Hi there, Mrs. 1500 today.
So I turned 46 on Sunday and went out for drinks with a friend the night before. She told me about a half marathon she was considering doing and asked me if I wanted to do it too. Clearly, as indicated by the pictures in this article, I did not get this body by working out. My first reaction was to say no, but upon further reflection, I felt that this would be a good experience for me. Not good as in fun, but good as in I should get my fat ass in shape so I can live longer and be a good role model for my daughters.
The Plan
Since we are bloggers, of course I have to detail my experiences on this site. I even thought that perhaps some of you might like to join along – if not for the actual race, then for a race near you around the same timeframe. My half marathon is in 6 months and I am doing this 14-week couch to 10K app followed immediately by a 12-week half marathon app.
The half-marathons I’m considering are the Mine Shaft Half or the Carbon Valley Half.
I found a list of half marathons in my state simply by Googling my state plus half marathons in 2019. I found a site cleverly titled halfmarathons.net which lists tons of races of various lengths. It seems that most half-marathons will have a course set up for 10k as well, in case you’re interested in doing this, but 13.1 miles seems a bit too far.
The Problems
My main challenges are my weight, my very sedentary status, and the fact that I am a working mother. Regarding the latter, I tend to put everybody else first and my workouts come last or not at all. (Let’s be honest, they aren’t happening.) I had abdominal surgery on August 1st so I am literally starting from zero. Wait, scratch that. I’m actually starting from negative because I just got back from a retreat where breakfast and dinner was buffet style and I consumed enormous quantities of food at every meal. With the exception of the very tail end of my pregnancies, I have never weighed more than I do now.
Mr. 1500 note: I’ll be supporting this effort by making sure that Mrs. 1500 has the time to workout. There will also be a lot of tofu in our future. Finally, I’ll be providing gentle encouragement along the way and joining in for the half-marathon.
I hate running. Every minute I’m doing it, I’m complaining in my head, and thinking of things I like to do more than run, which is pretty much everything. But every time a friend displays a massive weight loss, it’s due to a combination of working out and eating better.
I can certainly eat better. I try to do well, but there is always more room for vegetables. Our oldest daughter is a vegetarian by choice, so having more vegetarian meals will help with that. I’ll keep track of my calorie intake with the free MyFitnessPal app.
Training Plan
- Starting Weight: 180.6 (HUGE thanks to Erin from Brokemillennial.com for the courage to post that in a public space.)
- Week 1 Plan: 3 days – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Week 2 Plan: 3 days – Tuesday, Friday and Sunday
The Plea
(Click here to read Part 2)
When you do something you hate enough, you’ll learn to love it. 😉
Either way, major kudos for suffering through the hate and good luck!!
Mrs 1500 I’m seriously impressed – and will be even more impressed if you wear Mr 1500s dinosaur shirt during the race! Great to hear that you’ll have your daughter on the journey for some extra motivation.
Oh I wish you hadn’t said that. OK, I’l wear that awful shirt when I run – with a pink tutu.
Good for you!!! Don’t get discouraged if this half marathon ever seems too much. You can always change it up to 5-Ks — a supremely effective way to lose and keep weight off (you met my skinny a$$ so you know…)
Welcome to 46 — Happy Birthday!!! I beat you by a few weeks. So far, it doesn’t suck too bad. 🙂
Good luck and stick with the running habit. Read “Born to Run” for some killer good inspiration.
I second the book recommendation. Amazing read and very quick.
You can do it! Major props for not only realizing this but talking about it. I’m not sure I could be so brave and I’m the one that wrote about my breakup! If anyone says something negative let me know and I’ll punch em in the face. You got this!
good luck. it’s hard starting from scratch but the progress comes quickly once you get a routine. i’m still on the fence about joining on this in ny or vt in april or may. i’m at top weight too and feeling a little “puffy.” could be the wine and mayonnaise diet?
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OK, so “wine and mayonnaise” doesn’t work. And “chips and cookies” doesn’t work. I think we’re nailing down the don’ts.
A half marathon is an ideal distance to feel like you’ve accomplished something big, but to avoid destroying your body. I would urge you to stick to your plan as exactly as you can, so you can avoid injury along the way. Most plans also include a few body-weight exercises (squats, lunges, etc.) which you should not skip. These will help you balance out the imbalances created by a running heavy program.
I’m planning to complete my first race in 4 years in about six months (planning on a 10k), unfortunately in these last few weeks of pregnancy even my walking efforts are reduced to a slow waddle.
Here’s to a great race for both of us! And it’s great that you’re getting in shape, so you can participate with your daughter. My dad and I ran a marathon and played tennis together throughout my high school years, and that really strengthened our bond.
I would totally join you but beer.
The struggle is real.
Wait. I NEVER said I was giving up beer.
