Running: Charting the Course for 2014

I've been running for years, although I wouldn't have labeled myself a runner until the last two years. I think that's mostly because the reasons I used to run weren't healthy or good for me, and in the last two years that's all changed.

I decided shortly after my MC in October that I would make 2014 my year of firsts - first half-marathon and first marathon. The former thrills me; the latter terrifies me.

I have said for years that I simply have no desire to run 26.2 miles. I guess this running thing grows on you, because I finally have the desire to at least train for it and see where that leads.

My first race will be the Bearathon in Waco, Texas. Sic 'em bears! According to the Bearathon website, it's been called the "toughest half-marathon in Texas" because of all the hills in Cameron Park. I probably should be worried, but I can't wait to run through the beautiful scenery that is Cameron Park. One of my favorite places in Waco is Cameron Park, and of course, the CP Zoo. Gorgeous.

I haven't decided yet on my marathon. Since I will be half-way there with my training for the Bearathon, it might make sense to go ahead and do a spring marathon. I always think of the Dallas Marathon, but inevitably the weather is either questionable or horrible for this race in December each year.

Once I settle on a full marathon, I will be sure to post about that along with my training schedule.

I have also begun HR (heart rate) training using my fantastic Polar FT7 HR monitor. Thank you, awesome husband, for this birthday gift!

My target HR right now is 145, so I have to keep my mile pace slow enough so that my HR does not exceed 145. I'm certainly not a fast runner, but running this slow is even hard for me. What's supposed to happen is that this will help me get faster eventually.

I will be posting my half training schedule soon along with more detail about HR training.

Until then...run on.