finished the ScotiaBank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 2 hours and 30 seconds. I had a fantastic time (as evidenced by the MASSIVE goofy grin on my face) and I ran really hard. Yet I feel disappointed that I didn ‘t finish in less than 2 hours. I’ve flirted with 2 hours so many times that I just wanna grab hold of her! I was *THIS* close to two hours! So close that NOT accomplishing that goal hurts despite the effort I put in.
On the upside I keep reminding myself of all of my accomplishments with that race:
- I managed to train despite the fact that I solo-parented the 3 kids during most of the 8 weeks leading up to the race because hubby was travelling and working really long hours.
- ALL of my training was done while pushing a jogging stroller.
- I was less than a year post-partum when I ran the race.
- I was still almost exclusively breastfeeding an 11 month old who had no interest in food.
- By the time I finished the race my breasts were engorged and in A LOT of pain. The last 3 km were excruciating with all of the bouncing.
- I beat all but 1 of my half marathon finishing times from races I ran in when I was in my mid-twenties.
- I set a new post-children personal best.
Then I read that one of my favourite bloggers, Tina of the blog Faith, Fitness, Fun finished the Savannah Rock N Roll Half Marathon in 1:50. Holy crap, that girl is FAST! I am in awe!! She had her second baby a few months after Amber and also was a breastfeeding mom. And I just read that Heather, of Run Faster Mommy finished the Manchester City Half Marathon in 1:55! (Seriously – go congratulate them on their awesome races, they deserve it).
But now my competitive juices are running incredibly wild…..I want to run a sub-2 hour half marathon!
I KNOW I can do it. I KNOW my legs and lungs are capable. I KNOW I can handle the pain & muscle through it, because I did it – I ran a 1:51 half marathon almost ten years ago. I KNOW I can do this!
So I put together a training plan….
My plan has it all: long runs, easy runs, tempo runs, speed/track workouts, strength training, and cross-training. I even printed off a HUGE copy of my plan, and it hangs by my desk at work reminding me to run:
GIANT Half Marathon Training Plan and Log
Watch out Chilly Half Marathon….. Here I come!!!
QUESTION/SHARING:
Have you ever used jealousy to motivate yourself to strive for large goals?
