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Mar 28, 2013

My half marathon quests

5 miles on the schedule.  I ended up doing 5 miles.  It was nice outside and perfect weather for running but I just wasn't feeling it this run.  Probably the miles of the half marathon are starting to wear on me.  Plus I was not feeling well on Tuesday.  This is how today's run went.  Mile 1 - oh, I should have take off today.  Mile 2 - maybe I should just do 3 miles.  Mile 3 - ok, starting to feel better.  Mile 4 - yes, I can do one more. I'm feeling good!  Mile 5 - done.  Haha.  Sometimes you just need to keep moving.

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This year I'm trying to show my love for the half marathon again.  So far I've completed one half marathon - Rock CF in Grosse Ile(see review HERE).  I currently have six more half marathons planned.  All in Michigan but not all in the area.  I'm venturing out into Lansing, Midland, Empire(near Traverse City) and even Dexter.  Ok, Dexter isn't that far out of area but its probably out as far as Lansing from where I live.

I know some of you have the goal of 13 in 13 and when the year started, I looked for 13 half marathons that were reasonably spread out but really couldn't find 13 that I really wanted to do or fit in my schedule.  I'll have to settle for the 17 races I have on my schedule.  Haha!

Here's the rest of the half marathons that I'm planning for 2013.

April 21

Lansing Half marathon.  A new race for me!  It's the second year for this race and its gotten decent reviews so I can't wait to see what it's like. It's my next half in 3.5 weeks.

May 19

Great Lakes Bay Half Marathon. A new race for me!  This one is in Midland.  It's the old Qualifier race.  It's changed.  I know there were many that did not like the Qualifier but they have completely changed the courses(there's also a full).  I'll be running the half as a race ambassador so join me!   If you can't make it, I'll be sure to have a complete race review after the race.

June 2

Dexter to Ann Arbor.  Another new race for me!  It's their 40th year this year so they plan to make it extra special.  My only concern on this race is the heat.  The course is a point to point which I've never done before but I've heard nothing but great things about this race.  It's also my running buddy, T's, favorite race.  He can't run it this year unfortunately.

September 29

Brooksie Way Half Marathon.  This will be my third time this year.  This race has a special place for me since it was my first half marathon.  I love this very challenging and hilly course.  It's a bonus that its close to home and the weather is usually perfect for it.  I almost PR'd on this course last year but will not be trying for a new PR this year.  Why?  See next race.

October 6

Sleeping Bear Dunes Half marathon.  A new race for me!  This is a very small race up in Empire near Traverse City.  This is supposed to be a fairly hilly race but not terrible.  Because I'm running this a week after The Brooksie Way(which is hard!), I didn't want to try for the PR at Brooksie.  We'll see how I feel for Brooksie and decide then though.  This is supposed to be one of the most scenic areas in Northern Michigan.  I've been to Traverse City but not near the dunes.  It should be a great race and will be nice to run a race where there are about 300 runners total.

October 20

Detroit Half Marathon(International).  I've already run the full marathon for this race and really enjoyed the first half more than the second half.  For those that don't know, this race goes over the Ambassador bridge into Canada and then goes back through the tunnel into the USA.  It's a super route and I'm sure I'll really enjoy it.  It's one of the few that goes between two countries and their medal is usually a great design(although I'm not sure I like the car on it this year)

So that's it for the half marathon schedule this year unless something else pops up unexpected.  Four new half marathons this year which is nice.  I like to mix it up and try new races.  If you'd like to see the other races I've got planned so far, click HERE.  I'd actually love to run a half in December in Michigan but don't believe there are any in the area.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great schedule to me!

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  2. I'm considering the Brooksie but had no idea it was challenging and hilly... good to know! My friend was going to make it her first 1/2, but maybe not a good idea based on that assessment?

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    1. It was my first. It's a great race but it is hilly. You can see my race review for last year in Race Reviews.

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  3. I think we all have runs like that. They start up crappy but end up great. I'm also looking at a couple half marathons myself after Boston.

    Your schedule looks awesome! Can't wait to read the recaps.

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