Training for Half-Marathon

For the last 4 months, I have been training for my 2nd Half-Marathon which will be held on September 2nd. I plan to run the Disneyland Half-Marathon in Anaheim in 2 Hours and 5 Minutes, which is over 14 minutes faster than I ran it last year. I should be helped by a number of factors. First I hope I will be in the 2nd grouping instead of the 4th grouping which will allow me to run with faster runners, i.e. less people walking in full costume. I will find out soon, but my time from last year should get me there. Second I have lost about 7 pounds since last year's race. Since I have been running, 15 months ago, I have lost 12 pounds. Thirdly, I plan on stopping (walking for a minute) every other water stop instead of every water stop. There is a stop every 1.5 miles. I have run 4 10.5 mile runs so far compared with 3 10.5 mile runs last year. And I have been stopping every 3 miles or so. Fourthly, I plan on eating a banana or piece of toast w/ jam before my race along with a gel shot instead of just the gel shot. Last year I was jittery due to the caffeine in the gel shot and was hungry. Finally, I will make sure to use the porta-potty 30 minutes before the race instead of 45 mintues before so I am not uncomfortable after drinking a lot of water.

My long training runs are run at a little after 6 a.m. to around 8 a.m. I am surprised at how hot it can get this early in the morning. Even though it is only about 70 degrees at the end on my runs, it slows you down a lot compared with running in 50 degree weather. I am running and biking now, and stopped the swimming, so I can cooncentrate on my lower body. I enjoy running in Huntington Beach with the breeze and the beauty of the beach to look at. Also my running shoes, Asics 2110, are a good fit for me. I read that the Asics 2120 now has Solyte, which is lighter midsole material. I also have new shorts and a shirt, so I will look different in my race. My shorts are shorter in the front, so my legs don't have to move much material, and my shirt is a little lighter, however it does have wider shoulder straps. But the white color should reflect more sunlight. Stay tuned for more updates.