Do Two Halves Make A Whole?

In most cases, yes, but not in the world of a runner. That’s ok, I’m going to do two half-marathons anyway, even if I can't count them as a full-marathon.

After last year, when I ran a half in June and another in September, I vowed “never more.” Apparently, I lied.

I’ve been wanting to run the Go! St. Louis Half-Marathon for a few years now, but it seems I was always traveling with one of the girls for volleyball. Not this year, so I am signed up to run this event on April 11. As is M. As are both of the girls. We’ll make it a great big family event!

And two weeks later (April 24), there is the Kentucky Derby Half-Marathon, for which I am also now signed up. This is one I’ve known of for several years and have wanted to run like no other. I mean, it takes you into Churchill Downs – how cool is that?! M is going to accompany me on this one. It’s been a good many years since I’ve been to Louisville and I’m not sure he’s ever been, so we’ll probably make a long weekend out of it as well.

One small problem as of late is the frightful cold that St. Louis is encountering, just like many other parts of the US. I’ve never been a fan of the cold, but usually if it’s above freezing and not all too windy, I will venture outside for a run. But not in this current weather – a high of 19 with a NW wind. Brrr…. This means I am trying to keep my miles up via the treadmill, which is not my favorite thing by a long shot. I’ve been a road runner for years, after all. I did find a couple of treadmill workouts that I hope will entertain me a bit, or at the very least take my mind off running in one place for 30 to 40 minutes. And with any kind of luck, in a week or two the weather will improve, if only slightly. Otherwise, I’m going to have to challenge myself to extend my run beyond 40 minutes, and that will be a true challenge for me.

Finally, here is one resolution. I resolve to run two half-marathons. With any kind of luck, one will be faster than my previous PR (2:03:xx).