New Challenge – running half marathon

December 14, 2017

It is all started as a bet , who can finish half marathon.The looser pay for steak dinner.

Setting goals drive me , I knew what needed to be done so I started practice last June. The target was set to be accomplished by finishing The Colony half Marathon.

How I did it ?

There are so many ways out there which you can read about, so this I my way. Since I knew I need to watch my heart rate at certain level I set a goal to run at heart rate of zone 4.

Measurement of the heart rate set by 220 minus my age and then 80% to set the max.The practice runs were between 140-160 HR but during the half marathon I was at 150-165, still at good HR.

Measuring the heart rate at the beginning was with my IWatch but sorry to say to all Apple fans out there , it’s just not as accurate as the Polar chest belt I am using now.

Both IWatch and the Polar are connected to the app Map My Run , which I found to be the most friendly and accurate.

There is still small gap between the length of the run and actual half marathon by about 0.2mile.

For every sport I make sure to have the right equipment with me

Heart rate monitor . I am using the Polar H7
Belt with small water bottels and pocket for the phone. I added some Poral energy powder as well which helping keep the blood sugar at good level
dri fit clothing
winter cloth
tissue paper
GU gels

Men in tights 😄

I never thought I will use it ever , but my son bought me this great men’s tights, which saved me during my first run at 34 degrees , it was chilly .

The next goal was set to run the Dallas BMW half marathon , together with my daughter. We already rode several bike rides together which is described in detail on my MS150 blog.

I Practice running 3-4 times a week, starting 8 miles a week and ended 25-30 a week. Last two runs I suggest to do 10-11 miles , so basically If you practice well once completing the 11 you are ready for the big day.

Plenty of rest the week before , high carbs meals 2-3 days before and no heavy alcohol , Beer is actually good carbs but no Coors light please , I am not considering it a beer .