1st Marathon Training Run

Yesterday I declared that I would start the training program for the Baltimore Marathon.  Then I looked at the training program and realized Monday was a rest day. Something just seemed wrong about declaring I began training for a marathon and not doing anything.  I decided that since I took off Sunday that I would just do some light cross training and some weight lifting.

Today I went for a short run. I left before 8 o'clock and ran for over an hour so, I think I ran longer than the 3 miles I was supposed to.  My husband went with me, so I didn't bother to run with my run tracker.  So I can only guesstimate how far it was. It was a fairly easy run and I ran the entire time. 

The Training Program:
I haven't completely decided which training program I am going to do. I know it is one of the Hal Higdon programs, but I can't decide between Novice 1 and Novice 2. I am leaning more towards Novice 2 because it provides a little bit more of a challenge and I want to be as prepared as possible in October.   Below is a brief description and a link to each of the different beginner's programs.

Novice Supreme:
Novice Supreme- 30 week program 

This program is designed for someone who has never really run before. It is a 30 week program that starts off very slow and builds up to run a longer distance. If you have the time and haven't run before or at least haven't trained for longer distance then  this might be the program for you.

Novice 1:
Novice 1- 18 week program 

This program is designed for someone who has run before, but is new to marathon training. Its an 18 week program that starts off slow with easier runs to build up for a longer distance running. This program works best for someone who has run longer distances before, but wants a slightly easier training program than the Novice 2.

Novice 2:
Novice 2- 18 week program 

This program is designed for a beginning runner who isn't quite at the intermediate level.  It, too, is also an 18 week program. The Wednesday runs are a little longer and there are pace runs every other week. 

Total Miles: 3

Until next time, Happy Running!