However, I did run the Pittsburgh half, and I did finish. The weather wasn’t great, and I had a stomachache the whole way, so my finish time was quite a bit higher than I had hoped for. I was hoping to hit 2:30, but ended up finishing around 2:42. I did have to stop and walk once, but only for a short distance. I think I was slightly undertrained; I was extremely sore at the end.

I have been struggling with foot and back issues for the last month or so, and have not been running as much as usual. I have been getting in three or four 5-6 milers per week, but nothing longer than 6 miles for the last month. I have added in swimming and weight lifting, though, as well as a bit of biking and rock climbing when my back is feeling up to it.

I’m hoping to start building back up slowly over the next month or two. I may run the Philly half in November, although that will depend on where I’m living; I will be moving from Pittsburgh to near Philly at some point in the next few months, but I’m not sure when yet.

I am going to try to post my runs and any other training I do here, and see if I can keep it up this time!

Finish time: ~9:15 am

Total run time (excluding warm up/cool down):  84 min

Total run distance (excluding warm up/cool down): 7.27 mi

Avg. pace: 5.3 mph/~11.3 min/mi

Temp: ~30°F

Weather: clear, cold, sunny; no wind

First run with the new gear. It worked really well (although my legs still looked like lobster legs when I got home). I finished strong–ran the last mile at the same pace as the first, and felt like I probably could have kept going if I’d wanted to. Right now, though, I’m freezing, even though I just took a hot shower and am wearing 3 layers. What’s up with that?

End time: ~6:55 am

Total run time (excluding warm up/cool down): 51 min

Total run distance (excluding warm up/cool down): 4.95 mi

Total workout time: 60 min

Total workout distance: 5.54 mi

Avg. pace: 5.8 mph/10.3 min/mile

Temp: typical gym temp

Weather: n/a (gym)

Consumed on the run: 500 mL homemade Gatorade

I never realized how much reading helps the time go by until we got the new treadmills without magazine holders…

Start time: ~5:50 am

End time: ~6:55 am

Total run time (including warm up/cool down): ~55 min

Total run distance (including warm up/cool down): ~5 mi

Avg. pace: ~5.4 mph/11 min/mile

Temp: too warm! (I had to stop halfway through and splash cold water on my face–hence the TM reset)

Weather: n/a (gym)

Consumed on the run: 500 mL homemade Gatorade

I started out on the hill program; did that for about 25 min, then switched to flat running. Avg. speed on the hills was 5.6 mph, avg. speed on the flat was 5.8 (the lower overall average above is a result of including warmup and cooldown).

Not the best run ever. I really need to get a magazine holder for the gym treadmill.

Start time: ~7:30 am

Finish time: ~9:15 am

Total run time (excluding warm up/cool down): 94 min

Total run distance (excluding warm up/cool down): 8.37 mi

Avg. pace: 5.3 mph/~11 min/mi

Temp: ~37°F

Weather: Overcast; started to flurry at the very end; no wind

Consumed on the run: 500 mL home-made Gatorade

My goal time was 91 min., but it took me 94. I blame the hills. Still, not bad for my first-ever 8+ mile run.

My route can be seen here.

I was a little bit chilly at the beginning, but once I got going I was fine. I think this is about as cold as my current gear will support, though. I need to get a warmer jacket and tights.

My training program includes both running and cross-training, which for me means biking and weights. I will record here my runs, rides, etc., as well as any thoughts or other minutiae that seem interesting to me. If it’s not interesting to you, feel free to find a different blog to read!

About the title: The day I ran my first 10k race, I heard the song “Anywhere I roam” by Metallica. The first stanza is:

“…and the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need…”

This seemed highly apropos for both running and biking. When I finish the Half, I intend to get a tattoo of that first line. (Some people get flying sneakers, others get the date…I get Metallica lyrics. To each their own.)

So, that’s it. Stay tuned for probably more details than you ever wanted to know about what it’s like to train for a half…