Off and Running...Again

Yep, I'm doing it...I'm signing up for my second half marathon of 2015 this week! Woot woot!  This will be my 4th ever, but first time I've ever done 2 in one year! I guess I've gotta make up for a 2 year half marathon hiatus in 2013/2014. I'm really excited about this one, it will be my first ever Texas race and I've heard the Corpus Christi Harbor Half Marathon is a really good one! We will run over the bay bridge (pretty!) and it's in November, so hopefully won't be so horribly hot. The other reason I"m really excited about is that a couple of my Mom's in Motion pals have decided to join me in training and running the race! It is INFINITELY better to be training with friends! Even though most of our runs will be done solo (7 kids under 5 between the 4 of us makes scheduling a challenge) it's nice to have accountability! 

I created a 10 week training program for us to follow over the next few months. I've been working with my husband's team's strength and conditioning coach on some back/hip alignment issues and after a conversation with him I made a few modifications to my original plan. On a quick side note - have you ever tried one of these Sacro Wedgies?? He just introduced me to it and it is amazing!! (Amazon Link) Anyways...we decided that because I'm injury prone and seem to do better with lower mileage (see this post about the race I didn't train for), to follow a lower, slower mileage increase plan to keep us all healthy for race day! I kept it really bare bones so that each of us can customize the plan to meet our goals. There are 4 runs per week and I have only designated mileage. This allows for a run/walk method or the addition of speed work/intervals depending on race goals. This is a perfect program for beginners who have a "finish" goal for their half marathon, but can also help you with a time goal if you add in some speed work and time goals throughout the program. These 4 runs should also be scheduled in with some regular strength and yoga workouts. Of course, an OFF day is really important too! I'm using our Mom's in Motion class for my strength days and adding in yoga and core a few days a week too. 

Disclaimer: Although I am an AFAA certified Personal Fitness Trainer, you should consult a physician before starting any exercise program or diet. If you choose to do any workouts on this website, you do so at your own risk. 

So far, I'm a week and half into training and I'm really happy to be training for something again.. I've had a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with running since I moved to TX, so it feels good to have a goal and a plan to follow. No more wimping out or making excuses! 

For some reason, whenever I start increasing my running mileage, I get sick. To hopefully prevent this this time around, I've been diligently diffusing essential oil immunity blends! I also have been using lemongrass oil on my knee and foot to help with the soreness. To hear more about how I use essential oils at home click here! 

Not every run has been great, that's for sure - but I'm really working on more positive thoughts about running. Having a race to train for makes it more exciting. I hope as I get back in the groove a little more I'll start having those "Wow I actually love to run" runs again once in a while! 

I'll keep you posted as my training progresses, and you can always follow along on Instagram! I'm @homefieldfitness. I'd love to hear about what your training for too!

Happy Running Friends!

How about you?

Are you training for any races this fall?
What gets you out of a running slump? 

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