I am sharing the training plan that I am using for the April half marathon. In the two previous half marathons I ran, I used the Hal Higdon training plan. Both the Hal Higdon Novice 1 and the Novice 2 plans are for twelve weeks, though I cannot recall which one I used. It may have even been the Intermediate plan. Regardless, when pursuing this goal in 2012 and 2013, I was sans Pamper Pirate and as such, my time was divided between work and training. It was so much easier to manage training and stick to the plan even though it was a more demanding the time commitment.
I decided to deviate from the Hal Higdon plans to prepare for the April half marathon for two reasons. First, I knew I was going to have to transition to treadmill running, which is not my favorite. In fact sometimes it feels downright uncomfortable. Consequently, I wanted to start slowly and conservatively, in order not to be completely turned off from running on the machine.
Secondly, Hal Higdon requires four days of running and an additional two days of cross training. Again, this time commitment is a lot as a working (and blogging) mom. Being able to space out the training over twenty weeks instead of twelve weeks lessens the demand of weekly training. Easing into the training in smaller increments allows me to still look forward to my hour of alone time on the treadmill. In addition to the three weekly training runs, I plan to mix in one or two days of cross training a week once I return stateside whether it be pilates, bootcamp, barre, or yoga. Until our return, I will be indulging in at home strength training with my Bala gear.
In addition to including the Snacking in Sneakers half marathon training plan, I also linked to the Snacking in Sneakers blog. Please note: I am not a medical professional. Consult your physician before pursuing any physical or health goal.
