Monday, May 12, 2008

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.

17 comments:

Wes said...

That's my girl :-) We want you straining at the bit like a young philly :-) Then, you can let it all loose on the course! Woot!!

Molly said...

You have done such a great job of being consistant with your running...I know you will rock it and I can not wait to hear all about it!
Take Care!

akshaye said...

Your training is great, so rest up and you'll do great! With you all the way :)

J~Mom said...

WOOHOO! Taper time!! This is going to be an exciting weekend!

Badgergirl said...

The hard training is over. Rest up and enjoy your taper week. And remember to enjoy every step of the half marathon! You deserve it! Can't wait to hear all about it.

IronGambit said...

take your time and cruise it in... this way your next half will be a PR :)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the half! Your blog is great, and I'm impressed with your training...

(A fellow teacher)

~Linda

Kevin said...

You definitely have built a good base for this race. You are ready to rock it. The most important thing to do is enjoy it. You have worked hard for it and it will all pay off come race day. Cant wait to read your report

Neese said...

so exciting!! :) I'm so proud of you! You certainly have come a long way and you deserve that title of half marathon finisher, take it easy this week and drink lots of water.

Sherry said...

Believe in yourself, Stacy! You are ready and you can do this! I'm very excited for you!

Enjoy your taper. I looooved mine this past week and by Saturday morning I was seriously itching to exercise. That seems to be when you know that the taper has worked- your body is rested, recovered, and ready to roar! When dawn broke on Sunday, I was soooo ready to go. You will be too!

Stay confident! Rest up!!!

AddictedToEndorphins said...

Oh thats very very exciting!!!
Im sure you are going to do great on your half marathon! I can't wait to read all about your success. Definately enjoy the taper and the carb loading. Tha'ts my favorite part of racing--taper and carb loading!

Unknown said...

Have fun this weekend. I think you're gonna' love it. :)

Mike said...

Good Luck!!! :)

Triseverance said...

Good luck in Fargo

Jess said...

Yay yay yay! You will do so awesome in your race. You are totally and completely ready. And once you finish you will be so pumped you will want to do it all over again!

Brian said...

Once you race this thing you'll never be the same.
What looked like a mountain will be nothing more then a mole hill.

The thing about running long, is that you learn so much about yourself, you grow, you become a richer person and you learn that you can do what seemed impossible with a plan and training.

Now, after this race, you will look at yourself differently, you are a bad a$$ and you know it.

Go out steady and finish strong.

-Brian

P.O.M. said...

I'm so excited for you! YOu are going to do great and LOVE IT! Can't wait to hear all about it!