Week One

I completed my first week of training successfully!! My times are getting better.  My first mile of six yesterday was 9.30.  My average time was 10.30.  I'm really shooting for a 10 minute mile throughout the whole thing though.

Training has been a lot of fun so far.  I feel like my days are busier than ever but when I'm training I go to a completely different state of mind.  It's my time to think and just be by myself.  Yesterday was my long run (6 miles) and I had the best time.  The weather is FINALLY starting to listen to me :)  It was a beautiful day to be outside.  My run didn't consist of much thinking but listening to music and pushing myself through the distance.  Running really is a mental thing.  If you don't talk yourself out of quitting you probably will stop and walk.

My thinking really didn't start until I got home from the run and had an hour to get ready for dinner with my boyfriend and his family and our friends.  I am happier than ever right now.  I am a year away from graduation, training for a half-marathon, living in this perfect town, I have a family that supports me, friends that care about me, and a boyfriend that loves me unconditionally.  I could not be more blessed right now.  I'm living in the present which is not something I normally do (I'm a dreamer!) but what can get better than this?  I don't write this to gloat but to say that you can find happiness in anything if you search deep enough.  Some people search in all the wrong places and can't find what they are looking for.  Find joy in what is in your life at the moment.  You don't get a second chance.  Spend each day thankful for what you have and don't sulk on the bad things. (I'm still working on this daily!)

Okay, now I'm preaching.  Sorry.  I just wanted to let you know training is going great and this next week is going to be a challenge in balancing my school life, training, social life, work life, and finding time to sleep.  Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted very shortly on how life is going in Kayla-ville.

Thankful,

Kayla

Half-Marathon Training

This weather is getting on my nerves.  During the week, it's pouring and we can barely get to class without getting pneumonia.  And then on the weekends it is gorgeous.  I'm definitely not complaining about the sun being out for two days I just wish it would stay a little longer.  I have always said I want to move to a big city after graduation and Chicago, Seattle, and San Diego have always been at the top of my list after Atlanta.  I'm going to have to scratch Seattle off for sure! and Chicago I might just have to live there for one year; move there in the Spring time and as soon as the winter season starts, start looking for a new place in a warmer city. haha

Speaking of weather though, my half-marathon training has gotten off to an extremely slow start this year.  On January 1st, I was suppose to start training and run a half-marathon by Spring Break.  WELL, thanks to this glorious weather and my lack of effort, I have post-pond my training until... NOW! Tomorrow starts my 6 week training to complete a half-marathon.  I know it's not a long time to train but I've been running and working out so I feel like I am capable of this challenge.  Here is my schedule:

Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Frid.	Sat.	Sun.
30-min XT	3-mi EZ	Rest	3-mi EZ	40-min XT	6-mi LNG	Rest
30-min XT	3.5-mi EZ	Rest	3.5-mi EZ	45-min XT	7-mi LNG	Rest
30-min XT	4-mi EZ	Rest	4-mi EZ	50-min XT	8-mi LNG	Rest
30-min XT	4.5-mi EZ	Rest	4.5-mi EZ	55-min XT	9-mi LNG	Rest
30-min XT	5-mi EZ	Rest	5-mi EZ	60-min XT	10-mi LNG	Rest
30-min XT	6-mi EZ	Rest	2-mi EZ	Rest	HALF MARATHON	Rest

The biggest challenge will be not ever running 13.1 miles until the day of the race.  Also, if you have any ideas on XT (XT = Cross-training) activities PLEASE let me know.  I'm not that great at swimming and I don't have a bike, the only option I have right now is to do the elliptical and strength training.  The race I intend to register for is the Publix Georgia Marathon/Half-Marathon on March 20, 2011.  That will be the last Saturday of Spring Break. :/  BUT I promised myself and Mrs. Cindy, this race was going to happen this year.  No excuses.  I'm going to need a lot of motivation to stick with this training schedule and to stay on top of my school work.  I will be writing a lot on my journey through this.  This is something I have wanted to do since my freshman year at college.  Let's get this marked off my Bucket List and move on to the FULL marathon :)


Happy Super Bowl Sunday!


Kayla