Training for a half marathon

Well, I think I'm ready to take the next step. I officially started training for a half marathon today. I have never run past the 10K distance 6.2 miles. I'm satisfied with my feelings of fulfillment after a 10K race. I've run three 10K races and one untimed 5K. I've got 3 more 10Ks scheduled in the next 3 months and a 5K scheduled as well.

Soooo....I've decided to give the half marathon a try. 13.2 miles. Double the 10K distance I've been running. Almost the same weekly distance I have run since March. The first half marathon I'd like to try is on December 6th. If I don't make that one then I will certainly make the one on January 24th.

I ran 9 miles on the treadmill today. I didn't want to try increasing distance until I was sure that I could keep my 10 minute mile pace. My goal is to finish the half marathon in no more than 2 hours and 20 minutes. But, 2 hours 10 minutes would be the best outcome in my mind. I don't enjoy running enough to want to spend any longer than that pounding the tread or the pavement. I get bored in 45 minute increments, usually around the 45 minutes and around the 1 hour and 30 minute marks. I wanted to try for 10 miles today, but at 8.5 miles I was just too bored and my legs were getting heavier. I slowed down to a walk and walked/jogged the last half mile. I finished the 9 miles in 95 minutes which is slightly off my current race pace for the 5K and 10K combined. I consider this a great time for the first time ever running that distance.

The first time is always the worst. After that you know you CAN do it and it becomes a matter of willpower to just do it (as Nike so famously said).

The next challenges will be to continue to increase the distance and also run that distance outdoors. But, for now given the high temperatures hovering around 110-115 degrees and the smoke plumes arising from fire season I will be just as happy to at least be training on the treadmill in the air conditioned gym.