Running has become a true passion of mine. I genuinely love doing it. There is just something about being outside and pushing your body to its limits that keeps me wanting more and more. After I ran my first 5K, I knew I had to keep at it, and the next step for me would have been t train for a 10k, but because of the limited amount of 10k events here in Oklahoma City, I decided that i would train for a half marathon instead. I have a great training program that I am following, and I have been super excited about getting started. Today Was the first day of the 12 week training program. Read to find out how it went.

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I hit the track at 8am this morning, and let me tell you, it was so refreshing to run in cooler temperatures. This summer seems to be lasting forever, so the 70 degree temps were welcomed with open arms this morning. The wind was blowing, but it was not too bad, actually the weather was about as perfect as one could hope for.

Since moving away from the city, the amount of options in regards to training grounds has gone from unlimited to practically zero. Fortunately there is a half mile track that goes around a local church (about 6 miles away). So I am going to be using this track as my training ground. Sure I could run on the road, but I do not want to get squished by a lifted F150 hammering down the highway at light speed. This track will do nicely. The best part about this track is that there is some slight variation in regards inclines, flat ground and declines. One of the problems I had before while training for my first 5K is that I only ever ran on flat ground and that caused me some problems when I hit the race track for real. The hills killed me, so at least this time, hills will be part of my regular running.

The first day of the training program called for me to do complete a 2 mile run, and I had to run at a slightly faster pace than I would do normally. Pace is not my strong point, but I thought well I will give it my best shot, as it really is something I should work on. I managed to run the 2 miles in 22m:29s which is not too bad. That averages out at  roughly 11m:15s per miles. If I were to run that pace during a 5K I would smash my personal best by 3 minutes, so I am quite pleased with that result. I am hoping that as time goes by, my pace as well as my endurance will improve.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a rest day, but I will probably cross train with Turbo Jam. Thursday I am to run 2,5 miles at the same slightly elevated pace, with another rest day on Friday. Saturday I am to run 3 miles at my normal pace, and then I have another cross training day on Sunday. So, this first week is not making me do anything outside of what I am used to, which is a great way for me to start off.   I cannot wait to get out there and run again, and I cannot wait to start seeing improvements in my performance. Thanks to everyone for all of your continued support. Be sure to follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/notimetow8

All the best,

Brett