Shoes, Gel Shots, and HALF MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM!

Gorgeous Weather!

Today has been gorgeous! This morning was simply amazing. Temps in the upper 60s and a nice breeze. We ran our miles in 95% shade so even when the temps began to rise, we were still cool. We ran 5.17 in 53 minutes. Technically, it was faster than that but we stopped for close to 2 min. for Candace to get rid of a weird cramp. So, our average pace was in the 9.5ish minute mile range, just where I like it for training.

I love running in the mornings. It's the best way to begin my day. I had some tummy issues this morning before my run because I ate terribly yesterday. The hubs was off so we ended up eating lunch and dinner out, which we never do. Mexican for lunch and BBQ for dinner, yeah, I paid for it! Plus I didn't sleep more than 6 hours last night! You would think with the bad tummy and little sleep that my run would have suffered. It really didn't and I was so happy. However, I don't recommend the combo and don't plan on doing that again any time soon, if ever. Just not very smart.

Anyway, we ran a new path today and it was just beautiful. There were bikers, walkers and runners everywhere. Everyone we passed was so nice! Funny how people are usually so much nicer when they are out doing something physically active. It just brightens your mood and is good for the soul!

OK, so yes my tummy was messed up but, my parents and kids love donuts and they had graciously kept my munchkins the night before so I decided to treat them to the famous Gibson's donuts! I was good and only had one blueberry donut along with fruit and coffee. Talk about heavenly!!!

Shoes & Gel Shots

This afternoon I went to Breakaway in hopes of buying new shoes. I went in convinced of the shoe I wanted. I wanted Brooks PureFlows. However, after talking with the sales guy and explaining my past injury he wasn't convinced it would be the best shoe for me. I need to make sure the shoe I wear has really good cushioning and support. Don't get me wrong, the PureFlows are a fantastic shoe, but because of my injury history and in hopes to never repeat that fracture I need something with a little more support. I left shoeless this time and will do a lot of research to hopefully find the right shoe for me. I love the shoe I'm in now - Brooks Defyance 5. I may end up sticking with it, but want to explore all my options.

As my mileage increases the need for carbs and electrolytes do as well. I picked up several different brands of gel shots to test out over the next several long runs - Hammer Gel, Cliff Shot Gel, GU Gel, and Sport Beans. I also got NUUN - electrolyte enhanced drink tablets. I've been told the supplements are trial and error so I hope I can find a favorite and stick with it. Do you have a favorite gel shot or drink tablet?

Healthy Snack!

I was super hungry at this point of the day so we stopped at Smoothie King for a delicious treat. It was just what I needed to carry me until dinner. Yay for healthy snacks!

Last, but certainly not least....My Half Marathon 16 week training program.

Candace and I begin Monday. The first 2 or 3 weeks really shouldn't be too challenging and I'm excited to increase mileage on our long runs in the near future! Since we did 5 today with no problem we may tweak the first couple of long runs to match where we are now, but for the most part we plan on sticking to this plan. I got the "meat" of the plan from Hal Higdon's Novice 2 training program. I increased the training from a 12 week program to a 16 week program. Since there are 16 weeks till the race. I have a few 5K races on the calendar for Saturday's, our long run day. I plan on running the extra distance that evening so I don't get behind schedule. For instance, week 5 I'm running a 5K race - that evening I'll run 4 miles to total 7 miles, the Saturday mileage of the week before. I didn't write that in the schedule but thought about it afterwards. I'm sure the evening miles will be a standard practice pace since I'll be tired from the 5K at race pace that morning.

So, Here it is :)