On January 17, 2013, I passively set a goal to run the Iron Girl half marathon in Clearwater this April.  I say “passively” because December through April is our busy season at the market.  We work 6 days a week and our workday sometimes doesn’t end when we leave the market.  Many nights I find myself discussing work at home too.  I decided this year would be different.  With my husband and family’s support, I planned on running at least twice a week in preparation for the IronGirl half marathon.  Setting up a half marathon training schedule during our busiest part of the year would have to be flexible.

January Training Schedule

It’s funny how once you make up your mind to do something, all the pieces “magically” start falling together.  Before I knew it, a bunch of my blogger friends were also about to start their half marathon training for this event.  My approach to half marathon training is you have to be flexible.  It’s okay to switch days.  There’s no need to be so rigid to the point where working out is no longer fun.  As you can see, there were many changes in my training schedule in January.  Some days, I just didn’t have it in me to go for a run/workout.  And that’s ok because the following day/week I picked it back up.  Don’t be discouraged.  I’m a firm believer that it is ok to miss a workout as long as you know you are going to make it up.

Nike Kinect Training Fuel Print Assessment

Half way through the month of January, my husband surprised me with the Nike Kinect Training game for the Xbox.  In case you didn’t know, I’m a big fan of the Nike “tracking gadgets”.  My love of Nike+ began  several years ago with a first generation ipod and the Nike+ shoe insert.  Luckily, I got a new ipod this year for Christmas!  Yes, I wear my garmin when I run, which I love, don’t get me wrong.  However, when it comes to analyzing my running progress I just love the Nike+ dashboard.  Having 3 years + of running data available at my fingertips allows me to see how far I’ve come.

Nike Kinect Strength Training

With the Nike Kinect Training game, I’ve been able to set up a strength training workout routine tailored just for me based on my fitness level.  I have to say I almost cried when I saw the results of my fitness test.  I really was not expecting to have such an awesome score.  By far the best thing about the Nike Kinect Training game is that I can do it right in my living room.  I just completed week 2 of the program and I must say it has been fun.  You have your choice to pick your training either male or female.  I picked Marie Purvis, a Nike Master Trainer, and the workouts have been intense.  If you don’t have an Xbox, you can try the Nike Training Club app which is also very effective.

Half Marathon Training Completed for January

As for my half marathon training schedule, I will now be following the Nike Running Race Coach Half Marathon Training schedule with Coach Purvis.  It’s a 12 week program with 2 to 3 days of runs, 3 workout days and 1 rest day.  As always, I’ll be making my modifications.  My half marathon training schedule will probably be more like 3 days running, 2 workout days and 2 rest days.  The Nike Running Race Coach Facebook page also has a 5k, 10k and full marathon training available.  If you are interested in participating in the Iron Girl Clearwater 5 k or 1/2 marathon, you still have time to register!  Click here for a link to register and use code TBBLOGGERS13 for a 10% off discount before February 28th.  You can also follow Iron Girl on Facebook for more information!

How do you keep motivated?

Have you signed up for any races this year?