I haven’t written in a while so I have a lot to catch up on. First things first (no pun intended)..I’ve decided to move beyond the 5K runs and I’m training for my first half marathon.

My plan is to register (successfully) for the runDisney Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World and run the half marathon in April 2019. I’m absolutely committed: my flight is already paid for and my resort selected and booked.

I ran the 5K in the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Run Weekend last April with my husband and our daughters, and fell in love with runDisney events. It was the perfect event to run as a family, but I finished wishing I’d had the challenge of a timed event and I knew at the finish line that I’d be back.

So my original plan was to sign up for the 10K next April, but I have plenty of time to train before the August registration day arrives, so why not start the training program now under the hot Canadian summer sun and aim for the half.

And that’s what I’m doing. This year (this August actually- same as the marathon registration month) will mark my 50th birthday, so this is my present to myself.

My first step was to download the Jeff Galloway Half Marathon Beginners Training Program (you can find all the training programs here). Due to GI health issues in the past, I have always followed a run/walk method at my doctors suggestion, so using this method in training for a half seemed the best way to go in my case. I also joined an online run walk interval fan group so I have constant support from those with experience and tips using this training method.

My second step was to schedule my training days. I actually put the runs into my calendar on my phone. That way, I am not likely to book appointments or make plans that will cause me to skip my sessions.

Thirdly, I ordered an interval timer. Fortunately, I already run (albeit shorter distances) so I have the clothing I need and the water belt I prefer, but unfortunately, the sport watch I currently use doesn’t have a timer function. I quickly found that trying to track intervals without one was frustrating and distracting and the timer was a must-have item.

So here I am, in my second week now of the training program. I’m still playing with finding the best interval times that work for me but I’m running around the 15 min/mile pace at this point. I run three times a week, and do strength training and Pilates for cross-training.

I will be sure to keep posting on my progress. And if you’re planning on running the Star Wars Rival Weekend too, I hope to see you there!