Remember that time I started a blog about running called In it for 4 the Long Run? Oh yeah– that one! Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely thrilled with how, what started as my running log, evolved into a thriving community. I love how the name, which started as a mediocre running pun, but transformed into my philosophy on health (learn more about how this whole party got started.) But it hasn’t exactly been a coincidence that running posts have taken a back seat. See for almost 7 months, I pretty much stopped running. It felt inauthentic and strange to write about running if I wasn’t well, you know, actually running. I had burnt out physically and mentally. It became a chore not a joy. So I tried out other types of fitness, like HIIT, strength training, group classes and yoga. It felt good to mix it up for a while.
But then a couple things happened. First, I moved to Boston and damn this city likes to run. It’s pretty contagious when even during the worst of the snow storms, you still saw people chugging along the Charles. Secondly, I hit a point with strength training where I knew if I wanted to improve and progress I’d need to set clearer goals and ideally work with a trainer, but it wasn’t in my budget. However, I still really wanted to be working towards a goal, because that’s how I’m able to stay motivated. Finally, it just felt right to start running again.
The past two months, I’ve been running on the treadmill before work usually 3 or 4 miles. At first it was rough. I didn’t realize quite how out of cardiovascular shape I was. To be honest, it was a little bit of an ego blow, actually it was a big ego blow. I hadn’t run this slow since I really began running seriously 4 years ago. Not only that, but the combo of bigger muscles and winter “fluff” made my running shorts a little less comfortable than I had remembered. There was a lot of walking breaks and slow miles. Slowly but surely each mile has gotten easier and faster and my competitive side is starting to come out from hiding.
I feel ready. Ready to start training again. My goal? Run a sub-2 hour half marathon. My PR for 13.1 miles is 2:02. I think I can do it. Scratch that. I know I can do it. I put together a 12 week training plan with 3-4 runs per week, built in strength training and a good mix of sprints, hills, tempo runs, long runs and easy runs. My weakness is definitely hills. I hate them. But then again I once thought I hated running. So maybe they’ll grow on me.
My 12 Week Half Marathon Training Plan
I’m hoping to find a good New England race in early September. I also really want to run the October Half Marathon on Nantucket. 2 Half Marathons in 2 months? Why not.
Another aspect of training I want to focus on is making sure to fuel properly after long intense workouts. I often lose my appetite if I’ve worked out more than an hour, so I especially want to focus on nutrition after those long runs. The fine folks at Vega (love them) kindly sent me some of their performance protein and recovery accelerator which I’m looking forward to using during my training. The protein is designed for post-workout and contains BCAAs (branched chain amino acids), 25g of plant-based protein and Glutamine which is important for muscle repair. They do a great job at explaining all the benefits on their site if you’re curious. Anywho, hoping to crush some miles and PRs.
I put together a really short reader survey to hear about what you love (and don’t love) so I can make the best blog for YOU.
It’s only 6 questions and it would mean so much to me if you answered: READER SURVEY
Your Turn
- Runners: have you ever taken a break from running?
- Looking to beef up my playlist – any song recommendations?
(for reference I love listening to artists like Ellie Goulding on my runs)
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Excited for you Georgie! I really like the set up of your training plan! I am hoping for my next half to go sub-2 as well and want to add in more strength training then I did for my last one since I know that will help will getting up those dreaded hills much quicker!
Thanks girl! I had so much fun watching your training journey. Hills man. They’re the worst.
How exciting! I’m the same way after I have a long run. I don’t want to eat right away, but if I wait too long, I eat everything in sight for the rest of the day. I eat a protein bar after I run, not because I’m hungry, but because I know I’ll need it.
Exaaactly! Glad I’m not alone. So weird how that happens.
Excited for you! I have no doubt you can reach your goal…especially with such a positive mindset and plan. I fully support taking training breaks. I think they are so necessary and we come back stronger.
