I've really been slacking off on the exercise front recently. I was getting burnt out on running, so I've been trying to mix things up a bit. Although I've made it to a few spinning and Body Pump classes, I've totally been lacking motivation lately. However, November is fast approaching and I want to feel comfortable (at least, as comfortable as I can) walking around in a bathing suit for two weeks in Hawaii. I don't want my trip ruined by the fact that I'm distracted by my doughy stomach and jiggly thighs. Plus, everyone says that you tend to eat more, exercise less, and gain weight after you get married... I'd like to avoid that, so hopefully getting a jump start on a healthy living focus will help ward that off. And I'm hoping that training for a long distance race is just the motivation I need to get back on track.

I signed up for the Army Ten Miler back in the spring. The race is in late October and my training starts next week. I ran the race last year in just under two hours. This past April, I ran the GW Parkway Classic in 1:47:47. My goal for the ATM is to 1:45:00.

As I have in the past, I'm using Hal Higdon's novice half marathon training program for the ten miler, only this time, I'm actually doing a 10 mile training run before the race. I may adjust the strength training schedule a bit, because the Body Pump class I like to attend is on Saturday mornings, but I'm going to aim to strength train at least twice a week. I may switch out the short run for spinning now and again, too. I might mix up my running days depending on my schedule and what classes are offered at the gym, but the goal is to run 3-4 days a week: one long run, two mid-length runs, and either a short run or spinning (or some other form of cross-training).

And (hopefully) I'll be chronicling it all here!