The Plan

Clearly, the next logical step is a half marathon.  I could plan an 8K race, or even a 10K, but the way I see it... what's the difference between planning an 8K race and running 8K as part of a training plan?  

Not a whole lot.  

While the goodie bag and the encouragement of spectators are certainly a boost, I feel entirely confident that I can do this without the support of sponsors or signs, as much as I'd prefer to have both.  

I recently joined a running group here in the Baltimore area and a few of the more experienced guys suggested that the race in Rehoboth, DE on December 8th might be an ideal choice for a first time half-marathoner.  I hear it's cold, but flat.  I haven't registered yet, but I will.  Soon.

I'm going to try to stick to the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan.  It means I start training during my summer vacation (September 17th) , but I suppose that's not an entirely bad thing.  At least I'll have plenty of free time to accommodate my runs for the first week and a half or so.

In the meantime I've been trying to bump up my regular runs in small increments.  I'm pretty comfortable with 3 mile runs about 3-4 times per week, so I've been pushing it to 3.5.  

I'll continue to keep you all updated!

In The Beginning There Was The 5K

I've never been very athletic.  I've never played on a sports team.  I was always the kid that got picked last and pegged in the face with the ball during gym class.

I don't tell you this because I enjoy recalling the countless number of times I've been hit in the head with dodge balls.  Trust me, I don't.  I tell you this to give you some perspective on my story.

I started running in January of this year.  The longest race I've ever run is a 5K.  My goal is to make the transition from 5K to marathon in the next 365 days.  This blog exists to document my journey.  I hope it will inspire you in the same way that so many of your blogs have inspired me.