Sub-2 Dreams

Y'all know that one of my primary goals for 2013 is pulling off my first sub-2 half marathon, among other speedy goals and general fitness things. My half PR currently stands at a 2:09, so I have a little bit of work to do - 9 minutes (and 11 seconds) to cut off to hit at least that coveted 1:59:59.

I've decided my time is just 4 weeks from now:

Nike Womens DC - you're mine.

I am almost done with Week 1, and am excited about the work I've done already. I have only these five weeks to get back in gear, and get some really tough workouts under my belt, but I'm ready. With this course, I feel that I have a great chance to make this happen:

It's nothing completely out of control, and with one realy good downhill, I think this course provides a great chance to not only do a little work, but that it sets me up for a great sub-2: two hills, one great downhill, and completely (or almost) flat all the way inbetween.

So that being said, I've got a tough five four weeks. My longest run since the marathon (prior to last week's Publix Half) was two 6-mile-ish runs, and a handful of wimpy runs inbetween those. My speedwork with the Athens Road Runners has certainly been helpful to getting myself back in gear. With those regularly accounted for, and thanks to running with some fabulous people, I think those are going to make all the difference. With that, a lot of this is on me to rock solo.

My plan, friends (image links to Google doc training plan):

- Rest/XT:  There are two days of Rest/XT each week. My intention is to take one as a full rest day, and use the other for some true cross-training and strength days.
- Speedwork: 1 day of speedwork per week. While this plan has specific speed sessions mapped out, I'm working with our track coach every Wednesday. He knows of my sub-2 plan and is going to help make sure that I've got my ground covered. So these days may not be totally according to plan, but still in target zones.
- Runs:  Increasingly steady pace. I think I know that I already need to move up those paces a little bit, but I'm only in week 1, so will see how I feel coming off this week.
- Long Run: 1 long run each week at a moderate pace (10:18 or 10:24). Given that my longest run has been those 6 miles, I'll still be pushing it through those days. Looking forward to getting in some good mileage again!

Please note that this plan is derived from Runner's World sub-2 training plan and drastically modified to squeeze into my 5-week time allotment. I'm also not totally starting from scratch, thankfully, and thus why I'm jumping straight into an 8-miler to kick myself off this weekend and successfully complete week 1. Before you start any training plan, no matter how rigorous, consult your doctor, read it thoroughly and think about what's best for you and your fitness, timing, and strength. I think this is going to work well for me, but that's knowing my own limits.

So yeah - much to do, four more weeks to go! Wish me luck!You can also follow along with my newly coined #sub2orbust hashtag - all the things related to the next four weeks will likely be tagged. Join me... and apparently the lots of other folks using it too!

Other advice, tips, and suggestions for hitting a sub-2? What is your magic race time goal?