2023 is starting with a bang! Follow along in this new RunAgain project to see what happens when an average runner follows a structured training plan from world champion Ingrid Kristiansen and runs the “Goteborgsvarvet” Half Marathon in May 2023!
Road to Gothenburg kick-off!
First things first! Who am I and why read about my half marathon training?
I was the out-of-breath, kind of chubby kid in gym class, who came last over the finish line every time there was a running test. I liked sports and tried lots of them, but never thought I was any good or had much potential. I have underestimated my athletic ability for decades and it wasn’t until my late 30s that I broke new ground and truly became physically and mentally stronger. I built healthy habits, knowledge and strength from the ground up.
There was no pivotal moment, no big dramatic life event that triggered a change. But here’s a confession… I do remember at age 38 looking in the mirror one day and trying really hard to find myself in there somewhere. Ten years of mothering and “wifing” and working full time led me to SO much happiness, but also led me a bit away from my own identity. Who was I now? What are my passions? I had not given my own person, my own self, much thought or attention. Suddenly I felt like the time is NOW.
I wanted to feel strong and fierce. I wanted to set goals and crush them.
Two great friends pushed me – one for strength training (“No! You will not get huge muscles” he assured me) and the other to run a half marathon (“No! Your painful knee does not have to stop you! Physical therapy, the right soles, shoes, and exercises will work for you!”)
It clicked! I followed their advice. I put in the hard work. I ran the Disney Paris half marathon in 2017 in 2:08:55. I was hooked! Strong, not skinny. Progress, not perfection. Me vs. me. These were my mottos and my whole attitude and outlook on life got richer. I have always been an energetic optimist, but now my life felt bigger and better than ever! Limitless. If I get up, show up and never give up, I can do hard things, one step at a time. I can dream bigger!
With running… you can set so many different goals. What are yours?
Running is fun, running is for everyone, and running can truly change your life for the better.
That is what this new RunAgain project is about!
RunAgain, Ingrid Kristiansen / Team Kristiansen, Goteborgsvarvet, Daehlie sportswear, Saucony and I have teamed up with a common goal. Together we want to show what can happen if a “run-for-fun” runner like me follows a personalized structured training plan. If I can do it, anyone can!
The target is the Goteborgsvarvet Half Marathon in Sweden on May 13, 2023. The goal is to go from a 2 hour 45 second time which I ran in 2022 (2:00:45) to a 1 hour 55 minute time in 2023 (1:55:00) while having fun & staying injury free. Can we make it happen?
This goal scares me a little, so I know it is a good one. Half marathons are so tough! They leave me feeling completely burned & drained at the end. But I believe I can run faster and feel better at the finish line. The course and the finish line at the Goteborgsvarvet are pretty amazing so I can hardly wait!
I truly believe that if I can follow Ingrid Kristiansen’s training plan and break my limits… YOU can too. Whatever your starting point is, whatever your goal is (your first 5k, a 10k PR, a sub 3-hour marathon) a personalized structured training plan can help focus your efforts and make it happen. Train smart, achieve MORE.
So, why read about my half marathon training?
If you love a good before & after, a good makeover story that is reason enough. Or maybe you want to follow along and pick up some tips… or even better…maybe you feel inspired to dream bigger, achieve more and break your limits!
Stay tuned! Next up… Meeting the coach!