What’s a girl to do when she finds a way to save $49 a month? Register for a race, of course! One of my goals for 2013 was to run a half marathon and since good ol’ Florida is a hurricane filled hot box from May-September, my options were somewhat limited. But with a little searching, I found the winner:
The Key Biscayne Half Marathon!
Eek. I paid a non-refundable $80 so I guess it’s for real. This is not a huge race, it’s flat, run by the water, and in my old stomping grounds of Miami. I know that should not have any time related goals since this is my first time running a half marathon (I walked 39.3 miles during the Boston Avon 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer in 2009) so my only goal is to not be this guy:
Gross. Even though I will consider it a success to cross the finish line without poop running down my leg, I decided I should have some kind of training plan. So I consulted my good friend Google. I couldn’t find anything that fit my schedule exactly so I made this:
It’s color coded so that makes it legit, right? I give this schedule about a week before I start tweeking it but at least it’s a starting point. I am fairly new to recovery runs so we will see how long those last before they turn into rest days.
Not gonna lie, I am super nervous…but also pretty stoked. This will def keep me focused on my running and since I convinced Matt to join me on this adventure, I have a live in training partner 
Do you follow training plans?
Anyone else running the Key Biscayne Half?
pickyrunner
/ February 9, 2013You can do it!!! Hahaha that poor guy. That’s really gross though. I bet you’ll surprise yourself with what you can do but switching the schedule around to make it work for you is always important
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 9, 2013I am super excited and slightly terrified lol
Amy @ Writing While Running
/ February 9, 2013I always tweak my plans after a week or so! And my problem with recovery runs is I run them too fast. Even though people recommend it, I feel it just makes my legs feel much more tired. Good Luck!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 9, 2013I have been doing recovery runs lately and really like them but have to work to run them slow. I usually load up some slow songs on the ipod and keep it short.
allisonhayes91
/ February 9, 2013Yay! This is so exciting
You’re going to do amazing. That guy, oh my goodness. WHY WOULD HE NOT STOP!?!?
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 9, 2013OMG I have no idea! I am no way dedicated to a finish enough to poo my shorts.
Britta
/ February 9, 2013Woohoo!! Congrats on signing up for your first half! You are going to do so well. You really will be amazed at what your body is capable of! This is super in advance, but the most helpful tip I got was go superrrrr slow for the first few miles from the starting line. It’s hard because you’re full of excitement and adrenaline, but its worth it in the end
Happy Training!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 9, 2013Thanks! I am going to really focus on starting slow on my slow runs because I always do my first few miles faster than I should.
greentea, redwine
/ February 9, 2013Poor poop runner!! But he probs can run WAY better than I can, even w/ poop on his legs [hehe]. I do not follow a plan but I was thinking of maybe trying to! This post gave me just the push I needed
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 10, 2013Yay! I usually try to follow some kind of training plan and think it’s pretty helpful
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
/ February 9, 2013There are some days I am afraid I am going to become the poop runner at the end of my race (TMI) , but knock on wood, I haven’t yet! I am running my first half in 2 weeks — the Disney Princess Half! I followed Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 training plan, but I didn’t follow his schedule to a T. I basically used his suggested runs and altered it to fit my schedule. I just made sure I hit every single run he suggested and that I took two rest days and did one day of cross-training! You can do it!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 10, 2013HAHA we’ve all had days that feel like we could be the poop runner. Good luck at the Disney half! I will actually be in the area that weekend so I might come out and cheer
Nicole (@KidlessKronicle)
/ February 9, 2013I follow a plan for the most part. I have to be able to customize it though.
The Kidless Kronicles
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 10, 2013Yea I def like customizing the plans to my schedule.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
/ February 9, 2013Hey good for you. And I like your goals: not to be poop guy. Very obtainable and realistic.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 10, 2013Thanks. Fingers crossed that I can make it!
Amanda
/ February 9, 2013This is so exciting! You’ll be running your half two weeks before mine, so we can motivate each other. Not being a poop guy is a great goal.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 10, 2013sweet! Can’t wait to hear training stories