Introduction Stuff (Stacey)

As Kelsey mentioned in the first post, I am the friend who she coerced into running 13.1 miles with her. Well, coerced probably is not a totally fair term . . . but I did take some convincing.

I am probably not the best contender to participate in a half marathon. I started running regularly once the second semester of my junior year (this past year), but by the time midterms hit, I was out of the habit and I have not really run purposefully in about 2 months. So . . . yeah. A lot of pain killers will probably help me through my first couple weeks of training, but I believe with perseverance and my blatant stubborn nature, I can be largely successful. :)

I have chosen a training program to use (http://www.fitsugar.com/Half-Marathon-Training-Schedule-Beginners-2845222) and plan on starting it next week, technically a week before the twelve week plan, so I can repeat week one in order to have a better chance to be successful on the next week of training.

A little about me: (just for fun)

Favorite running music: Florence + the Machine - I don't know what it is but there's just something about her songs that make me want to book it . . .

Preferred running venue: Honestly, a treadmill. I really like the consistent pace it provides. Plus you have motivation to keep going, you can't stop suddenly on a treadmill without doing serious damage to your face, knees, arms, etc.

Running terrain at home: Country roads, conveniently spaced 1 mile apart, which makes measuring distances super easy. There are moderately hilly, which is good practice considering the description of the race we're looking to run has similar conditions.

Just some random facts:
I will be starting my senior year of undergrad education a week after I run this half marathon.
I will be the maid of honor in a wedding at the end of July. . . which will make training over that time interesting.
I have a long distance relationship I enjoy with my boyfriend of one year (plus some change), Travis.
Kelsey and I have known each other for two years, introduced thanks to a campground where she was a lifeguard and I was a counselor.
My goal for this marathon is to finish and cross the finish line, preferably not on a stretcher.
My goal for after this marathon is to continue running fairly regularly and maybe run a couple 5ks that my school puts over the course of the next school year.

I will probably try to post every day I train in order to a) hold myself accountable to actually doing it and b) track my progress and how I feel after working out and such.

So anyway, that is probably more than enough info from me.

Until my next run,
Stacey