Training Tuesday: Fort2Base or Bust!

After my four days off of running, I made a triumphant (sort of) return on Monday with an outdoor four-mile run. I took it slow with my first mile coming in at 11 minutes, then picked it up to a comfortable 9:30.  The overall pace was 9:52.

Tonight, I donned my Fort2Base ambassador shirt (Thanks, Brooks!) and hit the gym to use the treadmill. I ran another not-quite-pace eight miler. It went well, so I think my break and slower approach is working well.

I spent a lot of my time thinking about how far I've come in the past two years and what I've learned about running. Last year, I spent most of the summer training for the Fort2Base Race. I went for the 11.5-mile course and treated it like a half marathon, using the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Plan to train. However, there are as many training plans as there are races.  Here are just a few you could try:

• Runner's World Half Marathon Training Plan (lots to choose from based on your goals and abilities)
• Shape's Half Marathon Training Plan (with variations based on your ability)
• Jeff Galloway's Half Marathon Training Plan (a walk/run method for all running abilities)

But those are just a handful... there are tons of half marathon training plans out there.

The Fort2Base Race is Sept. 23, which is the weekend after my marathon. So this year, I'm dropping back to the 3 Nautical Mile race, which my dad and I are going to tackle together.  I suggested the Couch to 5K program to him to get ready for the race, which is a traditional program that builds up your endurance over several weeks using a running/walking combo. There are actually several versions of this plan, including one that utilizes a treadmill (vital in this weather!). If you have a smartphone, there are lots of apps available for this pursuit as well.

As for me, I'm just more than 60 days from my first marathon ... and I don't feel ready yet.  I really need to clean up my diet as I'm ashamed at how many cookies I've had in the last 24 hours. No wonder my pants are tight! Even running a ton doesn't give me license to eat everything that comes in my path. I am not PacMan!

So my goal for the next week is to eat less crap and more whole, plant-based foods. At the very least, I need to get a handle on my portions because one cookie won't kill me, but no one needs 12 cookies. Even a marathon runner in training.