I’m training for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon at Virginia  Beach. The race is September 6, and the finish line is on the beach!

My goal is to complete this race and just enjoy myself. It’s my first Rock ‘n’ Roll race which means there will be 20 bands playing while I run past, and there will be 17 cheerleading squads to help me keep moving along.

After crossing the finish line, I’ll likely spend an hour stretching and recovering. Then I plan to go back to the hotel for a shower and to change. After that, I’ll be attending the Finish Line Beach Party. And that night, there will be a concert on the beach. I’m excited to have such a big celebration for completing the race!

Virginia Beach Race Course:

I’ll be running five races this year:

APRIL 5: Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

MAY 3: Frederick Half Marathon

SEPTEMBER 6: Virginia Beach Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon

OCTOBER 10: Baltimore Half Marathon

DECEMBER 6: Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

Right now, I’m staying focused on my Virginia Beach Half Marathon. It’s 13.1 miles. Doesn’t seem like a lot, but I could truly hurt myself if I don’t train correctly.

I’ve been having problems staying hydrated and keeping up my momentum. I need to drink more water, and even carry water and GU with me while I run. I also need to get some better music for my iPod. I’ve been listening to the same music for nearly three years. It doesn’t keep me moving anymore. I’m thinking about downloading Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas,” and making that the main theme.

I’m sticking with Hal Higdon’s Novice II marathon training guide. I’m basically training for a full marathon. My two half-marathons will fit in nicely with the schedule. I am also doing TNT Fitness personal training (circuit training) twice a week. My trainer, Rani, works with me and about four other people at once. It helps to train in a group setting.

I plan to record my journey by recording a short video after my long runs and uploading them to YouTube. I’ll continue to post my newest videos in this blog, and on my homepage. Sorry about the quality– it’s cell phone video. But it makes it easy for me to stick to my goal.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8. GOAL: RUN 8 MILES. COMPLETED: 8 MILES. SUCCESS!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5. GOAL: RUN 5 MILES. COMPLETED: 5 MILES. SUCCESS!

MONDAY, AUGUST 3. GOAL: RUN 3 MILES. COMPLETED: 3.5 MILES. SUCCESS!

SUNDAY, JULY 26. GOAL: RUN 6 MILES. COMPLETED: 4.5 MILES RUNNING, 1.5 MILES WALKING. STATUS QUO.

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