I went all “balls to the wall” last week and told you guys to “Bite the Bullet” when it comes to motivating yourselves.

And now, I’ve got to swallow some of my own medicine.  And that’s a hard pill to swallow.  And other stuff about prescription drugs.

Basically, I need a plan of attack if I’m going to be able to run 13.1 miles in just 68 flippin’ days!!

Right now, I’m no where near ready.  I’m in Bootcamp/Step Aerobics/Weightlifting shape.  A great fitness level – just not the RIGHT fitness level for endurance running.  I ran 4.5 miles yesterday and it just about killed me!

That’s ok.  Because Hal Higdon thinks I can do it.  He believes in me even though we’ve never met.  (Don’t worry, Travis – he’s grandpa age.  I’m your cougar, remember?)

I chose Hal Higdon’s plan to train for my last 1/2, because his name has alliteration Katy, who ran the race with me, googled “1/2 Marathon Training Programs” and Hal’s was the first one that popped up.

Since most of my readers are in “the know” about fitness, Hal probably needs no introduction.  If you don’t know him, go here to read his biography.  The man has been around the sport of running for quite some time and KNOWS his stuff!  A contributor to Runner’s World, his training programs have been used by world-class athletes for years.

I don’t consider myself a world-class athlete.  Not even really a U.S.-class or North Carolina-class athlete.

I’m just me.  And me needs a plan.

Here’s what Hal has for an intermediate runner.  I guess that’s me.

This is doable!  I’m planning to do my long runs on Saturday mornings and have Sunday as my rest day (like normal).

If you do the math, I have right at 10 1/2 weeks before the Georgia 1/2 Marathon.  Which means I’m going to have to condense this training program.  That’s fine – this week I just hopped right into Week 3, which should give me enough wiggle room if I get sick or injured.  I pray that doesn’t happen.

Another thing – I’ve thought long and hard (TWSS) about this and have decided NOT to post any of my training times or paces.  I’ll go into further detail in another post, but let’s just say for now, that I don’t need any undue pressure in my life and posting times sets me up to be hyper-competitive.

So that’s my training plan.

Thanks, Hal!  You’re the best!

QUESTIONS:  Any upcoming races or competitions that you’ve signed up for?  I’ll be your cheerleader!  Leave a link if you’ve blogged about it!

splendid…lindsay