13.1

13.1, miles that is.  Yes, I am crazy and I have taken on the task of training for a Half-Marathon.

Now that Daniel and I are settling into our lives back near our hometowns I began to check out some 5k races in the area and I stumbled upon the Heart & Sole Half-Marathon sponsored by the YMCA.  I looked at Daniel, said "I'm going to run a half-marathon."  He replied, "Oh really?"  That is his usual response to the many great ideas that I come up with on a regular basis.  So naturally I had to prove him wrong and I begin training today!  I have even convinced him to run with me!!

The race is not until early next year, however I noticed that most of the training programs have you running 3-5 miles the first week, so I decided to start training immediately.  It might take me some time.  I haven't ran too much since I conquered my first 5k last December.  You may remember my desire to simply finish the race and how I surprised myself with running a pretty decent time considering I didn't train at all.  A half-marathon might be a little different.  Like 10 miles different.  So I am sticking with just completing the race this time... still breathing.

I'm not sure what it is about running, but it just makes me feel so much better.  I think its the fresh air and the pounding of the pavement.  Getting the frustration of the world out one step at the time.  I have been really looking at training plans, blogs, and running gear since I have been more and more interested in running.  Peanut Butter Fingers is one of my all time favorite blogs and she has some great advice on training for a half and for fitness in general.  She also gives great tips on running gear and convinced me to invest in some good running shoes.  I got this beauties for my birthday :)

Mizuno Wave Rider

I am currently drooling over a Garmin Forerunner 405.  These watches are seriously amazing for outdoor running, because they are GPS-enabled and can be programmed with multiple running programs.  They track heart rate, calories burned, average mile pace, distance, and much more. 

Finally, a run isn't complete without some awesome tunes.  I think Ipods are amazing and I am particularly fond of my very old, but incredible Ipod Shuffle.  I love how they clip on to your clothes and the songs are easy to change.  A good playlist is just as important.  I have used a great site called Rock My Run for a while now and they make running playlist that vary in length and bpm in order to get the most out of the type of run you want.  

So have any of you guys every ran a half-marathon?  I am looking for advice on the best training plans.  I know Hal Higdon has a good basic program, but I am looking for information from anyone who has actually tried a program.

Daniel and I are off for a Happy Anniversary Day Date... so excited to see where we are going 

One Year

Happy Anniversary to Mr. Pennington

I love you Daniel!

Here's to many more years of bliss!

Moving

We moved into our new place and we are neck deep in unpacking, painting, carpeting, cleaning, sorting, etc.  We are thrilled to be back home and once everything settles down we are looking forward to having family and friends over! Also, once its all said and done you will get to see some fabulous before and after photos of our new place. Oh and I started new teacher training this past Monday!  Wow this summer went fast!!!  New teacher training... you heard me right.  I got a job! Can I just say how thankful and excited I am to have a job after spending the last year in school.  God is so good to Daniel and I.

Apartment 254... you were awesome... even though you were tiny

home sweet home

As I write this post, I am thinking back to exactly a year ago today.  We were shaking our booties at Walnut Creek and celebrating our wedding rehearsal.  Its so hard to believe that tomorrow will mark one year since we said "I do."  Tonight, in a panic I asked Daniel were we still newlyweds???  I'm not sure I'm ready to give up that title.  Happy (early) Anniversary Daniel!

I know this is short, but lesson plans are calling my name.  I am such a procrastinator.