13.1

The most I've run in my life at one time, was 6 miles. I was on an Outward Bound course in North Carolina between my junior and senior years of high school. One of the things we did daily was run the mountain trails every morning. We were working towards the 6 mile trail run at the end of the course. I had never been a runner...and still don't feel like my body is meant to run. But, when I finished that 6 mile run, I felt so good for accomplishing what I never felt was possible. Last year during my triathlon, my weakest event was the running. It was only 4 miles, but I literally thought I was going to die! So, this year, I've decided to make it one of my goals to run a 1/2 marathon. I figured if I concentrated on just one event (running), I could perhaps begin to like it and possibly get better at it. I'm two weeks into the training program now for a 1/2 marathon on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) in Mandeville, LA. I'm not loving it yet. But I DO love the little baby step accomplishments of my training program. Every Saturday is my long run. It's usually a little bit farther than the week before. These baby steps will hopefully prepare me for 13.1 miles! :)

I've been using an application on my iphone to help me keep track of my distance and accomplishments. I've also been posting my completed runs on FB to help keep me accountable. I need any bit of motivation I can get! :) I'll also keep my logged workouts posted here on my blog.

So far, I've learned that running is a true challenge, but running in the heat, adds even more challenge! So, I've realized there's a trade-off to having to wake up super early to run...and that's no sun! As soon as that sun peaks over those trees, that's it! So, early runs are great (even if I lose sleep). Secondly, this morning I sprayed myself with a spray bottle of water before starting my run. VERY GOOD IDEA! It helped keep me cool to start out my run. I also invested in a running belt that holds water. Jason filled the little water bottles with my GU drink halfway, then froze them for me. Then I just added more right before my run. My drinks stayed icy cold...and melted quick enough to still enjoy it! The thing I need to work on most, is staying well-hydrated before my runs. I think I'd feel better if I could get better at hydration.

If you have any other running tips for me, please add a comment under this post! I'd really appreciate the input! :)