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Training for a Half-Marathon or Bust -
In the same fashion that I woke up one morning determined to turn my crazy business ideas into actual products, about 2 weeks ago, I decided to train for a half-marathon. You know, I have so much free time and the last time I ran was in the 90's, so clearly it was a very logical decision.
The truth is...I always wanted to run and actually love running while I was doing it. I have a recurring dream in which I am running like the wind (near a beach) and my boobs are not flailing around, I am not huffing & puffing, and I look fabulously strong and muscular.
Let's just say, this dream is FAR from the truth.

Anyway, you already know that I think fitness for everyone, especially moms (working or non) is seriously important. I also know that every year closer to 40 I get, staying in shape gets harder and harder (or shall I say flabbier and flabbier).
As I announced to my family my plans to run a half, my dear husband affectionately reminded me that I was yet to run around the block. I figured that I better start training at this point. I also have held back on purchasing new training apps, shoes, bras, and all the other kind of goodies that I can incorporate into running.
I simply JUST had to start running.
So, yesterday with the help of the INCREDIBLE, Dr. Vonda Wright, I dragged my ass out of bed for my first speed play (interval) training session. I would have been happy to enjoy coffee and donuts with Vonda, but we ran instead.

Vonda started me out with what she calls a Dynamic Warmup, a series of exercises to warm up the muscles used during running to help avoid injury. I could have called it a day when we finished with warming up.

Next, the running began. Two minutes of intense running at my maximum (apparently jogging and talking were out) followed by 2 minutes recovery, and repeat and repeat and repeat. Being the competitive person that I am, I went whole hog in my first two minutes, and was beyond exerted. After a few repetitions, I was able to find a challenging and intense pace that did not leave me feeling ready for the E.R.
Vonda and I even celebrated my first runner's side cramp. Apparently, this is a right of passage.
After 4 speed plays, I journeyed home, walked the dogs with the boys, and wondered if I was going to be able to move the next day.
Whatever the aftermath may be, I now have to answer to all of you because I am writing it here in this blog. I will run a half. I am not saying when, but I will do it.
I look forward to sharing the adventure and the tips that I receive from Vonda on how to fit training into an already tight schedule. Of course, I will make sure to include all my bloopers. What fun would it be without them?
In the meantime, I am off to explore apps and playlists and everything running.
Rachel http://backngroovemom.com
Any favorites? gear? sports bras? apps? anything?
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About the Author
Rachel Blaufeld is a seasoned mompreneur and expert at helping other moms get their groove back. With a decade of household CEO experience under her belt, a real-world degree in motivating friends and family, not to mention countless volunteer projects, chairs, and sheer mad chaos, Rachel founded Back’nGrooveMom to inspire budding mompreneurs. Rachel is sharing her journey from spark of an idea to concept to prototype to market, and providing a rare all-access pass to the behind-the-scenes nitty gritty involved in launching a successful venture.
At Back’nGrooveMom, Rachel is creating networks of mompreneurs, provides one-on-one consulting for stay-at-home-moms wanting to rekindle their spark, lends work/life balance guidance, and offers mentorship in best practices of navigating the world of social media.