Isn’t there usually beer at the end of such events? At least so I’ve heard… 🙂
Excellent point. This is a steep price to pay for beer though…
I’m definitely in. The mrs. I’m sure will be as well.
I think your husband will vouch that it sucks, but it’s a good sucks. Wow that came out wrong.
Regardless… you got this! And we’re in. So you cant back out now!
I bet you can make it into a whole marathon by running it, coming back for me, and running it again!
Proud of you Mrs. 1500! This will be a huge accomplishment. I’m definitely in and actually was already thinking that I needed to start running more and that I needed a goal in mind in order to make that happen. Ask and you shall receive right? Let’s do this!
Thanks Mrs. WoW! I was really hoping you guys would run with me. You can practice running backwards on your hands to get a feel for my “speed”…
I can attest that Mrs. Wow is a great running partner for those of us who are just staggering along… she practically carried me through our 5K back in March!
I’m going to stick to weight lifting and walking…my IT band just doesn’t like the running thing….
Good luck and remember to take it easy on yourself!
Maybe in my bleary eyed I just woke up and am reading my feeds I missed what app you are using but I didnt’ see the name of it. I just hit 50 this year and my goal is to increase my fitness level which really means put the wine down and get off the couch!! I too, am at my highest non-pregnant weight and hate it so I’ll take the challenge! I also hate running but have ran a marathon in the past with an absolutely dismal time but hey, at least I crossed the finish line! Good luck to you!
Mr. 1500 ran a half marathon last year using a 12-week training app. NO WAY is 12 weeks long enough to get me in shape to run 13 miles. I’m starting off with the Couch to 10K app, then jumping into a half marathon app wherever I need to to be able to finish in time for the actual race. So probably jumping in at 3 or 4 weeks into it, but that’s after I’ve done all 14 weeks of Couch to 10K.
Way to go! Super important to give yourself challenges like this and really good for your health too.
I hate running as well but running a half and then possibly full marathon is something I might do down the line just for the enjoyment of conquering a difficult challenge.
Good luck!
I never said ANYTHING about a full marathon.
Congrats Mrs1500 on taking the leap to run the Half marathon.
I trained for my first race which was a half marathon, no 5K or 10K in between. I started to take running seriously back in 2015 and once I was able to run 7-8 miles I felt I can run a half marathon.
Training wise I am a text book player. Followed the Hal Higdon novice training plan. Ran Tue,Wed, Thu and Sat(long run). Week day runs were anywhere between 3,4,3 to 4,6,4 and long runs on Saturday max I ran for teh first half was 10 miles which was 3-4 weeks before and then started to taper. Increased my carb intake during the last 3-4 days before the race.
Hydration and Nutrition during my long runs – I made a habt to carry a waterbottle during my long runs as I dont want to depend on the water stops just to be on the safe side. I carry 2-3 dates to give me that extra sugars to push through. I take one energy gel for Half marathon may be around 40 minutes.
Once I ran the half marathon I was motivated to run a full marathon and as luck would have it down here in Charlotte the course is pretty hilly, and after registering I had to kick myself for not considering a flat course. But my first half was also the same race and I still couldnt beat my half PR from my first race which was in 2:02. I simulated hills in my full marathon based on the course map. So, yeah look into the course map while training, if it calls for hills try to incorporate then because running on flat while the course is hilly or vice versa will burn you and you will hit the wall by mile 10. So train smart.
Running motivation
Youtube- Check out Billy Yang films , Gingerrunner
Netflix – Barkley Marathons 🙂
Books – Marathon training guide by HalHigdon, Simple Marathon Training by Coach Jay Johnson
Fiction – Born to run (about a tribe in Mexico Tarahumara) by Chistopher McDougall. There is a movie in the making.
Good luck with your training!!
Thanks for the motivation links. I’ll check them out.
It’s really cute that you think I can run 3 miles at one time. Today I did the first day which was 60 seconds jogging, 90 seconds walking. That’s more my speed… But I’m working up to it.
I have run a 10K once, about 6 years ago. I had joined a running group at the gym when we first moved here and we trained for the 10k 3 times per week. I ran the entire thing, but definitely NOT fast. Not very motivational to see the end of the race and have tons of half marathoners coming in ahead of my 10k finish…
This is awesome, and another great side effect of FIRE. You guys are a perfect example of how freeing one’s self from the chains of external employment leads to positive benefits, not just for that person, but for those surrounding that person as well. Keep up the great work!
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So first of all – way to go! And did you know that by doing the walk/jog thing over and over you’re actually doing interval training? That’s very hot right now (look at Mindy – so on trend!).
But my real first thought was to ask why you think you have to run? Or jog? If you hate that activity (I sure as hell do) then why not walk? And I don’t mean stroll here, I mean powerwalk. I’ve walked a couple of marathons (in less than 6-1/2 hours) and have done tons of half-marathons (my best times were when I could do them in 3 hours flat). Maybe something to consider?
