Half Marathon Training

When I was pregnant I made a goal to be able to run the Santa Barbara Half Marathon in November. I have ran it before and loved the challenging course and the fact that it is held in one of my favorite beaches in Cali. I was so thankful enough to be able to run up until my eighth month of pregnancy and even more thankful that I have found little bits of time to run since Calvin has been born but after passing Calvin's six month I have realized that I am running out of time! I I have been reading almost every article in my Runners World magazine but sadly that won't do much unless I lace up my tenies daily and get to movin! I am able to run 5.5 miles without passing out but I only have three months until the race so I am really going to have to kick it into gear if I don't want to be picked up by an ambulance on mile 6!

Running has always been a huge passion of mine since I ran my first race in 3rd grade but that doesn't mean it has been easy. Running is most definitely a love/hate relationship but just like any other commitment I have to put in a great deal of effort to make it work. These are a few things that help me keep my commitment to running.

1. I have a set of "running" clothes. When I put on these clothes and lace up my tenies, that I only use for running, I know its time to get going.

2. I plan out where I am going to run prior to starting my run. If I don't do this I end up taking the shortest route.

3. I talk to myself when my self starts talking negatively to myself :) Make sense? So when I start hearing...

Give up

It's too hard

You're out of shape

Go back home

Just do an easy run today...

I catch myself and then start saying my mantras:)

Get it girl

keep going

You have done it before you can do it again

Go Em Go

You're flying now

You can and will do this!

Running is just as much, if not more, mental than it is physical.

4. I drink my chocolate milk! I just started this a couple weeks ago but it is the highlight of my post run workout. It has the perfect amount of carb and protein to help replenish tired muscles and helps against dehydration with its high water content. I am not the biggest fan of milk or should I say my digestive system is not because I am lactose intolerant but I drink this with my lactose free milk and it is superb!

So here I go. Half Marathon I coming for you! I will not let your 13.2 miles cripple me with fear and cause me to only watch other runners enjoy the victory of conquering you! I only have three months you say?? Pshh I got this!