Half Marathon Countdown

I’m one month away from my half marathon and have officially reached the “stressed” portion of my training schedule.  Allergies, asthma, and the crud have kept me from progressing as I would like, and I’m not totally out of the woods yet.  I’m trying to slow down and focus on getting healthy, but the clock is ticking.

I’m running 11 this weekend, or at least attempting.  I haven’t done a long since the 15K almost 3 weeks ago, so I’m a bit nervous as to how this might go.  I keep trying to remind myself that some half plans only call for a 10 the week before the race, to no avail.  I want big things for this race and unfortunately, I don’t have the time left to train to achieve those big things.

October is a busy month.  Not only is it the month of my sister, brother-in-law, and husband’s birth (listed both in order that I met them as well as birth date as it falls on the calendar), I also have several races lined up.

October 6^th  – Color Me Rad 5K

This is a “fun run” Kelly & I signed up for weeks ago.  The idea was to run this race, then follow it with 8 miles on the green way.  Following the training plan to a “T” made this an extra week any way.  Now I’m wondering if I should do a true long run Sunday instead.  I’m waiting to see how tomorrow goes before making this call.

October 13^th – Ohio vs. Akron

Jay’s Alma mater the Ohio University Bobcats have had an excellent football season this year.  For his birthday, his parents bought tickets to this ball game.  Kelly & I will be taking vacation time off work Friday morning so we can get in 13 miles before I head out of town.

October 20^th – On Cosby Moonshine Run

Each year, my family participates in this race together.  I’m hoping this will be the year my Papaw wins the 80+ age division.  Kelly has a different race that same morning.  We’ve discussed bumping the run to the 21^st, but that does put us doing 13 miles race week.  (Sunday before a Saturday race)  Is that pushing ourselves too much into our “taper” week?

October 21^st – 26^th – In-laws

The life of real estate agents makes prior planning difficult, so I’m not sure exactly when to expect them.  Normally I get a heads up a day or 2 in advance, but I do know they are coming into town for Jay’s birthday.

October 24^th – Jay’s 33^rd

Dang we’re getting old!

October 27^th – Haunted Half Marathon

Race day! 

October 31^st – KTC Socialites Halloween costume run.

 

I’m starting to wonder if October should be my “for fun” month, and drop any pressure I’ve put on myself to shave some serious time off last year’s race PR.  How do you cope with training when life is pulling you in a million different directions?