I can already do the walking thing. I could easily walk the half marathon in just under 20 hours no problem.
The run is the challenge, plus running leads to faster weight loss.
Speed walking is a real thing, my husband does it. He can pass runners (okay the joggers!) In a 10 k. On a team, does the walking version of the Hood to Coast, the Portland to Coast.
Kudos for having the courage to post and deal with that heaviest weight ever. (Me too, getting awfully close to that horrifying number 200!)
I walk a lot but can’t run but have found the exercise bike plus tv useful. Got the exercise down but the diet is an endless struggle and I’m sorry to tell you it only gets worse from 46!
Sending you much encouragement!! I know the daughter will help 🙂
You will have fun on this journey. At the end you will be healthier, lighter and will officially be “a runner”.
I started running after our first kid was born and I weighed in at 196 on a light 6-1 frame.
19 years later I stay around 166-167. Not as fast as I used to be (47 now), but still enjoy running.
Congrats on the decision! I encourage you to sign up for the races. Actually paying the money REALLY helps get you motivated.
Yeah, I’m not as confident as you are that I will “have fun” on this journey. But paying the money for the run will definitely keep me motivated. I just re-checked the two races above, and it looks like the Mine Shaft starts at the ungodly hour of 6 am. Looks like I’m doing the Carbon Valley race, which starts at 8:00. It’s $50 if I register soon, and even that is hard to waste.
Hi Mrs. 1500! I’m very excited for you to undertake this journey!
Here’s my two cents.
1. Figure out where to work the exercise into your daily routine. Morning, lunch, after work, after kids go to bed? The right time will depend on your personal routine. I like to work out over lunch a couple times a week at work. I put it on my calendar so that it becomes a commitment just like any other meeting I might have scheduled.
2. Can you motivate yourself to do this, or do you need an external force to help you stick with it? Consider joining a running group or finding a friend who will work out with you if you fall into the 2nd camp.
2. For a first time half marathoner, the long run is the key. If you have weeks where life gets in the way and you can’t do your 3 walk/runs, try not to miss the long run too often if possible.
Good luck. You got this!
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The problem with a running group is that I am always dead last. ALWAYS. And when you’re holding someone back, you KNOW you’re holding them back. For now, I’m going to be running at 100-mile club with the girls in the mornings – I prefer to work out in the morning so I can get it over with. When I plan afternoon workouts, there’s always a reason to not go.
Proud of you! You’re gonna rock it!
I think making the goal public is a great first step that’s going to help hold you accountable, so you’ve already got that on your side.
As far as fighting waning motivation, I’ve got two ideas that have helped me with things like this:
1) Work to define yourself in your own head as someone who runs and/or someone who follows through on their commitments. This comes from a combination of positive self talk and from each time you do follow through. Every time you go on a run, you’re reinforcing this image of yourself and it’ll snowball from there. Eventually you may find yourself going on runs/working out because that’s just who you are.
2) Commit to always starting the day’s workout. There are going to be days when the mileage feels like a crazy amount you won’t be able to do. If you at least commit to doing the first x minutes or x miles, you’re more likely to keep going. If after that initial piece, you still feel awful, you can take the rest of the day off without feeling guilty and beating yourself up. Most of the time, once you get going you’ll feel better about finishing it out.
Hope that’s helpful, rooting for you!
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Love it! We can all go running when you come down to visit in December! =)
I bet I can keep up with you now…
Do it! I’d love to do the same thing myself but for asthma and bad knees. I walked 13+ miles a few weeks ago just to do it. Included a “beer” stop as well. Happy belated birthday!
Good luck. My wife nor I never ran. A few years ago she decided to do a couch to 5K and then eventually graduated to a half marathon. In the process she ended up getting me to start running. Now we both run regularly though we don’t really do the races, simply because of the cost. It’s a great way to get in better shape. I know without running, I’d probably weigh 20 pounds more than I do.
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I’m in! Fabulous day to see this, but I’m starting tomorrow, because…Halloween!
Halloween! Someone help me not eat 4,232 Butterfingers, Baby Ruths, Snickers…
Mrs. 1500! I’m in, I will join you. I used to run and now I do not. I remember that it made me feel happy (after and sometimes during, but not for first 30 minutes) plus my clothes fit better. I’m 47. It’s awesome that you are doing this. It could become fun. For me the hard part is having it be a routine.
This is great! I haven’t yet decided which run I want to do, but I’ll know in a couple of weeks for sure. Are you in the Northern CO area?
