Gear

One of the things runners love about their sport is buying new shoes. There seems to be a must read shoe article in every running magazine on a monthly basis. 23 New Shoe Reviews! Injury free shoe buying guide!  Sole Revolution! Typical headlines one might see on a regular basis. Shoe companies survive by constantly "innovating." Its good to know that there is a breakthrough in cutting-edge shoe technology every four weeks.
My advice is simple. Once you find a shoe that works well on your feet buy as many duplicates as you can afford. That trusted pair you have gotten used to and love so much will be a thing of the past long before you go looking for another pair.

Shoe of choice: New Balance MR759's (no longer available.)

The History

August 2011 Kate registered for a charity 5k race through a co-worker in Illinois. I reluctantly agreed. In fact the morning of the race I lay in bed and was hoping that she would either forget or wouldn't have the motivation to drive the two hours to Champaign. Its not that I was out of shape so much as I certainly was not a runner. I had been playing a lot of tennis and been cycling on and off for years. Kate it turned out was motivated.

The thing about that first race was that it became about just finishing without walking. What motivated me to keep going was a high school football team in the race that wasn't capable of that same feat. I was determined not be beat by a bunch of teenage so-called athletes. I finished my first 5k in 32.20 (twice the time as the winner) but ahead of most of the football players.

My muscles were more sore after that first three miles than after thirteen  now. I started running and found a peaceful solitude as well as a sense of community at the races. I finished 2011 with 130 miles. In 2012 I ran four half marathons, many 5k's and 10k's as well as two duathlons. I have logged 430 miles since I started keeping track. My 1/2 marathon PR is 2.06. I plan to break 2 hrs. this spring.

Garrison
Below GO STL 1/2 Marathon

The Begining

Mission Statement

When George Mallory was asked the question, Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest? He replied: "Because it is there." In that spirit I will attempt a goal of my own. I plan on running thirteen half-marathon races this year. Why thirteen? Well you all know a half marathon is thirteen point one miles. Its the beginning of 2013, so why not make it thirteen races? You have to admit it's got a certain ring to it; 13 13s in 2013.

Need further explanation?

Because it is there.

Garrison

After a slow start to 2013 I have begun increasing my mileage. With the first two longer runs under my belt Im feeling ready to start training in earnest for the first race one month away. Its probably time for me explain a little about my training practices or lack there of. I am testing the theory that one can stay in basic "1/2 marathon shape" by averaging several short runs and one long run per week. I do not follow strict training plans. I dont really stretch that much. I often ignore small injuries and cram lots of miles into short periods to make up for missed days. I am sure the esteemed editors at "Runner's World" would cringe at this explanation. In fact another possible name that would be as appropriate for this blog would be "How Not To Train for 13 Half Marathons."

So what do I believe in: Lots of Long SLOW Miles and Nutrition.