I am using Hal Higdon's novice half marathon training program to train for the upcoming GW Parkway Classic (ten miles) and the Pacers Running Festival half marathon. I used this same training program last year for the Army Ten Miler and I used his 10K program to train for my first 10K two years ago. I really like these programs and think they are well suited for beginners and definitely would recommend them for anyone training for their first race. (You can find all different training programs for various races here.)

I also like that they are easily adaptable to your schedule. I usually mix and match workouts during the week, depending on what plans I might have for the day. (I'm still working on moving my workouts to the mornings, but it's just not happening yet.) For example, I modified the training program to accommodate both the ten mile race and half marathon, which are two weeks apart, by adding in an additional "stepback" week with a 6 mile long run between the two. We also have a 5K the day we're supposed to 9 miles, but instead we're just going to do that race and then maybe do another easy 4-5 miles later in the day.

This time around, I'm definitely stronger and in better running shape than when I was training for the Army Ten Miler last year. This past Sunday, Adam, Carolyn and I did an 8 mile long run and ran almost the entire thing. I think we took a five minute walking break, max... probably even less. We ran it in about 11:30 pace (I am pretty sure I was slowing down the pack), and I felt like I could have run another mile or two if I had too. This was a HUGE difference from the same point in my training last year. We were in NYC the weekend we had to run 8 miles and we ran in Central Park. We took several walk breaks and if I remember correctly, ended up completing it at about 13 minute pace.

I think one major factor in my improvement this year is the fact that I am strength training my legs. I've been going to Body Pump classes on Wednesday evenings (an excuse to skip out of work right at 5pm!), and doing lunges and squats when I work out on my own. In the past, I've ignored strength training my legs because I didn't want them to be too tired for my runs. When I started going to Body Pump regularly three weeks ago (which, okay, means I've been three times... but three times in a row!), after that first class I could hardly walk for three days! But then... I ran seven miles without stopping for the first time ever. It totally clicked! My legs might be a little tired from strength training, but it makes them stronger, which is pretty key for speed and endurance. DUH! I don't know why it took me so long to catch onto that! So now I'm going to Body Pump at least once a week, and hopefully going to get my butt out of bed early enough to go to some Saturday classes too.

And now, my workout roundup:
April 4: 8 mile run (1:32:58)
April 5: strength training
April 7: Body Pump