Well, after tapering off from my running over the past 4 weeks, I am back in training for my next half-marathon event in Minneapolis on Sunday, August 22. I've hit the gym 6 out of the last 7 days and I am following a program that includes easy, speed, and long slow distance runs. I actually ran on the treadmill for 2 hours and 5 minutes on Sunday, completing a long distance run at a slow 5.2 mph pace. My iPod was a great companion as I coasted along listening to the fast-paced dance tunes of Donna Summer and Taylor Dane!!
Stretching before and after my runs is really helping with my flexibility - I try to stretch for at least 10 minutes before and after each run. I am also including strength training in my regimen and I can feel the difference.
So, I now have 2 half-marathons lined up - Minneapolis on August 22 and Philadelphia on September 19. I've been considering North Carolina Outer Banks half in November but haven't committed to running that one yet. Anxious to see how I feel after completing two 13.1 mile runs a month apart - that will be a first for me....
Looking forward to visiting Minneapolis again and meeting up with some old friends from graduate school.
Happy Trails, everyone!
John
