How has it already been three weeks since I completed the Goofy Challenge? (Part 1, Half, Full) Aside from some lingering hamstring tightness from the second day of my trip, I feel great. I spent three weeks recovering, running as I pleased, and deciding what I want to do next.
As I shared my recaps, I am still so proud of myself and over the moon about how I did during the Disney Marathon. I feel like I’m stronger than I could ever believe, and I truly can do hard things.
As I expected, I also went through the post-marathon blues. I almost signed up for a March full, thought about training for a “speedy” 10K, almost spent all my pennies to go down for Star Wars weekend, so on and so on. I really did struggle with what to do next.
Last Friday, it finally hit me. I want to run faster. My biggest running dream (besides running the Athens Marathon) is to run Boston. Obviously, I have a really far way to go before that happens. The first step is to get faster, and truly work to do it. So I’m dedicating my spring to a half marathon PR.
This is scary, really scary. My half marathon PR was so unexpected and random, and I’m still not sure if it was a fluke or not. I’m not so sure it’s attainable. But I’m putting it here to keep me accountable. I’m going to attempt to break my 2:09:05!
I have some specific steps to do this:
- Follow a half-marathon training plan (with speed-work!): I’m following Lindsey Hein’s plan that’s up on Zappos. It’s been so long since I’ve done “just” a half-marathon plan! Between now and march, I’ll be doing longer long runs than is called for, as I have Rock N Roll DC in early March.
- Actually cross train and do strength work: Yeah, thats always a goal. I’m going to be buying a spin bike soon, so it’ll happen.
- Do more running and less intervals!: Galloway intervals work for me, but they’re also a way of keeping it safe. I’ll be using them for easy and recovery runs, but I plan to run more during long runs and speed days.
- Clean up the diet: I’ve been working so hard on this since the marathon. I’m addicted to my new ninja blender, and I’ve been making healthy swaps. I’ve even started to like kombucha (WHAT?!)
My goal race is the Frederick Running Festival Half Marathon on May 6th! If it’s not my day, I have a back-up planned for two weeks later. Right now, I’m having a hard time being really excited for the race. I’m doing as much reading about it as I can now to find a connection to the race and my training (which is key for me!)
See Sam Run 