Training for Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon

I always enjoy celebrating the New Year since it's a fresh start, year after year.  Not only that, but on 1/1, I start my personal training for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon!  I ran the National Half Marathon in March 2011 and it was my most favorite (and PR!) race run to date.  This year, the Rock 'n Roll series is sponsoring the race which makes it sounds even more fun!

Although I have tried a vigorous training program (Montgomery County Road Runners) for other half marathons, I have found I personally do best when I set my own training schedule.  I feel less pressure throughout the training program, I enjoy my long runs more, and I tend to get surprisingly better results on race day.

So, I came across the Runner's World Smart Coach and thought I would share!  They ask simple questions like: Last Race Run (time and distance), Weekly Distance Preference, Training Intensity, Long Run Day (yes, you set which day you prefer!), and the Race Date.  Then with a simple click of a button, my 12 week training program is configured!

Runner's World Smart Coach Training Schedule

 If I stick to this program, the goal is to run 13.1 miles at a 9:36 pace and finish at 2:05. 



Snapped this photo at the beginning of 2011 Race - such a pretty course all around Washington, DC!

In the past, if you have found programs like Hal Higdon helpful for your training, this Smart Coach seems very similar.  I'm looking forward to this new program - I'll let you know how it goes come RACE DAY!