Time to tackle a half

Posted on June 6, 2012 | 41 Comments

Those fabulous folks who have been following me on my running adventure will likely have noted two things: I am extremely slack when it comes to training; and I heart Lululemon (in my defense, I was a very early adopter: Toronto, 1999).

Though I’d probably be content to just run 5Ks and 10Ks for the rest of my life, I figured if I’m going to really challenge myself, I have to at least try a half-marathon. (Although, even as I type this, it sounds completely absurd.)

What better race for me to attempt, then, than the SeaWheeze Lululemon Half-Marathon in Vancouver (August 11). It’s hosted by my favorite ubiquitous sportswear company and it has wheeze in the title. Appropriate, no? I get the feeling that the half-marathon part of this half-marathon may come second to the general Lululemon-ness of the event. But that’s completely fine with me.

SeaWheeze Lululemon Half

Click if you fancy reading the words.

Yes, there will be training

I’m not foolish enough to attempt to “run” a half without putting in the miles beforehand, so I am going to try to follow the Tackle Box program Lulu designed. I am already a few weeks behind, but I hope when I cobble together the bits and pieces I do throughout the week, I can almost arrive at a full week of training.

To help runners with their motivation, Lululemon sent out shorts to everyone who registered early.

SeaWheeze Lululemon Half shorts

Spotty!

I guess there has been some Twitter-verse moaning about these spotty duds, but I think they’re cute as hell, even if they leave little to the imagination (hence the moaning, I suppose).

Anyway, I’m inspired to at least obtain a body that would rock a pair of shorts like this. And the polka dots make me happy.

Here’s a PDF of the Tackle Box Training Program. I’m going to try to report back every once in a while on my progress. This plan is heavy on the yoga, which I don’t do. I’ve substituted with a weekly ballet class, and weights/strength training. My days won’t match up to the schedule, but I’m hoping my activities will get me to an appropriate level of preparedness. (I’ll be happy if I can run three-quarters of the race.) Wish me luck!

June 4-10 (week 3)

Monday: Power yoga

Tuesday: Tempo Run: 1 mile warm up/ 2 miles tempo/ 1 mile cool down

Wednesday: Rest or flow yoga

Thursday: Easy run 2.5 miles

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Long run 5 miles

Sunday: Yin Yoga or optional run (40 minutes)

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41 responses to “Time to tackle a half”

  1. Kelly @ My love affair with running | June 6, 2012 at 7:47 am |

    I like how you balance your running with yoga. Looks like a great workout plan… Now the challenge begins to stick with it! It will be worth it. Good luck 🙂

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 11:50 am |

      Thanks very much!! I would like to be better at the yoga thing. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it. But I do like the plan overall! 🙂

  2. Andrew | June 6, 2012 at 8:23 am |

    running your first half
    dressing in the finest style
    fine if takes a while

  3. iRuniBreathe | June 6, 2012 at 9:23 am |

    This sounds like fun! A half is a nice accomplishment and doesn’t take *too* much training. (Your long runs won’t be 3hours plus). I’m curious to hear how the yoga-heavy cross training works for you. Yoga is great for runners, but you also need the mileage. Good luck with it and have fun!

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 11:55 am |

      Thanks so much! I have a bad feeling this run may indeed take more than three hours, but that’s OK! 🙂 At least I’ll get to take in the sights! You’re right about the mileage; I need to improve mine for sure.

  4. diary of a dashinista | June 6, 2012 at 10:24 am |

    WOW! This is such exciting news – I’m really looking forward to following your training adventures 🙂
    I actually love those shorts – I’m not sure that I would be brave enough to run in them, but I think they are fantastic.

    If you are feeling uninspired by yoga class, you could check out Christine Felstead’s ‘Yoga For Runners’ DVD and website – http://www.yogaforrunners.com/
    I recently attended a Yoga For Runners workshop taught by a teacher who had been trained by Christine, and she was full of praise for her DVD. Just a shame I can’t get a version that works here in the UK!

