My training for the Hannover Half-Marathon on May 3rd officially started this week.  I like to use Hal Higdon’s training plans as a guide for creating my own, especially since you can choose your own level of intensity.  There are a hundred different ways you can train to run a half-marathon, some of them easier than others, depending on what your goals are (i.e. just to finish, meet a time goal, etc).  I like to go somewhere in the middle.  I’ve already proven to myself  that I can finish a half-marathon (twice in 2004 and twice in 2007)  so time goals (albeit modest) are in order.

I have to admit my training this week was extremely sad.  I went out for only two out of four scheduled runs, although I did stick to my strengthening exercises (because I could do them inside).  Now that I don’t belong to a gym, I have got to get over the fact that it is cold and icy, and will be for at least another month or so.  I cannot let the weather dictate my running schedule, or else I am never going to run this winter!

You will be my accountability check to make sure I’m getting things done, so look out for weekly training reports until the big day.  I will especially need the accountability during a packed two-week study tour at the end of next month.  It will take some planning, but I should be able to make all of my scheduled runs despite the tour (hopefully a few of our hotels will have fitness rooms to make it easier).  This includes one 9-mile run that will have to be done during our one and only free day, but at least it’ll be in Munich!

I am committing myself to sticking to the plan this week, so I look forward to sharing a successful report with you soon!