Winter Training For A Half Marathon - Who Came Up With That Idea?

My dress standard for winter running!

In April and November 2014, I completed my first 5K and 10K races respectively. What is a girl to do but start training for a half marathon? But which one?

After carefully examining all half marathons in 2015, I selected the NJ half because it is flat, and you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean. A downside was the 3-hour time limit which ensures the course is cleared for the marathoners run to glory (without running the back of the pack down). However, it turns out I will be traveling to a Fitness Weekend on the weekend of the NJ Half Marathon, so that has led me to select another race. The weekend before is the MORE/FITNESS/SHAPE Half-Marathon for women to be held in Central Park, NYC.

I have to admit I'm VERY nervous about this race. Whenever I chat to a fellow runner about it, the following conversation ensues:

Me: "I'm doing a half in April"
Fellow Runner: "Great! The NJ Half?"
Me: "No, the MORE/FITNESS/SHAPE Half in Central Park"
Fellow Runner: "Oh! That one is hilly! Make sure you train for hills!"

So, it appears I'm switching my flat scenic course for a hilly scenic course! At least they give you 4 hours to finish it!

Here are the famous climbs....I mapped the first 6 mile loop of Central Park (1st picture below) and my nervousness increased when I realized I'd have to run this twice plus another 1.1 miles to finish. I have found a local loop on roads in my area (2nd picture) that has some hills of similar amplitude, I just need to be able to get out there and practice on it - the snowy and icy conditions on our roads have prevented me getting any real training miles on it, I hope that will improve in March.

Elevation of The 6 Mile Loop of Central Park

Elevation of My Training Run - If I Ever Get To It!

On a brighter note, I had an all-time high for the distance of my run today. I managed 11 miles at an 11:55 pace per mile. I'm a very slow runner, but proud that I'm starting to log some good distances. This long run was at a well maintained park (no ice on the paths) with mostly flat terrain, so  not ideal for training, but at least I could run.

My Goals for the Half Marathon:

1. Finish it.
2. Finish it in under 3 hours

If the course was flat, based on today's run, I could achieve my second goal. I must admit though that I was knackered for the last mile - hoping another 6 weeks or so of training will get me ready enough for the full 13.1 and that I get some time running those darn hills. Wish me luck!