13.1 maybe 26.2

There aren't many things I can say with absolutely certainty.... 

except for this.................

 I WILL not run unless I have a race planned that I am training for: FACT 

There is only one way I will get my feet into some sneakers and onto some pavement and that is by training for a race.  If I dont have a race paid for and on the books, I really feel that I have NO need to run.    Now that it is 2013 and I am feeling all ambitious for a week or so, I decided to fill up the planner with some ambitious  races and a training schedule.  

Goal/Race 1:  My third half marathon Saturday March 23rd The Savin Rock Half Marathon in West Haven, CT.  This is the first half I ever ran and I ran it in about 2:06.  I ran my second half in 2:00:46 (much flatter- barely trained).  My goal is to run this half in less than 2 hours -without feeling like I am going to hurl up the hills.  

Big Goal/Race 2:  Run my first marathon Sunday May 26th.....The Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, Vermont.  This is a huge goal as I have never run more than 13.1  BUT I used to run this race in the relay form.  It is in beautiful Burlington, right along Lake Champlain, and absolutely wonderful.  I am only getting older... when is a better time to train for a marathon than now?

SO its January 14th how am I doing?   PRETTY DARN GOOD I would say... I have been building up 1-2 miles a week- completing a "long run" every Saturday or Sunday and completing 2-3 "maintenance runs" of 3 miles.  I also throw in a rest day or two and a few cross training days which are usually walking or horseback riding.  

I am up to 7 miles relatively pain free.  I have been doing my longer runs very slowly, and I am tempted to try out the Jeff Galloway training program.. anyone ever try it?  

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/marathon.html

What is my secret?  Put it on the calendar, on the week days run at night right when I get home- reflective gear head lights tail lights- all a must 

and on the weekends, run in the morning right when I get up, before I am tempted to sit on the couch, clean, or do anything else.  

My last secret? Securing some a supportive fan base :) and a few running partners

Happy Running!