Deb: Goals

First off, way to go Val!  The first time back is the hardest, the second time is the second hardest and so on until it gets easier.  Keep going and don't forget your sneakers when you head to England.  You must do at least one run overseas!

I wanted to post my race goals so that I can look back at them in April and see what has changed over 4 months.  I would love to run the half in 2:30 and really would love to run it in 2:20.  I would love to be 7 pounds lighter for the race.  I would love to start and finish the race with Val by my side.  I think I need to run 13 miles at least once before the race (mental). 

Monthly Goals:  Each month I am going to set a monthly goal for myself and see how I do.  December is drink 8 glasses of water each day.  I think water is so important for the body and especially if I am working out.  I am hoping to get in the habit and carry that over month to month.  So Val will you join me?  Grap that 24 oz Patriot cup, fill it up in the morning and think of me and Greg as you finish it and fill it again. 

So running, working out and eating right is a given.  Water is the December goal!

11/29/11: 10 minute abs, 4.25 miles on the treadmill
11/30/11:  10 minute abs, 4 miles on the treadmill

Yesterday-the ugly

So yesterday I had to run.  I literally had to, had to, had to run.  If I didn't run there was the possibility that I might never get started.  It was the last thing I wanted to do.  BUT at 9pm I went and ran 3miles.  It was not fast, it was not beautiful but let me tell you it felt good afterwards.

Why had I waited so long to get back into running?!?  Sure it hurt and was embarrassing how slow I was going but then I started thinking about it in a different way.  Why should I be embarrassed that my face is the color of a tomato?  Why should I worry that someone is judging my pace?  All it comes down to is that today (yesterday) I ran.  And despite how slow I went, it was faster than I ran the day before...which since I didn't run would be...infinity?  Talk about slow!

When are you and dad registering?  Greg has been running as well.  He's excited for the 1/2 never having run one himself.  It should be a great weekend!

Deb: Race Info

Here is a link to the race that Val and I, along with Gary and Greg, will be running.

http://www.acmarathon.org/The_Races/April_Fools_Half-Marathon/Registration.htm

Last year, Gary and I ran the 7k and had a great time, as we always do in Atlantic City.  Free beer after the race, free room at Harrah and a hot tub waiting for us!  Can't get better than that!  The course is along the Boardwalk and ocean - very beautiful.  That was the first year they had this April Fools race and decided to add the half marathon this year. 

In October, Gary ran the half and I ran the 10k.  Again, we had a great time.  The promoters really know how to put on a great race.  

This half marathon looks very different.  It is an out and back course.  The wind will probably be a factor, but nothing I haven't seen before (NC lighthouse race!).   And so the training begins.... 

My driving force

It is amazing what a little peer pressure will do. Me - one that never wanted to run a half marathon - is. I sit here thinking about how crazy that is.

But I got Val, my driving force. She is the reason for this craziness. I am SO excited about being able to run with her and I know I will train hard for our April run. Not only will the race be a great accomplishment for me, it will be a great weekend in AC with her and Greg!

So today I got back in the swing of exercising after a whole week off for the holidays. Abs in the morning and 4 miles on the treadmill. I am thinking about a December goal, wanting to do a different one each month, and will post at that time. Any support and suggestions are encouraged!!

Day 1

So this year over Thanksgiving Mom and I decided that we would train for a 1/2 marathon together and keep track of how we were doing over this blog.  This will be Deb's first 1/2 marathon and my third.  We plan to run it in AC and are shooting for April fool's day....don't let the date fool you, we will be ready!

From my side of things, I have a lot of work to do.  Over the last year I've made a lot of strides in my career but exercise has definitely been put on the back burner.  Honestly I miss it.  I am crankier, can't sleep as well, and have been starting my days out poorly as I try to find something that fits!  Also, I just don't have the time to decompress like I used to.  

So when Mom mentioned this I was very excited to jump on board.  This will be her first 1/2 and with that comes a lot of excitement and nerves.  I don't want to let her down so I'll train hard so I can be there with her every step of the way.

Enjoy the blog.  You'll hear the good, the bad, and the ugly steps along the way.  Congrats to those who have done a 1/2 already and to those that are training for one I hope this offers some support.  After all misery does love company :)  

Val