Monday, July 19, 2010

Setting Myself Up For Success (input needed)

My first order of business is choosing my races (2 5Ks and a Half-Marathon), so that I can plan my training accordingly. I'm not concerned about the 5K races, because there happen fairly often close to my house. The most important choice at the moment is the Half-Marathon. I live in Georgia, so I would like the race to be within driving distance. I need all the time I can get to train, so I think a spring race would be a good fit. In the spirit of setting myself up for success, I need a race that is doable and good for a beginner.

I've found the following races:
  • Callaway Gardens--Jan 30, 2011
  • Critz Tybee Island-=Feb 5, 2011
  • Mercedes Half in Birmingham, AL--Feb 13, 2011
  • Disney's Princess Half in Orlando, FL--Feb 27, 2011
  • Seaside School Half--March 6, 2011
  • Georgia Half in Atlanta--March 20, 2011
  • Country Music Half in Nashville, TN--April 30, 2011
I know there are others. Do you have any suggestions? What do you know about these courses and which would be the best choice for a beginner?

4 comments:

  1. Hey Dawn,

    Good for you! I went from couch to half marathon in 4 months using the Nonrunners Guide to marathon Training (annd now I'm back to the couch). It's doable! Some random thoughts: Pick a flat course to run, I did Vegas so it was a big reward for the hard work, do the 10k in November in Lexington, Ga-it was small and fun (I got a medal in my age group but was the last runner to finish!), don't set any time limits, get a running partner, and I called it the year of Merryn.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would be happy to run with you anytime. I am slow. I still do a lot of the run/walk routine. Also, I would be happy to run any 5Ks of your choosing with you. I ran my first 5K in April. I did run the entire race without stopping.It took me 39 minutes:) (Pitiful, I know... but I never walked) I would love to have a running partner!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angie--at this point I don't really run. I can walk pretty fast. I don't know that I'd be a great running partner for you, yet. However, I'd be happy to try it.

    Merryn--Yes, I'm copying you. Your experience gave me the idea to devote this year to myself. I have no time goals for the half, except making sure I'm within the magic 16min/mile to be allowed to stay on the course. That seems to be the cut-off for most courses.

    Thanks for the support.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Dawn! Loving the blog!! If I were you I would decide your race based on when you like to run. I personally (when I actually do run) like to go in the middle of summer..the hotter the better. My husband prefers the cold. Fall is probably the ideal time for most people...For me, the season would be a big part of my decision.

    Good luck, and I know you will do it!! MaryLauren (I go by Lauren in the blogworld :))

    ReplyDelete