It's Official

I am now in training.

For what you ask, well a 10 mile race of course!

The 10 mile race, so far, is my favorite distance.  Now, to be fair, I have not run an official 10k or full marathon, yet.  Non the less, 10 miles is still my fav and I am betting it will always be.

I am sure it is a mental thing.  I mean is 10 really that much different than 13.1?  In my head it is.  For some reason, I like the idea of going out for 5 miles and then it is just 5 more till I am home.  Going out for 6 1/2 and back messes with my head.  I can do it and I will do it again, but 10 to me is perfect. Crazy, right?  Maybe.

Which race?  Well, hopefully, the inaugural Newport 10 Miler.  I say "hopefully" for a couple reasons.

First, I just want to train, and see how I feel.  Remember the real goal here is 26.2 and if it takes me a little longer to get to 10 then so be it.

Second, the kids.  I have no idea what Mr. RWM's schedule will look like for April and if he is not here, sitting may be an issue.  I have babysitters, but I usually can't get anyone in the early mornings.

Because of this, I have not registered.  I rather pay the extra registration fee than lose the whole thing.  I am not worried, it always works out.

Now for the training.  I originally thought I could do this on my own.  Just get out there and run, you will eventually get to ten, right?  Wrong!

I am apparently a person who needs a plan, tell me what to do today and I will do it.  Simple as that.  I also wanted to make a change from what I did last year.

Last year, I ran 4-5 days a week with very little cross training.  I needed to cross train.  I needed more strength training.  That is what my hip needed.

This time around, I want to run 3-4 days a week and add the cross training for a total of six days.  I found this plan:

It's Hal Higdons and it looks good to me.  I went with intermediate because at the novice level your first long run is 6 miles.  I am just not there yet.  I will modify this plan just a little.  Like for instance, I am starting at week two and I think week 4 needs a 3 mile run.  Based on my families schedule, my longs run days will be either, Friday, Saturday or Sunday with an occasion Monday, but I will make it work. I am a mom, it's what we do.

So I ask you, what do you think?  Please, please feel free to offer any advice you may have.  My goal is to stay injury free while adding distance.  This is ultimately the beginning of 26.2 training.  Does it make sense to you?  Would you change anything?  Do you have a favorite race distance?

Alright then, 3 miles is on the books for tomorrow.  Let's go!

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole