Moment of madness.........

[AliB1]

.........I think I'll be carried of in a straight jacket soon!!

I have been thinking about what I want to achieve this year and each time I am drawn to the half marathon training plan on the runners world website. Up to now have always said NEVER but now thinking maybe!!!! I have printed of the 12 week plan and am going to give it a go. To keep me motivated I signed up for the Paddock Wood Half in April (anyone doing that???) BUT I haven't told anyone about it (well except you guys but I' don't see you on a day to day basis). If things go well and I will 'fess up' at the end of February.

All I have to do is find the time for the longer runs and stay healthy & injury free..easy then

Will start to blog regularly again so I can track my progress and have something to remind me of the good runs when I am having a tough time. wish me luck!!!!

[greenlegs Graduate]

I wish you luck and no injuries, you crazy thing!

We used to live near Paddock Wood - my daughter had ballet lessons there many years ago. Wave to the oast houses for me as you run past.

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

I love oast houses! Hoping that the scenery will be fab so I have something to keep me going

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to AliB1]

I just looked up the course route - where I used to live is just off the top of the map! Seeing a half marathon course in an area I know makes it look - oh my goodness... So many places to go through. Beautiful countryside. Lovely hill near the start. I will be following you (not literally) all the way.

[Hidden]

OMG how exciting, good luck and I have my fingers crossed for injury free

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Not sure I would use the word exciting! Still can't believe I will be starting this journey...first run of week 1 tomorrow!

[Greg_M Graduate]

Ali, you don't need luck anymore! You'll blitz it. This running malarkey draws you in doesn't it?

[notbad Graduate]

That is exciting, wishing you all the best with your training and looking forward to reading about it.

[gdeann Graduate]

You go girl!!! Such an amazing challenge for you Ali!!! I know you will be very successful meeting your goal and sending best wishes for an injury free training! Run, Ali run!!!!! Gayle

[runningwild Graduate]

Good luck and enjoy it!

[janda Graduate]

Wow. That is serious! Best of luck with the plan and look forward to reading your blog.

[TJFlute]

I don't believe it! I was only looking at the Paddock Wood one myself yesterday! It is apparently a good one for a first, because it's quite flat. I'd love to do it, especially after not being able to do the Tonbridge one last year. I have a bad lower back at the moment, but think it's just a temporary thing. It would be good to have shared training thoughts because it will be quite a challenge.

[AliB1 Graduate]

Do it! I am going to give the training my best shot and see how I am going nearer the time . I am going to do the runners world 12 week plan aiming for 2hr 30 but so I can do parkrun too going to mix it up with the 2hr15 plan.... Yikes!

It feels very real talking about it!!

[TJFlute in reply to AliB1]

It sounds exciting. I have the bupa 12 week plan; I'll look at the runners world one and see how it compares.

I think you'll love getting your teeth into something: a real goal. Good luck!

[shelleymcb Graduate]

good luck Ali am sure you will be able to do this without any problems. the long runs are a bit daunting at first but once youve done a run over an hour, building up from that will be fine. just remember that 10% rule!

be great to hear how you are getting on. shelley x

[Rollertoaster Graduate]

WOW! Go you! What a challenge!! I can't wait to hear about how your training comes along. Do keep us updated.

This running lark is addictive huh?

[vikicats Graduate]

Good for you - what a brilliant challenge. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Good luck - not that you''ll need it!

Viki

[mrqwest Graduate]

oh man, now I'm tempted! I used to go fishing at Paddock Wood many moons ago, it's a lovely part of Kent - and the thought of running a half marathon around it… it's very tempting!

Good luck Ali, you'll do really well! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on training & how it goes!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Having tech problems and can't respond to your post mrqwest. Come join the party....will give me an incentive to keep going

[smhall Graduate]

Not madness...BRILLIANCE!!!! I am so excited for you!!! It is crazy how this running thing motivates us to attempt what has always before been unthinkable!! Keep us posted!! You never know, after Gayle knocks out this 10K program she may just decide a half marathon is in order!!

Good Luck and Keep Running!!

Steve

[SBG356 Graduate]

Fantastic Ali! It's great to have something new to aim for and you will be fine

Sue

[OldNed Graduate]

Excellent news. It's funny isn't it how, once you have graduated at 5K, the little voice in your head begins to shout 10K and then begins to whisper half-marathon. I think you'll breeze it, and it's a lovely part of the world; my son used to live near there and run around Staplehurst.

[ChrisMcB Graduate]

Hi Ali, DO IT do it do it do it! I ran a HM back in September. I chose a local one, nice and flat, and it was fantastic, such a sense of achievement. I was amazed on the day how the crowd really give you a boost. Like you say, follow the plan and stay injury free. I was also very surprised that for most of my plan (I followed a BUPA one) there weren't that many crazy long runs. You'll be amazed at what you can do once you get stuck in! Good luck!