13.1

Hello readers and fellow runners, my name is Erin Sudow. I’m currently training for the National Half Marathon (13.1 miles), which is now less than three weeks away!!! I started my training two years ago but was unable to run last year due to illness. This year, I’m feeling good and ready to give it my all. Training has had its ups and downs. I started my official half marathon training plan January 1st. Before signing up for the half marathon, I had run my share of smaller races, including 10ks, 5 milers, 8ks and 5ks. I was already running 3 to 4 days a week and doing cardio and strength training the other days, so dedicating the time to training was not an issue (or so I thought).

I am a full-time marketing professional and a part-time MBA student. I also play intramural sports, baby-sit and manage to squeeze in some quality time with friends. When do I have time to train you ask? Before the sunrises.

I’m not a professional runner, nor do I train with a group because of my busy schedule. I get motivated by watching other runners on the street, stories that my friends tell from their training days, and my personal goal to complete a half marathon.

Before training for the National Half Marathon, I didn’t know about tempo and speed runs. My runs were either short or long. I never aimed to set goals or be the fastest runner on the street. When I signed up for the half, I told myself I wanted to finish in two hours. With that goal in mind, I created a training plan for myself based on other running plans I had seen. I didn’t account for the days I would be too achy to work on speed, or the days it would be too cold to run outside forcing me to use a treadmill (I can barely run 4 miles on a treadmill, too boring). Let’s just say training has not gone the exact way I had anticipated. Since this is my first half, I’m throwing all time goals out the window; my goal is simply to FINISH.

I hope you will continue to read my entries over the next few weeks as I blog about the conclusion of my training program, pre-race jitters and my upcoming birthday celebration.

“The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” ~ Joe Paterno

~Erin