As most of you know, my first half marathon training plan didn’t go as expected. So this time, I’m making some changes. For the past month, I’ve been focusing on everything but running — I’ve been strengthening my legs in spinning, I’ve been doing core work in Zumba, and I’ve been taking plenty of rest days to let my body recover properly. I want my body to be healed and prepared when I start my plan. When I was training for my first half marathon, I really only ran and did yoga. My legs were too sore injured to do anything else. This time, I’m taking some advice from my husband’s cousin, who has been a runner for most of his life: I’m going to strengthen my legs — especially my knees — with spin classes, and continue to weight train so my body stays strong. Running is hard on my joints, and balancing it with yoga just isn’t enough.
I have about two weeks until my 12 week training plan begins. In that time, I’m going to continue to build strength with spinning and weight training, have fun in Zumba, and run occasionally to build up a good base. After that, my official plan begins! Here’s what it will look like:
This time around, I don’t want to give up my Shift & Lift or Zumba classes. Shift & Lift is half spinning, half strength training, and it’s great for strengthening my bones and muscles while keeping up my endurance. Zumba is really just for fun, but my instructor recently became certified in Zumba Toning, and she’s started to incorporate it into our classes — it’s great ab and arm work! I will be running three days a week, taking one rest day (more if needed, of course), and on Wednesdays, I’ll do yoga, pilates, Barre3, or another Zumba or strength class, depending on how I’m feeling. Of course, I might find that I need to tweak this schedule a little once I get started, but I’m going to start with it and see how it goes!
One big challenge will be spring break. We’re going to Arizona for a week, right when the long runs get…really long. Jordan and I might have to find a nice place to run outside (if it’s not too hot), or we could be spending some time on hotel treadmills. We’ll see 
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The last important part of my training plan is…foam rolling. While I’m watching my favorite TV shows at night, I will foam roll and stretch. I don’t foam roll or stretch nearly as much as I should, but I always feel better when I do it!
And with that, I’m going to kick off this morning with some kickboxing . Have a great day!
How often do you stretch/foam roll?
Do you have a training plan/workout schedule?
Good for you! The plan sounds great, and will hopefully get you to the starting line feeling confident and strong! My IT bands are still achy when I run even though they’ve basically had 3 months off from running (i’ve done a few runs here and there). Gah. I’m training for this half mostly through cross training. we’ll see how it goes…
I LOVE Zumba toning, soooo much fun and such a great workout with the incorporated weights.
Sounds like a great workout plan, I’m sure you’ll knock this half marathon outta the park!
I’ve never foam rolled, but have been wanting to get a foam roller but I can’t ever decide which one is best for me. Some are big, some have grooves in them…I’m completely clueless! lol
YAY! Sounds like you’ll be in great shape this time around! Yes, I stretch every day and I do have a training program : )
i am so glad you got some great advice, I think you will rock this plan and hopefully your body will agree!
This is a great training plan. I’m going to start one that is similar on Monday. It isn’t a half marathon training plan but a 10K training plan. I’m hoping to build my endurance a bit more this time around and I think the 10K fits where I’m at right now.
Good luck with you’re training Em! Can’t wait to see how it varies from last time around
(Especially now that you get to run with your hubby 
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Thank you! Good luck with your training plan too!
How did you have time for kickboxing? Also, are you planning on running up to 12 miles before the race?
I just did a quick video at home. And then I got ready reaallly fast. I don’t know, I saw that on a bunch of plans, so I just went with it. I might only go up to 10 or 11, though.
I would HIGHLY recommend making sure that you do core workouts 2-3 times a week during your training (in addition to zumba), too. It makes a huuuuge difference in how you run…I absolutely hate core work (it’s my least favorite workout to do), but the difference it made during the 2 half marathons I’ve trained for was amazing. When I would takes weeks off of core work, my hips were tighter, my form was more slouchy, my knees ached some (probably because of my posture), and my speed suffered. When I did get those 2-3 core workouts in, all of those problems were gone and I could train faster. Worth it!
Thanks for the advice!
I usually have a work out plan but have been majorly slacking lately!
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Where are those pink compression socks from in your photo?
Thanks
They’re from Zensah! You can find them online.
Thanks so much! They are super cute!