When I first ran my first half marathon, I was lucky enough to go with three experienced runners and racers. On the way there they were all talking about what their pace was going to be what their plan was going to be for the Half. All the things a serious runner should know. When they asked me what my goal pace and finish time was, I had both no idea or answer except to say that my goal was to finish. I hadn’t given it any more thought than that. I, honestly, didn’t even know what would be considered a good finish time.

When we got to the start line, we made plans where to meet at the finish line as I told them not to wait for me. What I ended up doing was literally just following behind them the first few miles letting them set my pace. They didn’t even know I was there till about mile 3. A funny thing happened, I realized that I might just be able to keep up with them and I did. Eventually, I even ran with them and not behind them like a stalker. I even had what I now know was a decent finish time of 2:09.

I really had no idea what I was doing either. I just followed the group pace and luckily it worked for me. On the way home I said that I if I knew what I was doing, I might be dangerous. I still don’t know what I’m doing, but since then I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that training involves more than just going out for a run. There are different types of training runs – the “easy” runs, tempo runs, speed workouts, and the long distance slow runs. Not only do I know about these runs, I’m actually doing them. I still have so much to learn but I’m starting to feel a little dangerous.

I’ve even decided on a plan for the Hat Trick. I’m going to run the 5K as a slow warm up. Not trying to get any type of PR. Then I’m going to focus my energy on the 10K. This will be my goal race. I’ve never run a 10k, so I want to finish with a good time. My goal time is to be around 60 minutes. I may be shooting for the stars, but why not. This is what I will use as my training pace. Then for my Half the next day, I, ideally, would like to finish around 2:30.

So now I’ve got a plan. I’ve got a training schedule. I’ve also got an awesome running mentor who is showing me the ropes. I’m definitely living dangerous now!!