Mrs. 1500 recently posted…Mrs. 1500’s Half Marathon – Episode 1
Hey, I feel you! I have always hated running yet by my estimations I have run well over 20,000 miles in my adult life. Also I ran my very first distance race at the age of 46, the Dallas TX Whiterock Marathon. And since then I’ve run another 14 of them. Absolutely hated every step of most of them! And all the training runs! But I love being a runner and a marathoner. I love the way that feels even if the runs themselves are pretty meh, at best. Except the camaraderie of my co-runners is fun. So I can attest, you don’t have to be a kid and you don’t have to enjoy the act of running to get it done. Good luck! Warning, it can be habit forming. My wife and I are both retired for years now and past age 60 but we still were up at 4:50 AM this morning to run 5 miles in the cold wet dark!
To be honest, I hate running. I will only run if something is chasing me. Or a $50 bill is floating away. Wait. No. Make it $100. I have never understood people that get a high from running- they are, to me, freaks. That being said, I can shovel snow for hours (lived in Wisconsin in undergrad. stupid idea- Hawaii girl going to Wisconsin!), but run for a block, forgetabouit!
For the more veggies, Mrs. 1500- I suggest hot pot. they have serious amounts of veggies, and you can make all kinds of sauces for dipping ( I even have some recipes on my blog, but you can easily google search). Japanese have nabe and shabu shabu- chinese and taiwanese have hot pot, and Korean’s have jiggae.
Just gather a bunch of napa cabbage, baby bok choy, some fried tofu, fresh mushrooms, micro greens, whole leaf spinach, etc., and (if you like) thin sliced pork or beef. Flavor the soup or not, and bring to a boil- and put the large pot on a heating element on the table.
Sauces can be as simple as smooth peanut butter mixed with soy sauce, and a little sugar, for dipping. Serve with rice (if you’e not on the low carb thing) or ramen noodles.
Yeah, I used to say I only run when chased, but I don’t get to say that for a while.
Thanks for the food ideas, I’ll go check those out.
Great! Though, working out and eating healthy will not always result in weight loss, so if you were hoping for that, don’t despair. You are still reaping gains. I was training for a state Tae Kwon Do competition once for like 3-4 months- was working out maybe 4+ hours a day (“running” on the treadmill in the morning, TKD drills during lunch, and weightlifting and speed drills in the evening), eating a plant and protein diet (tofu rolled in slightly sweetened eggs then pan fried is awesome), and STILL didn’t lose any weight. But took first in my division, so there’s that.
Good luck Mrs. 1500! I’m sure you’ll crush you goals and conquer that half-marathon!
Mr. Tako recently posted…Struggle Makes You Stronger
I had to read this again – I thought it said you’re sure I’ll crush some GOATS. hahaha
Mrs. 1500. A couple of things. 1) GREAT JOB!
2) Mr. 1500 mentioned you will be in my neck of the woods next summer, (Wisconsin) so if you are planning to come to Wisconsin you can do some great races here as well. I will run with you!
3) Don’t forget other disciplines. Yoga especially. There is a great site called Yogaglo that I use for my daily yoga fix.
4) If you want to track your workouts go to http://www.Strava.com. It is a free site(Mr.1500 will like that) that you can use to track your runs. It has an app that you can download to your phone and the gps will track your runs and post them for the world to see.
Finally as someone who does triathlons the race is all in your head. Your body can do wonders once you convince your mind that you can. I took the year off to heal up from some medical issues and am now back at it. I feel like the Tin Man from Oz.
Look for me on Strava.
I will check out strava. Thanks! Right now, I’m committing to one race.
Props to you, Mrs. 1500! I’m very impressed with your courage and excited for your fitness and health ahead!
I’ve found the best way to support and maintain your motivation is to find and spend time with like minded people. This is just as important for pursuing health as it is for pursuing FI. Is there a local running club or community you can connect with? Even better, is there a FI running group you can join where you can chat about finance before, during, and after you run? I’ve found running groups with varying levels of fitness to be best as you’ll have both running buddies at your exact stage and a few superhuman crazies that keep you motivated by making you think, “I wonder if I could run that fast someday?”
That was a fun conversation – I can’t wait to see how it turns out. And the motivation wave idea is one I first learned from Stanford professor BJ Fogg – it’s helped me understand a lot of things in life. 🙂
Good luck!
Hello, I just started running too! Literally the day of this post (I’m reading it a fair bit late…)
Maybe I’ll take these posts as inspiration and run a half marathon in May as well. I just looked and we have a marathon FESTIVAL on at the end of May… so May-be I might 🙂
LadyFIRE recently posted…Adult Goals: October2018
I highly highly recommend the zombies run app plus some good music on the player. I love running… but run very slowly based on the fact that I’m not 16 any more and have just resumed running with significant friction from my work schedule! But the story for zombies run keeps me motivated to get out there, even when the weather or fatigue or whatever doesn’t cooperate.