I signed up for the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon!
The race isn’t until August 1, so I have plenty of time to not train before race day.
I’ve only run one other half marathon, which I completed with Ryan in December 2007. Our official time was 2:14.
I was not running for time (I never do). My goal was to run the whole thing, and that’s exactly what I did. No walk breaks!
I basically followed Hal Higdon’s novice half marathon training plan, and made sure to stick to the long run distances. Unfortunately I got sick two weeks before the race, so my longest run was 9 miles before the big 13.1 mile race.
It was definitely challenging, but I really enjoyed the experience. Ryan’s support was so amazing and I really appreciated having a running buddy with me. He didn’t train at all and stayed with me the entire time. While I was totally fine the next day, poor Ryan was sore for about a week! I guess that’s one of the benefits of training…
For the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon on August 1, I will have several running buddies! Five of my girlfriends from college will also be running.
If you’re a runner, do you run for time? What’s the longest race you’ve run?
My goal for this race is simple: to have fun! I never get bent out of shape about my race times anyway and am one of the least competitive people in the world. I will not be focusing on a time and I plan on taking it nice and slow and enjoying the sights of the city. I’m so excited!
Lunch
Though my lunch was not quite as exciting as my half marathon news, it was still quite delish!
I enjoyed a Swiss cheese and artichoke sandwich on a whole wheat sandwich thin.
I also munched on carrot sticks and enjoyed a sugar-free orange jello on the side.
Also, for your viewing pleasure, please enjoy the lil’ pic of my mid-morning snack!
Around 11 a.m. I dug into Greek yogurt topped with two small Gingersnap cookies and chopped pecans.
Yummmmmmy!
Tina says
Wow! That’s so cool!!!!
Anna says
Fun!!! Chicago is such a fun city to run in! I think if I were ever to do a full marathon, that’s the one I’d want to do!
When I run shorter races, I usually run for time, but in the longer ones, I’m just trying to finish…I worry that if I concentrate on time too much in the longer ones, I might wear myself out before the race is halfway over, you know?
lisaou11 says
Congrats! that’ll be a blast!
Have you always enjoyed running? Was there a time when you hated it? B/c honestly, I dont like it that much although I really wish I did!
peanutbutterfingers says
oh my gosh- NO! i still don’t really love running. i just kinda do it. i love the way i feel after a long run.
i signed up for a 5k in aug. 2007 to see if i could run 3 miles non-stop. when i did that, i figured i’d see if i could do a 10k, then a half marathon. i truly believe anyone can do it if they train and put in the time and effort. 😀
lisaou11 says
I know I’m doin a 5k this Spring, so I guess I’m on my way! 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
oooh! good luck!
kbwood says
aww so exciting!!
thats so cool you and your boy do it together!
peanutbutterfingers says
yeah he was my savior during that race!
Kelly says
YAY! I run for time…I am always trying to qualify for something! haha! The longest race I have done is a marathon! My next race is the NYC Marathon in November! GOOD LUCK! I think running Chicago is awesome…it is on my “to-do” list of races!
Genie says
YAY!! 1/2 marathon! That’s exciting!!!
Gah! I wish I liked running!! I think I would if we had better weather … and if we didn’t have so many dang hills. 🙂
Jes says
Congrats on signing up for a 1/2! I’m also running a rock n roll 1/2 in new orleans. It should be fun! Good luck in your training.
April says
Chicago eh? I love having a goal to make life more fun 😀
Sara says
Congrats! And good luck!!
homecookedem says
How exciting!! I’ve completed 3 half marathons and tried a 4th, but had to drop out after 4 miles due to knee problems. I loved running them though. I really hope to another one in the next few years!! 🙂
Mellissa says
Congrats on signing up for this- I have heard its a great course.
Gracie says
good for you, girl! as someone who just reached a mere 1.5 miles, you’re definitely an inspiration =)
sizzlinsistas says
Dang you go girl! My sis is training for one now, too, and I definitely plan on it at some point (ya know, like…my next life…jk!). I can’t wait to see your progress!
The Pancake Girl says
I’ve been thinking about doing the San Diego Rock and Roll Half… after reading your post, I’m feeling more gutsy to sign up for it!
That artichoke sammie looks yummy, too!
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Erin says
I know you are WAY more excited to run in Shamrock.. haha yeah right!
Brooke says
Good luck with your training for the 1/2 marathon! I ran in last May in Columbus. I wish I could say that I ran it just to finish it but my competitive side always kicks in and I do it for time. Maybe one of these days I’ll sign up for another one!
jqlee says
You’re going to rock the 1/2 marathon! And it’s in Chicago – the best place ever 🙂 Maybe I’m a little bias. Haha.
I’m doing the full marathon in October! I’m sooo pysched/scared!
Vee says
That is so awesome! Wishing you all the best with your training and looking forward to following you along!
I do run for time, sometimes it drives me crazy though. I need to be more relaxed about it. 🙂
MLT says
You are inspiring me to sign up for a half! I’ve done two before and both times with buddies…makes it so much more fun to train! Anyways, not to be rude or anything, but that picture of you two crossing the finish line is adorable and uh..your man looks good without his shirt on! 🙂
wnk505 says
I am a runner and I love running it is my ultimate stress relief. I started running just to run and for the most part I just run to challenege myself.
Time is not extremely important but I always try to beat my previous times now. Good luck with your runnning