To Half... Or Not To Half?

13.1 Miles
21.0975 Kilometers
23,056 Yards (230.56 Football Fields)
69,168 Feet

A half-marathon is nothing to take lightly. And it seems like the time has come that Steven and I are considering actually running one. Back in April of last year we ran the Star Wars Dark Side 10k at Disney. Our first 10k. It was so much fun. I remember when we finished that we both had this thought that one day we might consider a half-marathon. Then we never really chatted about it again. A half-marathon is double a 10k... plus some. But once you catch a running bug, it's a hard one to shake. You keep wanting to push yourself a bit farther and see what your limits are. Now, while I don't think either of us will ever consider a full marathon, we are both toying with the idea of taking on a half.

This all started earlier this week when Steven noticed that Track Shack released the date for the OUC Half-Marathon which is a well known half in this area that runs though Orlando. He asked what I thought about it. Hm. Maybe this is something we can think about. We started talking about the training involved and realized that most half training programs are only about 10 - 12 weeks long and only have one long run a week. The other runs average closer to 5 miles during the week so that isn't too bad. Especially considering we are doing 4-5 miles during each run regardless in preparation for our 10k that is coming up next month. However, it occurred to us though that we didn't think we could both train at the same time. There just aren't enough hours in a day or enough days in a week for both of us to get out there and get the miles in.

So, it was determined that Steven may train for the OUC Half. But I think this is something I would like to try too. After some thought, I had an idea. This year I am returning for my third time to the Iron Girl Clearwater 5k and a chance to take on the bridge. This race also offers a half option though. And since Steven would be done with the OUC by December 2018, I could potentially start training in the new year for Iron Girl. One thing to remember... there are 3 bridges in the half marathon if they do not change the course. And it's an out-and-back... so you do each one twice. One within the final mile.

That's where we are for now. We have plenty of time to give it some more thought and make a final decision. We are leaning that way for now though. And before we have a chat about knees... there's this. I know it comes up a lot and want to put it out there. =)

Now it comes down to looking into all the other things that go into not only running a half, but training for one. Figuring out cross training ideas. Nutrition both as a change in diet potentially as well as what to eat during training runs and the race. New gear we may need. More shoes. Some sort of water bottle that can be carried or worn. Body Glide. For the love of Body Glide. Foam rolling.

We are excited with the prospect of stretching ourselves and setting new goals. Eek. We could be half-marathoners.If anyone has any tips for training or thoughts on either of those course (yes... I know I have more than one bridge to tackle than the 5k)... please share.