    Good luck with training – can’t wait to hear how you get on! 🙂

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 11:57 am |

      Many thanks for that link! I’m definitely going to check it out!! And I know what you mean about the shorts. I think I’m only going to be brave enough to run in them if I’m wearing bike shorts or something else underneath. Hide my shame! 🙂

  5. CJ | June 6, 2012 at 10:41 am |

    Good Luck!! I can’t wait to read about your progress.

  7. aschmid3 | June 6, 2012 at 12:46 pm |

    I’m so excited for you! The longest race I’d run before I signed up for my first half marathon was a 5K. Believe in the training and you will make it! And by the way, I love those shorts. If I wasn’t so far from Vancouver, I’d consider registering just for those!

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 12:05 pm |

      Thank you! It gives me hope that you did a half on the back of 5Ks. It does seem like a massive leap to me, but I am definitely looking forward to it. I know what you mean about the shorts! Sometimes I think I’m too superficial about these things, but I think the promise of the swag was half the reason Hubby and I signed up. 🙂

  8. Henry Runs | June 6, 2012 at 1:30 pm |

    Congrats on challenging yourself to do the half-marathon! The “reasons why not to train” was hilarious!

  9. twocentsplus | June 7, 2012 at 7:24 pm |

    see you there!!! it will be awesome!!!

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 12:07 pm |

      Are you doing it too?!!!! Yay! I am really looking forward to it!

      • twocentsplus | June 9, 2012 at 12:47 pm |

        yes i am…i have never gone beyond 10k…that has always been good threshold for me. i am just starting to train so it will be a big thing for me and the reason i chose it…i too love all things lulu (except the price but who loves that) and its my 40th that day…what better way to celebrate! we’ll have to say hello !

      • Stride and Joy | June 12, 2012 at 7:32 pm |

        Yay! That is so exciting. What a momentous day for you! I would love to say hi! I am already sending out good weather wishes. 🙂 How about those shorts?!

      • twocentsplus | June 13, 2012 at 1:06 pm |

        love the shorts!!! too cute!. it will be momentous if i enjoy it (ha ha)…it will be awesome. true story Aug 11 is basically always good weather day…crossing our fingers….and at some point we can arrange the hi! good luck training…

  10. Saving My Belly Button Ring | June 8, 2012 at 7:54 am |

    Good for you!!! Love the shorts!! Now, I’ve got to find me a half marathon. 🙂

  11. Imperio | June 8, 2012 at 1:41 pm |

    I love the training schedule! I’ve been faltering on my jogging and this could possibly give me a bit more structure. Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you strength, determination and joy in your training! I look forward to the after half-marathon post.

    • Stride and Joy | June 9, 2012 at 12:24 pm |

      Thanks! I know what you meaning about the structure. I have similar issues when it comes to training. I wish you the same strength and determination! I hope this schedule helps. 🙂

  12. Tiffany @ Cute Dogs and Hugs | June 8, 2012 at 6:39 pm |

    I know we’re friends but there are no rules regarding that so…..

    I’ve nominated you for “The Versatile Blogger” award!
    http://cutedogsandhugs.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/fridays-focus-on-the-versatile-blogger-award/

    Here are the rules for receiving the award: (1) thank the blogger who nominated you (2) include the links to their blogs, (3) include the award image in your post, (4) copy the award image to your site, (5) give seven random facts about yourself, (6) nominate 15 other bloggers for the award, (7) when nominating other bloggers include the links to their sites, and (7) let those bloggers know they’ve been nominated.

  13. glasshalffull83 | June 10, 2012 at 6:28 pm |

    This is fabulous – you can totally do this!

  14. Saving My Belly Button Ring | June 10, 2012 at 10:41 pm |

    Well I guess this is your weekend for blog awards….I just nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award cuz I enjoy reading your blog! http://40islikethenew30.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/and-the-award-goes-to/

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  16. Lin | June 11, 2012 at 9:01 pm |

    Yay! That is AWESOME! So excited for you!!! Can’t wait for the race report and I LOVE THE SHORTS!

    • Stride and Joy | June 12, 2012 at 7:30 pm |

      Thanks! I am excited too, although when I started dying on last night’s 1.5-mile run, I began to get concerned. 🙂 Hopefully the shorts will see me through.

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