After 16 weeks of hard training, I am finally ready to run another half marathon. This one will be held at Callaway Gardens.
Callaway Gardens is a beautiful place located near Pine Mountain, Georgia. Most of the run will be around their lake. I have been preparing to run along rolling hills and gorgeous scenery.
Consistency in training should help me this time around. I have been following Jeff Galloway's plan as provided through Garmin. It includes Long runs spaced at two week intervals alternating with speed repeats.
The long runs are meant to build stamina, while the speed repeats are meant to build speed and stamina. My three longest runs were 15, 17, and 19 miles. Those runs were all about spending time on my feet. The premise is that If I can cover distances longer than the half marathon, the actual race will feel easier and less threatening because I know I can cover the distance.
Speed repeats are 800 meters each. I started with 4 and then increased incrementally. I finally completed 12,14, and 16. Upon completion of the 16 repeats, I found that I had practically run the distance with that particular workout. It brought my confidence level up.
In addition, I completed a weekly set of goal pace repeats. six repeats of 800 meters was the norm. After the speed repeats and long runs, my comfort level was high.
Finally, to build strength in the legs, I completed hill repeats every other week. These alternated with the Magic Mile which is meant to be a useful tool for predicting race outcome.
I'm feeling positive about this half marathon. The training has been completed and the weather should be almost perfect. Now all I need to do is trust the process and show up for the race.
I will be happy with a time of 2:30, but I hope to break 2:20. Of course, just finishing and still being able to run another day is all I really need.
