Half Marathon Training

I'm going to be doing my first ever half marathon this year!  I'm really excited, but at the same time extremely terrified!  This half marathon is going to take place at Disneyland during Labor Day weekend which will be tons of fun!  Last year my mom and brother were in the actual race, whilst (did you catch that Ryan?!) I was volunteering with the race committee.  I had a blast helping out and lucked out by having my post be at the finish line!  I was albe to see my mom and brother finish and get some good shots of them nearing the end.  This year I've decided to go for it and compete. 

Recently I've gotten outside and started walking/running, but have discovered that the new little town I moved to is all primarily hills.  Ugh, that's giving quite a workout on my legs and butt, and I'm told that training on these sorts of routes is good because then when I get to the actual race which is mostly flat, it'll be easier for me.  I even got a new pair of running shoes and love them!  I live in the Pacific Northwest and of course its spring where it rains quite a bit.  So now I gotta get myself in gear and train, even in the rain.  (yes, I rhymed)

Before I mentioned that I'm terrified.  This is because I'm afraid to fail.  I'm afraid that I'm going to be one of the people that they have to pick up in a golf cart cause I'm too slow.   I keep telling myself to stay focused, keep training, and I'm gonna do great ... now if I would just listen!  One of the things that I'm really looking forward to is being in this race with my mom.  I haven't run with her before so I'm not sure if I'll slow her down or be able to keep up, but it would be awesome if the two of us could cross that finish line together...hand in hand ^__^ Just thinking about that possibility brings tears of joy to my eyes.  She's been so encouraging with this whole thing and wanted me to do the half marathon last year, but I wasn't ready mentally, emotionally or physically so I decided to help out instead.  This year, I'm ready! or as ready as I'll ever be. 

I have some books mom gave me and in one of them the author talks about how any sort of marathon, or half, or 5K, 10K, 8K, whatever is not about competing against other people, but competing against yourself.  Which means, I need to focus on my progress and not worry about anyone else.  I'm a beginner and it'll show, but I'm excited about the adventure!

So, stay tuned and I'll keep you all updated on my progress.  There's a guide in one of the books for a 26 week schedule, which means I gotta start it in April...that's only 2 days away! YIKES! lol ... but this is important to me and I'm gonna get myself focused.  RUN STRONG!