My journey to becoming a half marathon runner

Two years ago if you had asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon I would have laughed in your face!  I was nearing 30, had a 3 year old that kept me busy, worked full time and I was a smoker.  Most things that took cardiovascular endurance made me short of breath.  There was NO way I could have run 1 mile let alone 13.1!  After I quit smoking a year and a half ago I gained 30 pounds.  I figured that a little weight gain wouldn't matter in the long run since I would be adding years back to my life.  Boy was I wrong.  I lost all of my self worth, self confidence and my figure.  I just let myself go and then I let myself go further.  Those 30 pounds changed me.  And not for the better.

Then I joined Weight Watchers and started losing the weight!  It was an amazing feeling.  I was starting to feel worthy again, to feel like I mattered.  I was planning a wedding during all of this too and the stress was mounting.  I started talking to a friend of mine at work who was a runner and I decided to start the Couch to 5k program.  Her advice was pivotal in my journey.  She told me that even on the days that the program feels easy, don't skip a day.  At first that seemed silly to me!  If I can do it, then why should I do it again?  Right?  WRONG!  Taking your time during a training program is very important for injury prevention.  I should have listened.  I jumped in too fast and ended up with the world's WORST shin splints.  Part of that is because I was wearing improper shoes.  So with that in mind I went shopping.......at a reputable running store near me.  They fit me for my shoes and sent me on my way.  From then on I was ready to go.  I graduated from Couch to 5k with honors!  I knew that I was a slow runner (average around 11:30 min/mile) but I was running 5k without stopping.  I felt great!  That's when I decided that I would run a 10k that fall.  The Poulsbo Marathon offered a 10k option and I was interested. 

So we all know that I did not run the 10k that weekend.  So how did I go from wanting to run a 10k to a half?  Vanity!  Ha!  Upon further research I found out that the 10k finishers receive a ribbon but the half marathon runner.....they receive a MEDAL!  And I wanted one!  So began my training. 

I am a computer nerd.  That being said I did a lot of research before choosing a training plan.  It is important to note that you should not begin a half marathon training plan until you can run at least 3 miles without stopping.  When I finally chose a plan I put it on my calendar so that I wouldn't weasel my way out of it!  The plan indicated that I would run 4 times a week.  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Weekday runs averaged in mileage between 2-5 miles with the long run on the weekend.  I slowly built my long runs, never increasing by more that 1-2 miles with each passing week. 

At this point I should note that I had a great running partner.  She introduced me to the Galloway method of running, intervals.  We started out running 2/1 intervals but I felt guilty holding her back.  So we stuck with 3/1 intervals mostly, occasionally throwing in 3/:30 or 4/1.  This helped shave time off my mile time.  She is faster than me and was always encouraging me to go faster, keep up and not complain.  And she kept me accountable.  We only live about 1.5 miles away from each other so it was easy to meet up.  She stuck with me through all of my aches, pains and blisters.  Oh the BLISTERS!  They were (and still are) the bane of my existence.  I am an overpronator. Which means I run on the inside of my feet.  So of course my blisters were all on my arch.  I had great shoes but at that point I had already put hundreds of miles on them.  So for a few weeks I just powered through the blisters and dealt with them.

About two weeks prior to the race I broke down and bought a new pair of shoes.  This allowed me time to break them in with some short runs.  I was excited when the package arrived (I bought them online this time.  Same shoes, different color).  I was like a kid on Christmas!  I shoved those shoes on my feet and out the door I went!  It was great!  No blisters!  I ran my last long run of 11 miles in those shoes and no new blisters!

Then I entered the taper zone.  Typically this is the saviour of the training.  This is the time your body need to rest and recover before the race.  It is crucial.  Unfortunately I took it a bit too far.  I did not run the 7 miles I should have the weekend prior and I think I only ran 2 times the week leading up to the race.

But race day arrived and I was ready.  I had confidence in my training and I had my husband and kids there to root me on.  By the end of the race I had learned exactly what I was capable.  Both physically and emotionally.  But that is a story for another day!

In closing, I have gone from an overweight smoker to a non-smoking half marathon finisher in less than two years!  I am so proud!  I am currently training for my second half marathon on New Year's Eve and I'll let you know how it goes!

Red Kisses,

Krissy