In January of 2009 I was not a runner. I wanted to become one, but I needed the motivation. So I took a huge leap and signed up for the Maryland Double. Two races in Maryland. One in Frederick during the spring, and one in Baltimore during the fall.

I originally signed up for the full Baltimore Marathon knowing that I could do it if I dedicated the time and trained well. Unfortunately, due to a few problems I developed posterior shin splints, and instead of training for a marathon, I was in physical therapy for six weeks.

Since then, I have run three more half marathons with no pain at all, except for a little twinge every now and then (and when it twinges, I immediately put some ice on it, just in case).

I have now been running for well over a year now and I feel it’s time for me to complete a marathon. With proper training of course! (And maybe a little madness.)

I’ve been working on this plan for almost a month, yes, a month! I looked at all the options and finally decided to go with the FIRST Marathon Training Plan. There really was no close second because I probably looked at a dozen marathon plans and all of them had you running 4-5 times a week.

Not this one! I really would prefer not to injure myself this summer, so I was very excited when this plan only has you running 3 days a week. One day is speedwork, one is tempo, and one is your long run.

I actually used a plan similar to this for my previous half marathon through the Runner’s World website and really liked it. Especially since with every run you have something to focus on doing.

So, in a nutshell, here’s how it looks:

Monday: Body Works + Abs class (like Body Pump, but we use dumbbells instead)
Tuesday: Speedwork (Oh joy!)
Wednesday: Spin Class or Rest Day (I find that it’s easier for me to run if I bike the day before to loosen the legs up. But, I have the option to rest if I need it)
Thursday: Tempo Run
Friday: Rest Day!!
Saturday: Long Run (aka the return of the compression socks!)
Sunday: Cross Train or Fitness DVD

I originally had it in a spreadsheet, but after looking at Meghann’s and how much simpler it looked as a calendar, I switched mine to one too.

Click here to view the detailed schedule.

I may also squeeze some yoga in there a few times if I feel my body needs it.

Not too bad of a schedule, right? PMP is my Planned Marathon Pace according to the FIRST program. Like I said before, I just want to finish, but it would be nice if the first number of my finish time is a 5 rather than 6.

And since I may be doing some running in our new neighborhood, I wanted to see what the elevation was like and quickly whipped up an 8 mile route. Check out the hills:

Yep, I will definitely be getting in some hill training!

If you looked at the schedule you noticed I’m also doing the Philly Rock N Roll Half Marathon in September. My friend who also did the Disney Half will be running it, and her friend will be running it too as her first Half!

And here’s something you didn’t know, not only is the marathon on Halloween, but it’s also my brother’s birthday! So I may try to come up with a creative costume (that won’t chafe!) to wear for the race.

Maybe it’s also a coincidence that I’ll be running 26.2 miles a few days after I turn 26 years and 2 months old? Weird.

Here’s to a happy weekend and pain free training!