This week, I started my training for the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon in May. Until just now, I didn’t realize it was such a big event, but apparently it’s the largest half-marathon in the U.S., and overall, the eighth largest running event in America. This race will be by far the furthest distance I’ve ever run – it’s 13.1 miles long, and the furthest I’ve run is probably about six miles at a time.

While I like running and generally am able to keep a fairly good schedule for staying in shape, training for a half marathon will definitely take a good deal of discipline and a somewhat rigid schedule. I’m glad I’m starting my official training twelve weeks prior to the race, so I’ll have enough time to slowly work my way up to running longer distances than I’m used to. My training schedule involves a “long run” each Saturday – which will be the day of the race in May – which starts this week with a 4 mile run and slowly increases to 10 miles the week prior to the race. The remaining days of the week are each allocated to various shorter distance runs, some cross training, and some strength training.

One thing I think I will like about having this schedule is that I will always have a plan for my day’s workout and will know what I need to do each day to stick to the training. Working in public relations, I don’t usually have a “typical day at the office.” I have unexpected projects to work on, media opportunities, client meetings, and inquiries from people interested in our clients’ work. I think I will enjoy knowing that I have one thing that is constant and predictable each day – that being my workout. Whether I have a stressful day and am in need of a good run to clear my mind or I am tired after a long day, I will always have my workout to help get some energy back. It will also force me to stay in shape, even if there are days on which I just don’t feel like working out – I have to stick to the training schedule!

I just hope I’m prepared when race day comes – it’s May 3^rd – 79 days and counting!