Less than 5 days....

My first time participating in a half marathon will be here in less on 5 days. Prior to training for this half marathon, I attempted to train for not just one, but two half marathons and was unsuccessful. The first one I began training for was only shortly after I had started running (in 2006). I hadn't really built a good base, and began building the miles too fast. The half turned into what was supposed to be a 10K through the badlands in Medora, and then turned into a difficult 5K trail run. The second half marathon I began training for was last summer (2007), and came to an ubrupt halt after a nasty 7 miler that left my right knee stiff and in a lot of pain. I was afraid I was never going to be able to run again. I was completely frustrated and thought I would never train for another half. Why would I put myself through that kind of frustration again?

I spent a lot of this fall building a good base in my running, something I have neglected to do in the past. Once I was settled into my new location and the teaching routine, I was able to get back into swimming and spinning; becoming addicted to both. The combination of both were something I was able to use as a form of cross training. This winter I slowly started to build miles and told myself that once I was able to do my 8-miler with no injuries, I was going to sign up for a half marathon. And on that day that I ran my 8-miler, I came home and registered for this race.

That doesn't mean my training has been smooth sailing, but is it for anyone? The past few weeks have been challenging. I could list all the reasons why I think I might not be ready, but it's water under the bridge now.

This half marathon is going to happen, come rain or shine (preferably without the rain or wind) in less than 5 days. Wes asked me to promise him I will take it easy until the half is over. I think I can do that.

It's taper time. I have never trained for a race where I have had to taper.

I think I kind of like it.