A Game Changer: Finding the Lean, Training Plans, and Half Fanaticism

In order to become a more powerful and faster distance runner, there are a few key elements needed to achieve this goal -- a leaner, stronger body and a training plan that focuses on endurance and speed. I'm currently working on both. Since I have no summer races pending at this time, I opted to use the next few months to focus on my strength while losing a few pounds in the process. So it's back to Beachbody's P90X2. I've had the program since it's debut December 2011 and have used it on cross training (XT) days during my first round of half marathon (HM) training. I wasn't able to keep up with the P90X2/Running hybrid like I'd hoped, because of so much stress both forms of exercise puts on the body. I became too fatigued to keep up, so I had to focus more on my running and give Mr. Tony Horton (the man behind the magic) a break. Now, that I am in my "off season", I can ease up on the weekly mileage and devote my time to this awesome home fitness arsenal...and so far so good.

Property of Beachbody

This week is recovery week for Phase I of P90X2. Although, this new version of the X allows you to extend each phase for additional weeks, I've decided to stick with the traditional 90-day challenge so that I will have completed it prior to Fall HM training. I'm hoping that by that time, I will have lost a few pounds of fat and have gained increased core and upper body strength and have more powerful running legs -- something needed for those rolling hills coming my way in Spring 2013.

So, I'll continue to work on the physical for the next 60 days while using my mental agility to zero in on a new HM training plan for my goal races. I began with Hal Higdon's Novice 2 and it worked very well for me for my first two half marathons, but now it's time for me to step my game up a bit. In order to improve on my race finish time, I'll need to run more frequently and farther each week. I'm looking to build my base weekly mileage from 20-25 to a minimum of 30 mpw over the next six months. Higdon's Intermediate will get me there, but I'm also considering Ryan Hall's HM training program, since most of my online running friends are using and recommending that one. I would have to modify it a bit to fit me, but it will give me what I need and then some. I've decided to use the recovery weeks from P90X2 to test out each program before I commit. This week I will be using Higdon's Intermediate.

Property of Half Fanatics

I have quite a few races lined up for 2012-2013 and I'm attempting to be as prepared as I can to start and finish each and every one of them. My first challenge comes early this fall. I am registered to run two half marathons within 13 days of each other. And although I'm only going to "race" one and treat the other as a fun run, my efforts over the summer will determine how much it benefited me and have helped me achieve this goal. I look forward to this challenge! And also to reaping the rewards for accomplishing such a feat. No, I'm not talking about the big finisher's medals I'll receive. I'm talking about notoriety for doing something so crazy, so ridiculous (insert sarcasm). Yep! You guessed it. I'm looking to add my name to the list of Half Fanatics running loose out there in the world [Fanatic criteria]. And why not? I've discovered that I enjoy running 13.1 miles as opposed to smaller races which seem to require more out of you than a longer one. Distance is my thing now, and the general focus of my running career. But... don't look for a 26.2 race report (RR) just yet. LOL! I still have a couple more personal half marathon challenges to achieve before I reach that level of insanity (insert more sarcarsm) :-)

Happy Running!

I am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way, shape or form, nor am I getting paid to promote their product. I am just a consumer. 

2012 Races:

10/21 Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon - SC (completed)

11/3 Rock n' Roll Savannah Half Marathon - GA (completed)

Half Fanatics Here I Come! (accomplished)

2013 Races:
1/20 Charleston Half Marathon - SC (tentative)
2/24 Rock n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon - LA (undecided)
3/9 Famously Hot Half Marathon - SC (saved for another year)
4/13 Palmetto Half Marathon - SC (undecided)
4/21 Divas Half Marathon in North Myrtle Beach - SC (undecided)
11/16 Anthem Richmond Half Marathon - VA (registered for Full Marathon)

*races have been updated 11/18/2012*