I’m officially signed up for the Wisconsin Half Marathon in May! It feels great to have this on the books and have some long runs and training plans to commit to.
In terms of goals, I usually don’t have a “I want to set a PR” mindset. Rather, I just make it a goal to finish a race giving it my best effort. That’s definitely true for this race, but the competitive person in me wants to beat my time for the only other half I did (Inaugural Chicago Rock & Roll-2009), which was 2:14. So we will see!
Other than that, there are two things that I want to perfect as I race:
1) Try not to tense up in my neck/shoulders. I did this at the Fort2Base race (and other long distance races) and I felt SO tight afterwards. Like hit by a semi tight. It didn’t subside for a few days so I want to try to relax my neck and shoulders so that doesn’t happen again. Any tips?
2) Figure out my hydration strategy. Do I stop and rest for a few seconds and drink, then make up for the time lost with a faster pace? Or do I try to be slick and quick and drink as I go? Hmm…
Equipment:
I’ve got close to 400 miles on my current Saucony shoes, but I had a gift card that I had to burn recently so I stocked up on the same pair so I plan to break these in within the next week or so. Also bought some Clif Shot Blocks from Target. Those are so dang good! (Will try to save them for running only…will be tough.)
Training:
This month, I have been getting a good base of longer runs on the books in addition to shorter runs and strength workouts on weeknights. All of these have been on the treadmill, so I am anxious to hit the pavement and start adjusting to the outdoors!
So far:
Feb 2: 6.1 miles
Feb 8: 7 miles
Feb 15: 8 miles
Feb 22: 8 miles
Source: Etsy
I had no idea target sold Clif Bloks- thanks for that tidbit! I signed up for the Wisconsin full, which is the only reason I’ve been running through this dreadful winter! Thank goodness for the treadmill, right?
Yes! I know they sell cases online, but I got individual packaged ones at my local Target. So convenient! Good luck on your training- that treadmill is my saving grace these days! Hope to see you there!
Yay!!!!!
So tips on shoulders- I tend to clench and make fists, so watch your hands. I shake mine out whenever I think about it. Also, do shoulder rolls every so often, like when you fuel so you remember. It helps!
Great tip- I like doing that when I hit an aid station…do some neck rolls and stretches- that way, I’ll remember to do it!
Yay for signing up! It sounds like you have a good plan to have a good run. One of my friends keeps trying to convince me to run a half, but I am just not sure about it!
I knew I wanted to do a few longer runs before I signed up. They went well so I’m feeling good! You should totally do the half– we can motivate each other! When is it?
Shoulder tips – I do the same thing when it’s cold. Pilates helped me A LOT. Just keep saying “shoulders down and back” over and over again like they do in Pilates. Also, just strengthening your back and shoulder muscles can help overall.
I usually walk through the part of the aid station in order to drink. Also, you can pinch the paper cup to create a smaller spout and pour from that into your mouth.
This is SUPER helpful Erin! There is a Pilates class at our company gym- will have to hit that up! And pinching the cup?! GENIUS!
Oh crazy! I had no idea that was in Kenosha! I did a spring half in Madison a few years ago. I think I am weird in that I did like 5 marathons before I attempted a half. Think I might have to try those Clif Shot blocks! Unless it’s hot I don’t drink much during a half. If I do, I run as I drink. But I think that is just hard for me to get going again so I don’t want to stop!
YES! My in-laws live in Madison and I wanted to do a half there, but this was closer to home and much more convenient. I have no idea you were a serious marathoner- so impressive!! Would love to do a race with you sometime in WI! I’m the same way with staying in motion, but I just end up spilling water all over my chest. Classy right?! lol
That would be so fun! I haven’t been running much since my daughter was born and need some motivation to get myself back in shape! If any WI races catch your eye, let me know! :)
Valerie! You got this pair of shoes up that high in mileage again?! Tsk tsk. JK! I hope they weren’t bugging you like this summer?
You should try out your water strategy on your long runs and see if you want to carry it, or if you want to rely on their water stations. It really depends on how thirsty you get! Otherwise, I think the stations are every two miles at WI and the time “lost” will be negligible ;)
When I run I try to shake my shoulders and arms out at least once every mile so I don’t tense up.
I am excited for our runs together!
Yay! I am debating signing up for this race as well. It looks so fun. I almost always take a few seconds to walk thru the aid stations to take a drink. I think the few seconds I lose is negligible.
Ooooh you should do it! I’ve heard nothing but great things and the out-and-back makes it go by fast when you see friends on the way! And yeah, I’m thinking I’ll just stop to drink– it will be better for me all around.
Way to go, Valerie! I want to get back into exercising…but I’m finding it so, so hard to do with my ridiculously hectic schedule. What kinds of tips do you have for brand new runners who don’t want to get injured? I’m desperate to figure out how to make a change!!
Yay for half marathons!! I’m signed up to do my 2nd ever in May as well (OC half)!! Regarding the water station, what worked for me was to just grab and go…. try my best to actually get the water in my mouth and not all over my face =) If I stopped at the stations, esp towards the end of the race, it was just that much harder for me to keep going. I also wore a hydration belt with two 7oz bottles and filled them up with Rehydrate (it’s an advocare product)! Then I also take jelly bean caffeinated energy pills a couple times during the race….. If you want to chat about anything, send me an email! whitt312@gmail.com
Woo hoo- how awesome! I am SO not graceful when it comes to drinking water while moving…ugh! The hydration belt seems like a good idea- I’ve seen backpacks too. Do you feel the water sloshing when you carry it though?