You read it right folks, I’m running my first half next March!
I’m still laughing at the fact that I am actually running a half marathon. Let me back it up a bit, I am not a runner nor have I ever been. However I have always wanted to be a runner and told myself that I will run a half marathon in my life. I have so many friends who are runners and I have always been envious that they can actually just go out and run 5-10 miles and not be phased by it. I remember in high school we had to do a 2 mile run for field hockey pre season and I was terrified. I’m really not sure why I’ve been terrified of running because I am athletic (I think I am) and actually enjoy working out.
The NYC half marathon has been something that I’ve been wanted to do for years. I remember watching the live coverage when I lived in Connecticut and then especially when I moved to NYC a couple years ago. It is such a cool race- you get to run through Times Square (they close it down) and Central Park. Can it get any better than that? Well yes it can, this years race is on St. Patrick’s Day which is one of my favorite holidays (Irish here). A couple weeks ago my coworkers (half runners, half semi runners) decided to enter into the lottery for the half because in reality we thought we would never get selected. If you don’t know anything about the lottery, the NYC half is so hard to get into and is honestly based on pure luck unless you’ve done previous races within that year to grant you guaranteed entry. When I submitted my name I was like there is no way that I would be selected, well here we are folks, exactly 15 weeks out until the race. So what’s the plan?
Start a training program ASAP.
Like I’ve mentioned earlier, I do enjoy to workout. The only problem is, that does not include running except for an occasional 2 mile run on the west side highway. I go to Soul Cycle, do the elliptical, can walk (fast) for days, I take barre, pilates, you name it, but running never tops the list of workouts for me. *Slightly panicking* I posted on my Instagram Stories when I got accepted into the race saying HELP ME. So many people responded and gave me such incredible tips and one of them were to follow Hal Higdon’s half marathon training program. This program is 12 weeks long which is great because this last Sunday was the 15 week mark and I know it will take me a little bit to build it up. What I like about his program is that there are rest days that are incorporated. I was worried that it was going to be running 24/7 with no breaks but what I’ve learned is that your body actually needs rest so I’m going to force myself to have such much needed rest days. I can also incorporate other exercises so I can continue doing Soul Cycle (thank goodness) along with strength training. One concern of mine is the weather and training in the winter. I hate running on the treadmill (LOL) but your girl has to change that ASAP. I plan to run outside whenever I can but I know that isn’t realistic forever considering the dropping temperatures and also how early it gets dark. TBD on how my relationship with the treadmill goes.
Get new sneakers.
I’ve had my sneakers for almost a year now and I definitely need new ones. I am such a loyal Nike gal but I have heard such wonderful things about Asics. To be honest, they are not the cutest but they provide you with the best support. There is a running store called Jack Rabbit in the city (thanks Dana for telling me about this) that I will be checking out this week because they give you customized sneakers based on your running history and how you run (they have treadmills in the store). This is definitely needed because in high school I would get severe shin splits and I had ACL surgery so I want to make sure we are set up for success.
Fuel body correctly.
Since I’ll be running much more I definitely need to make sure I am fueling my body correctly. I don’t want to be dramatic here since I know it’s just a half marathon and some people think that it’s a piece of cake, but let me tell you my body is not used to this. I want to make sure I am eating enough calories, proteins, healthy fats, and carbs. Carbs are not the enemy folks! You need them to power through. I will be researching recipes on Pinterest and getting some great snack ideas to keep me fueled before and after I run.
Have fun.
Like I’ve mentioned before, this is something that I’ve been wanted to do for YEARS. I have to remind myself that this needs to be fun and enjoyable. I am not setting a time goal for myself, except for I would like to be under 2 hours and 30 minutes, because I know that will make me go crazy. I told myself that I’m going to finish this race whether that means I have to alternate between running and walking. I am going to cross that finish line in one piece and with a smile on my face. Already looking forward to all the beers that I will be consuming with my friends at the bar afterwards.
Have you run a major race before? If so, what are some tips that you have?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
