A cruise control app for running & getting back on track.

My life has been one crazy roller coaster lately. Now that I'm back in the swing of teaching a group of eager third graders during the week, and running a household of three children and a husband, I have experienced a little lull in my training. My high hopes of following the Hanson's Half marathon training program has been sidelined. I don't think that my body can handle the high mileage that this program requires. More so, I simply do not want to give up the time to do it. I believe that everyone has the time, they just have to decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to get that task done.
Just like Thoreau stated...

I do make time for my running and cross training because it makes me a better person all together, however, I am not going to miss out on life as it passes me by. It's a tricky balance this life thing. 

My decision to ditch the Hanson's training plan has left me falling back into what felt comfortable for my last few half marathon plans. I am now following Hal Higdon's Intermediate Half plan. Here is the breakdown for those of you who are not familiar with it. http://www.halhigdon.com/assets/_legacy/halfmarathon/halfinter.pdf

I'm exactly one month away from running a half in Missouri on October 6th. My goal for a PR is for the Detroit Half Marathon on October 20th. I am really familiar with this course and love running in cooler temps. 

APP LOVE for RUNNERS: I came across a really great article by Alex Hutchinson that was featured on the Runner's World Website. http://www.runnersworld.com/workout-music/cruise-control-running If you struggle with keeping your pace steady while running, this article is definitely worth the read. Since I'm trying to stay on target for a PR, I know that I have to keep my pace steady throughout the race. In addition you can run in FREE RUN mode and the app makes sure that your music synchs to your stride! How great is that!? This app can help a runner achieve a specific finish time.  Check out the info here.  http://www.cruisecontrolrun.com/

Let me know if you have ever used this app and your thoughts about it.

Happy running - 

Emily 

Half Marathon Training Plan Decision Time

It's that time of the year again for me. Time to pick out a training plan to follow for my annual Detroit Free Press Race. Decisions, decisions...why is it so hard for me to pick just one. Do other runner's spend so much time researching and fretting about what to do? In the past I have used Hal Higdon's Half Marathon training plans: Novice and Intermediate 1. I also used Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 Full Marathon training plan for my first  26.2. Overall I felt happy with my results. Each time I shaved off time, but I still think that I need more. So, after doing some research I think that I have decided to go with...Hansons' Half Marathon Training Plan. http://www.hansons-running.com/training-plans/half-marathon-training-plan/

So many runners have been writing about the benefits of learning how to run on "tired legs". I have been trying to push myself on my last mile of each training run. It's been hard but rewarding. My last mile I ran was an 8:03 mile after running, going to body combat class, and then running. It was exhausting, but it made me feel that I can push myself harder than I have in the past. Something always seems to hold me back. It's my problem that I have to learn to overcome. Mental toughness. I've got determination for sure, but mental toughness is different.

This plan also includes speed work and long tempo runs. Honestly, I really dread speed work. It's one of those things that I know is necessary, but do I really need to do it? And how much speed work is acceptable? I don't live close enough to train with the Hansons Running Team, so I guess I'm going to find another runner willing to meet me a track to make it less painful.

I have a finishing goal time that I want to go after this year. Last year my half split was 1:58 and I was running conservatively because of not wanting to die on the last part of the marathon. I want to challenge myself to go for it and not hold back. I know the course well and I want it bad! Most runner's can relate to this reason about why we are driven.

Those of you who know me should be smiling right now! LOL. :) Here's the link to the race information. Come run in the D and Canada with me. http://www.freepmarathon.com/events/marathon

Questions: How do you determine which training plan to use? Do you ask friends, research, go with the flow, don't use a plan because you're so awesome!? I would love to hear your comments, advice.

Happy Training -
Emily