I've found a half at the end of the summer that I'm going to train for - Aug. 19th in San Diego. I think I will be able to devote a lot of time to training this summer, and I'm looking forward to getting faster! So, my first half (in Jan 07) was at 2:09. My pace has improved over the last 6 months, from painfully slow 3-mile runs to consistent, easy 10-min pace runs. This is without any speedwork or hill workouts, so I'm hopeful, but I don't know what's realistic. I'd like to aim for a sub- 2-hour HM. Do you guys think this would be possible?

I'll take that vote of confidence! I got a 16-week training plan from Runners World that starts tomorrow. That will lead me up to 2 weeks before the race, when I (here comes the bad part) will be leaving for a 2-week trip to Australia. I'll have some time at a conference (sitting) and some time diving and being outdoors (cross-training?). I will have to make a serious plan to train those 2 weeks. I'll post more later with my training plan as I get into it.

Thanks, Muse. The half was my original, seemingly-impossible goal to get me into the sport. I ended up running with my sister-in-law who probably pushed me a little harder than I would have on my own. I hope I can push myself next time and learn how to feel my pace a little better. First week of my plan: Mon: XT or a short run, 3 miles Tues: Easy run at 11:13. Yeah right. My body likes 10-min miles. 3 miles. Weds: XT Thurs: Tempo run, 5 miles with 3 miles at 9:35 Fri: Easy run, 3 miles Sat: rest or XT Sun: Long run, 7 miles. Maybe 11-min pace if I can force it.

Hmm, tell me a little more about these "strides." (Like for someone who seriously knows nothing about running.) Sounds like a good way to pick up a little speed on easy days, though. Yes, surfing. My husband has picked it up and it's peaceful just watching him and his friends out there. Revised schedule for this week: Mon: 2 easy miles + XT Tues: happy hour at a new wine bar. oops. Weds: make up for Tues Thurs: tempo run after work. yay. Also, Claire just posted a website for a race that's really close to me, so I think I'll plan for that 10K in a couple of weeks. My first and only other 10K was in the same place just in December, so I think I can aim for a new PR for this one!

Quick and dirty, perfect. Thanks for that, Surf! I'll try that out, if I "earn" my running by this afternoon!

Yeah, where are you? I'm in west LA/Santa monica. My email's debra.berry@cgu.edu, for the next month or so at least Oh, and I haven't earned my running today. Too much to do. Tomorrow after work

Thanks for the advice, Jen. I know I don't have to get out there, it just seems when I don't one day, the next day I tend to push it off too. It's a bad habit. Then if I can get dressed, or get to the gym, I can run no problem. That's good I guess! Also, I have a girlfriend who might be training for the half with me, so that will help with probably 1 day/week hopefully. I had a bad tempo run today. I warmed up for 1.5 miles and was supposed to do 3 more miles at 9:35 pace, but I could only make it 1.5 miles at that pace. It's so much easier for me during races!! I'll hvae to get used to speedwork, but I think I'll like the intervals more than the tempo. I'm not that good at pushing myself just yet.

Do you mean more consistent mileage after the marathon (early march)? I'm shooting for about 20/week until school is over. I thought I'd be able to handle my tempo at that pace, but I guess not. I think 2x 1.5 miles at my tempo pace is a good goal for my next one. This week I have intervals - 2x1600 at 9-min pace, and that will likely be tough as well. I might have to make it 800s. I've got to start somewhere, though. I had a perfectly blissful run today. I need to take days off- I can always tell when my body appreciates the rest!! Feel SOOOO good to get out there, especially knowing I'm going to be held captive at my computer on a Sat night!