The first week

I would like to dedicate this first post to my mentor (oh how the tables have turned!) and best friend Damara.  This remarkable person has inspired a 40 year old, overweight, divorcee, mother of two to run a half marathon this year.  She did her first full marathon at DisneyWorld in January this year.  How could all that excitement not be contagious?  The half of my choice will be the Haunted Hustle in Middleton, WI on Halloween weekend.  Why this one do you ask?  Most of them are self serving starting with it is still nine months away, then we move to it probably won't be too hot in October, it is rather close to home, and finally, we get to dress up in costumes so nobody will know it's me!

So if you haven't figured it out yet, this blog will cover the next nine months of my personal triumphs over shin splints, hormones, family and maybe even work.  Seriously, how can you separate any one aspect of your life.  Why blog about it?  Accountability.  I feel I am more likely to stay on track with my training schedule if I put it out there for all my friends and family to see.

Week One

I have just finished week one's pre-training schedule.  Three days of thirty minute fast-paced walking.  I know this does not sound like a very intense first week but I am trying like blazes to void shin splints.  You know, those pesky pains on the front of your lower leg that make running excruciatingly painful.  I have been googling the best stretches for avoiding shin splints and have so far avoided them.  I think the real key is having off days in addition to stretching.  My past endeavors at fitness have been an all or nothing attitude.  I would jump into any exercise regimen and do it every day until I could no longer do it.  Not this time.  I am integrating a training schedule from the Couch to 5K program, which can be seen at http://www.coolrunning.com/, Complete Book of Women's Running, author Dagney Scott Barrios, and The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, Author David Whitsett.  Please buy the books!  They are full of insight, tips, and inspiration!!!!!

Here is the pre-training training regimen I am currently following.

Weeks	Walking/Jogging Pace	Training Days	Total Time
1	Moderate Walking Pace	3	30
	(17 - 20 min./mile)
2	Moderate Walking Pace	4	30
	(17 - 20 min./mile)
3	Fast Walking Pace	3	30
	(13-16 min./mile)
4	Fast Walking Pace	4	45
	(13-16 min./mile)
5	Jog for 5 min. and then walk	3	30
	at a fast pace for 5 min. Repeat 2 times.
6	Jog for 10 min, and then walk	3	30
	at a fast pace for 5 min. Repeat once.
7	Jog for 15 min. and then walk	4	40
	at a fast pace for 5 min. Repeat once.
8	Jog for 20 min. and then walk	4	40
	at a fast pace for 5 min. Repeat once.
9	Jog for 25 min. and then walk	4	30
	at a fast pace for 5 min.
10	Jog for 30 min.	4	30
11	Jog for 30 min.	4	30