Well, I have started my walking training for a half marathon in May. If I can be sure my knees will hold up for the distance and that I can get my time down to 18.23min/mi, I will do the Maryland Half Marathon on May 15th. If my knees will hold up for the distance but I can't get my time down, I will just do a 13.1 mi(half marathon distance) walk on my own on that day on a trail near where I live. My ultimate goal in all this is to go as far as I can safely without hurting my knees worse and as fast as I can.
I started by doing 1.66mi in 36min or a pace of 21.68min/mi which leaves a lot of room for improvement. I am just glad I could even do that. I walked on the outdoor track by our YMCA because the weather is gorgeous. The temp out is 60 degrees. Each mile is the equivalent of 4.8 laps and I did 8.
My knees held up but I am truly out of shape!! I seemed ok for the first 2-3 laps but after that was feeling tired and by the 8th, I knew I couldn't do any more! Thank heavens that I only had to do 30 minutes as the first day of the training schedule. Tomorrow will be a 20 minute stroll(a bit faster than today's); Tuesday will be 30 minute easy; Wednesday will be off; Thursday will be 30 minute stroll; Friday will be 3 miles easy; and Saturday will be off.
I sincerely want to be able to do this. I DO have to stay consistent and follow the training guide but know I have to be kind to myself, also.
I will say that even during all the stress that I have been under these last 4 months because of Bill's foot surgeries that I did lose 4 pounds and my Hgb A1C dropped neither of which I figured would happen. They are another reason why I want and need to stay on track with this goal so that those numbers can keep getting better plus I can continue to get healthier, more fit.
Anyone who reads this and wants to, please keep me accountable.
