{Half Marathon} 13 weeks to train for Seattle Rock & Roll Race

 

If you know me, you know I'm goal orientated. I'm driven by challenges and goals. So, I've commited to training for my 2nd half marathon in hopes to getting me back in shape. 13 weeks and counting! That is until the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon on June 26th. I'm registered! Yikes! I have been seriously slacking in the fitness department since even before having Brooklyn. I easily have 20 pounds to lose and needed some serious motivation. In the past, training for triathlons and my first half-marathon have been my best and most motivating option. So here we go again! I'm excited that I will be running this race with my sister Jeanene and four of my friends (Cora, Lora, Rachel, & Sarah). I had already planned to be on vacation in Washington during this time, so it's a perfect fit. I'll be tracking my progress here on the blog and hopefully that will be one more piece of accountability for me. As you might imagine, finding the time to run is my biggest challenge. It wouldn't be so bad, but Brooklyn is not a fan of the stroller these days. So I have been leaving her at daycare for one extra hour and going to run afterschool.

I've started training using the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone for my midweek runs. I really love this app and how it eases you back into running. It starts with interval training, running for 60 seconds and then walking for 90 for week one (increasing time with each run), and a voice even interrupts your music to tell you when to walk/run. I fast forwarded to Week 6 yesterday and ran for 5 minutes, walked 3, ran 8, walked 3, & attempted to finish with 5 (but was more like 3). Needless to say, I'm SORE today! I'll be using RunKeeper for my longer runs to track my pace and mileage. Wish me luck!

I like how both of these apps interface with your music. Music is a must when I run! That is also why the Rock&Roll race series is so fun. They have bands throughout the course. It's like a running concert!

 

My thoughts on running (after a baby, that is). Can I be honest? It sucks! Since having a baby I have to wear two sports bras. I'm a little discouraged by the fact that I practically pee my pants when I run now. And go figure, I didn't even have B naturally. And holy cow, I got some junk in the trunk...because my booty practically smacks my back when I run. I'm not kidding. It's not funny. It's actually a bit disturbing. But, hey...I'm working on it.

Give me 12 weeks and I'll show you a new ME!