This has officially marked my first week in half marathon training for the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on November 2, 2013.

This time, I really wanted to set a new goal for myself.

I have completed the half marathon race distance four times before, I have completed it in under two hours, and now I am ready for a new challenge.  This time, I really wanted to focus on my speed with the hopes of completing the race in 1:45:00.  I realize that this is shaving a HUGE chunk of time off of my current 1:56:20 best race pace…but I still want to aim for it.  If not with this race, then the next!

A couple of weeks ago, I had my VO2 Max test done to help figure out how hard I can train.  I’ll be posting a more detailed recap of this and how it has helped with my training experience on the NIFS blog in the near future so I don’t want to go into too much detail now.

Just know that I used this test to help figure out my training plan this time around.

My workout routine has had to change slightly, which will take some getting used to.  Although I thoroughly enjoyed my routine of Thursday morning Bodypump, subbing that workout with a run and adding a few more runs in throughout the week will be a change that my body welcomes.  I love switching up my workouts every so often so I don’t “get used” to doing anything 🙂

Wish me luck on my training, and I will be sure to keep you posted on the progress!

Half Marathon Training Resources:

• Race Training Balancing Act:  Tina Reale
• How to Balance Running & Strength Training:  Lifting Revolution

Question of the Day:

• How do you normally increase your speed while training for a race?