I have had a love/hate relationship with running. I am also not what some would consider a “traditional runner.” I ONLY like to run outside when it’s sunny outside and NO chance of rain or wind. I also don’t mind running on the treadmill. It’s perfect for my multi-tasking self because I can watch tv or read while I’m jogging. Running a half marathon has been on my bucket list for a while
I have done a half marathon before but I didn’t train for it. It took forever and I walked most of it. I want to set a goal to finish, train, and complete the race. There are so many different places that I have thought about running. The Dam to Dam in Des Moines has always been one of the races.
The Dam to Dam is now known as Dam to Des Moines. It starts at the Saylorville Dam and runs through Des Moines neighborhoods and finishes in Downtown Des Moines. I am actually really looking forward to running the race. I have the hotel and everything booked for that weekend. It also worked out really well because my family is coming into town that weekend.
Training
I purchased a few running apps a few years ago, and I am FINALLY applying the runs. I purchased couch to 5k, 5k to 10k, and 10k to 13.1. I have a few other small runs that I want to do before the half. I also have some runs I want to do this summer and fall. I’m low-key debating on running the I35 Challenge which is a run in Des Moines for one weekend and the next in Kansas City.
My goal is to do to cardio 4 days a week and strength training 3 days week. After my long run days, I plan to go yoga and mobility. I created an google spreadsheet for each day between mid February to a week after race day.
Thoughts
I am really excited for this race for so many different reasons. I am glad that my first running a half marathon can be in my hometown. I have wanted to get back in running for a long time but I am such a fair weather runner. Also my motivation and desire to go to the gym has been non existant. I am not afraid to run the half, but my mindset for the training is what is going to be tough. I know what I need to do.
In the past running has been a type of therapy for me. It has been a way to disconnect with myself from different situations. I am also able to see things from a different perspective. This year I am really trying to focus on myself and speak my mind and figure out who I am and what I want. In that sense, I am really looking forward to the training and where it leads me.
