It's all coming together

Closing in on Goal One for the season: my first half marathon. Excited and a bit anxious. I remember feeling like this the first time I raced a 5K.

I've never felt stronger as a runner and I'm mentally "there". It's been a long slog but the rewards of rebuilding my form are paying huge dividends. I ran my mile test today and in only 8 months, I've shaved a full 1:20 off my mile pace. That just blows my freaking mind. In addition, I've lost 13 lbs and I'm ripped.

I feel like I could run forever these days. A full marathon used to seem out of reach but no any longer. Maybe one of these days I'll say that about a 50 or 100 miler.

Eric's plans work. Period.

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Comment by Larissa Uredi on April 3, 2012 at 4:28pm: Aww, shucks. Thanks. (c: I'm hoping so. I don't have a PR exactly so I guess this is a good way to set one. I'm running the Garmin one with a friend. I am going to look into Rock the Parkway right now-I'd heard they were booked! Hmmm....that would be fun. Even if they are booked, it's a great goal for next year. Keep us posted!

Comment by Melinda on April 3, 2012 at 9:24am: Larissa, you are gonna rock that 5K. Which one are you doing? They still have spots for the Rock the Parkway 5K.

Comment by Larissa Uredi on April 3, 2012 at 9:03am: HOooray! Get out there and kick some booty. I've got my first 5k...I'm a little nervous but also pretty excited for what doors will open afterwards. Oh boy!

Comment by Barbara O'Connor on March 20, 2012 at 6:22am: Way to go Melinda :) I'm following right behind you !!! Those calves of mine are finally quieting down and I can actually start my eight week strength plan. Glad to hear you found them worthwhile. When is your actual race? And by the way..every time I ice now..I think of you and buckets of ice ..LOL

Comment by Terence Arnold on March 19, 2012 at 4:23pm: Good luck, nice to hear the plans work as I'm just starting out with them and trying to change my form !

Comment by Meg McCraken on March 17, 2012 at 9:55pm: It's truly great when it does start to come together! Eric is great and your work is inspiring, 1.20 off your mile WOW! Whatever your goal 1/2 marathon or 100 miles, you can do it... Be sure to have fun with every step!

Comment by Melinda on March 17, 2012 at 9:45pm: Thanks folks. It feels good to read your encouraging words.

I did the 6 week and 8 week strength plans to start. This was perfect for helping me correct some bad form habits I'd developed over the years. Plus, it helped me develop the mental discipline that I needed to do less more often. Up until now, I was not terribly consistent. It makes a world of difference, let me tell you.

After that, I started the half plan. I'm one month away from my race. I'll wait to see how it goes to decide my next goal... another half or a 50K in the fall.

Comment by Mindy Ward on March 17, 2012 at 9:23pm: Way to go! Your first half will be nothing! Like you said, mentally you're there and that is ahead of the pack for most! Good luck with it!

Comment by Stephanie Green on March 17, 2012 at 8:50pm: Congrats Melinda! You have inspired me to get on and stick to a training plan. Which one of Eric's did you start with?