For a while I felt weird not running and kind of like a poser, but now that I’ve started back up again I realize that it was just what I needed.
Congrats on your next big goal. I love the graphic of the plan, what program did you use to make it? Also the Vega recovery accelerator doesn’t taste the best but it so fabulous at helping me recover after long runs and races!
Thanks girl! I used photoshop (aka my bff) If you’d like I can send you the .psd file if you’re ever in the market for a template 😀
Good to hear about the accelerator (minus the taste), I’ve never used anything like it for long runs so I’m curious to see how it works!
I just started training for a half and I have never been a runner – so I totally commiserate with you on ]the feeling of starting from scratch! It does feel good to push through and end strong when you thought you were too tired to run 3 miles though 🙂
Totally – I never used to be when I started, but now I’m a huge fan of following a plan. Plus at the end you get some rad bling for all your effort
I ran the Nantucket half the first year they had it and it was FANTASTIC! I also ran the Hamptons half one year (my parents did the full) and that was a great course – but mid/late September if I’m remembering correctly. I think taking a break from running is a great idea, especially when you get back into it, I felt like I had a whole new spark. I took three months off to get into crossfit once (it didn’t stick) and I came back exponentially slower. I also ended up taking 12 weeks off due to a stress fracture from over training. You will be back in no time and I’m excited to follow along with your training! It looks great!! Happy Monday!
Thanks girl! Glad to hear that the Nantucket course is great – runs there are so nice! (basically the whole island is flat) – a run in the Hamptons sounds amazing too!
Excited for you to get back on the training game. I can live vicariously through you! 🙂 Haha.
Thanks girl! I can’t even imagine trying to run in TX in the summer!
Hi Georgie,
I am thrilled that I found your blog/Instagram. After spending some time checking both resources out, we have some really cool similarities! But I digress 🙂
I am running the Newport Half-Marathon in Newport, RI (where I went to college) in October but since you said you were looking for one a bit earlier, you should totally check out the Surftown Half Marathon & 5k in Westerly, RI. (http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/Events/Surftown_Half_Marathon___5K.htm) Fast, flat and ocean side — it’s definitely great and I think it’s in early to mid September.
All the best,
Angelina
Thought I’d let ya know! Hope to “see” you around the web – my Instagram is @cinna_maine_runner
Thank you dear! Just followed your ‘gram <3 Oo I'll totally check out those races - flat is right up my ally.
I’m almost 100% positive I will be running the half on Nantucket too..Plus I am trying to convince two friends (both would be their first) to join me. I mean what better place to tackle your first half. So happy to hear that you are back into running. We all need a break from certain things in life and I am glad that you took that time and listened to your body. Good luck with the training! Oh and I am always working on refueling after runs, because I too loose my appetite.
Your training plan looks awesome, best of luck hitting your half goal 🙂
hi! I stumbled upon your page while googling “how to run” because it seems to be something my legs have forgotten how to do…and I’m glad I did! I ran my first race last November (5 miler), and have also let running take a backseat in my life since January. but with my winter weight still hanging around, I’m more than ready to get back into it. my boyfriend and I just signed up for the Nantucket half, so it looks like I’ll see ya there! I hear you about Boston too – I just moved to Quincy from CT and suffer some serious running jealousy during my commute into the city everyday. I’m looking forward to getting back into shape and hitting these beautiful Boston streets! Not sure I’ll be able to keep up with your training schedule, but I’ll take it as motivation! (:
Good morning!! I just happen across your page and am so glad I did… I love your philosophy and approach. I had a few questions as I am new to running and want to train for my first 1/2. For the strength training, hills, tempo blocks. Would you do these for time / distance??? Thank you for sharing…
Jenn
That’s so great to hear Jenn! Thanks for visiting – for strength training I typically do 30 mins, for hills I’ll do the same distance as the Friday that week so 3miles, 4 miles and 5 miles and find a route with hills – for tempo I’ll do 30, 40, 50 mins – but that’s just what works for me