I have been training for a half marathon since the middle of June.
The half marathon went virtual as I have indicated previously, I have until September 13, 2020 to complete it using the app the sponsor sent – originally the race was in Bethlehem, PA on that September 13 date.
My son Paul will come out and run it with me on the 12th of September.
I discovered I made a miss-labeling of the weeks on the training schedule and I am actually a week ahead of schedule for the target date. So I will add a week training repeating next week’s run with a modification lowering the long run from 9 miles to 6 miles.
So I will have 13 weeks of training instead of the 12 I have been talking about since I began the training.
Today, August 23, 2020 I ran 10 miles, 22 miles for the week, at Horseshoe Lake, here in Succasunna NJ.
Today I found a side path that feeds off of the regular path, it is gravel, hard packed, for a total of 1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles back. It is shaded and level, except for a small hill at the beginning. I have been running on the beginning of the path but always turned around when it reached Righter Road (one of two roads that the path crosses). I could see the small hill – and avoided it but then thought I would see what was beyond.. I was glad to see that it was flat for such a long stretch and very well shaded.
I think for the half marathon we will do the part of the path after the hill twice – that will add up to almost 6 miles, could even do it three times or more as it is shaded which makes running much more pleasant.
I am very glad I started down this path – it has been a challenge, very difficult at times but is a tremendous accomplishment.
To think that I have reached this point after being an unathletic person for so many years.
I say that because I want to encourage others to try to be a little more active – you will find your own individual level of activity that you feel good at…. It does not have to be running – it can be taking long walks or bike rides or swimming.
When I run I see other people running – many running faster than me – I also see many people walking either alone or with someone else.
The fresh air is wonderful as you move about.
So in about three weeks I will be reporting on the results of my first half marathon.
Be well, stay healthy and stay safe.