22 Weeks to Half Marathon

My goal is to run the Valley Harvest Half Marathon, on Sunday, October 11th, 2020 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. 21.1km.

Getting Back Into The Groove

Getting my running routine back into shape has been a bit bumpy, as I’m recovering from plantar fasciitis. Add to that, I’ve recently started taking CBD for anxiety, altering my energy levels. You can read more about CBD and exercise in my blog:

Anxiety & Cannabidiol (CBD) & Exercise

As well, I’m noticing how CBD effects my appetite. My eating habits are all out of sorts. I’m two weeks in, starting my third of CBD, and I notice a decrease in hunger. Great! But not great for fueling my body to be able to run long distances.

My old routine was:

• wake up at 4:00am, have a coffee or two while I prepare my lunch and write (1.5 hours)
• run (1 hour)
• return and eat a small bowl of red berries then shower and get ready for work (40 minutes)
• leave by 7:20am where, upon arrival at work, I would eat a protein packed breakfast to start my day.

Now, I’m not working because of COVID-19 (I work in education – schools are closed) and living temporality in British Columbia (long story!). My routine isn’t as structured as I don’t have to be anywhere at any particular time, therefore my once scheduled protein breakfast can be delayed to whenever. Coffee on an empty stomach isn’t as agreeable as it once was, as CBD has gastro side effects. I’m more hungry in the mornings because I’m eating less the day before, with the intuitive need to feed my body before my morning run.

I’m gonna have to completely reschedule how my mornings unfold!

Once I was able to get back to running, I started with every second day. This plan worked, as I was able to make small increases in distance with almost every run! After my run, I spent important time stretching my feet and calves as well as rolling a lacrosse ball under both feet (10 minutes) to stimulate blood flow to help prevent future episodes of plantar fasciitis.

SeaWalk

Running the SeaWalk, here in Campbell River, British Columbia, is beautiful! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to run along the ocean, with gorgeous views of Coastal Mountains on the mainland!

Coastal Mountains

View of the Coastal Mountains, within the Comox Valley region, Vancouver Island, are stunning as I make my way along the SeaWalk!

Running on Concrete

I’m noticing how running on concrete is hard on my legs. Back in Nova Scotia (where I’m from and reside), I was running mostly on dirt sidewalks. The SeaWalk offers little unpaved sidewalk to run. This has me thinking of finding a hiking trail to run – and there are plenty to pick from in Campbell River!!

Next Week’s Goal

My goal is to run 5km on Monday, and increase by 1km each day. I’ll take Saturday off. I’ll try for a long run on Sunday. My aim is 10km! This 10km, will be my first 10km – and is what I missed when I was hit with plantar fasciitis. Therefore, I’m eager to attain this goal because it makes me feel like I’m back on track towards being able to run 21.1kms in October!

Short-Term Long-Term Goal

I’m aiming to maintain my running like I had before my foot injury – finding my sweet spot at 6km Monday through Friday, long run on Sunday. In four weeks time, I want to take a day and run along the Old Island Highway, from Campbell River towards Courtenay. The distance is about 40km. A half marathon is 21.1 km. I will run for as long as I can, then message my husband Michael to come pick me up – because I won’t be turning around to run home!!

Stephanie is slowly getting her running groove back!!!

S, 🏃🏼‍♀️

Half Marathon Training – 2020

Half Marathon Training – Week 1 – In Total, 30km Goal Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 2 – Goal – 6km Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 3 – Goal – Each Run Holding at 6km Achieved – Goal of Speed Increase Not Achieved

Half Marathon Training – Week 4 – Goal – Long Run – 7km, Holding at 6km & Speed Increase – Achieved!

Half Marathon Training – Week 5 – Goal – Long Run – 8km, Finding My Pace – Achieved!

Half Marathon Training – Week 6 – Goals – 9km & Yoga Achieved – Week of Mishaps – Yup!

Half Marathon Training – Week 7 – Plantar Fasciitis Halts Running – So I Bought a Bike!

Half Marathon Training – Week 8 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running, The COVID-19 Pandemic & My First Time Spinning!

Half Marathon Training – Week 9 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running, Adapting Exercise Habits During These COVID-19 Days With Indoor, Low Impact, High Cardio Exercise & We Bought a Bike!

Half Marathon Training – Week 10 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running & Finding My Exercise Groove During These COVID-19 Days

Half Marathon Training – Week 11 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running: Indoor Cardio & Outdoor Fun

Half Marathon Training – Week 12 – Plantar Fasciitis Continues to Halt Running; Stress & Anxiety & The Body

Half Marathon Training – Week 13 – No Running. Week 14 – RUNNING!!

Half Marathon Training – Week 15 & 16 – Getting My Groove Back

Half Marathon Training – Week 17 – My First 10Km!

Half Marathon Training – Week 18 – My First Race!

Half Marathon Training – Week 19 – ‘Till I Collapse Kinda Week!

Half Marathon Training – Week 20 – The Significance of Music

Half Marathon Training – Week 21 – The Importance of Stretching and Laughter

Half Marathon Training – Weeks 22-24 – Badass and Heart Centered

Half Marathon Training – Weeks 25-27 – New Sneakers, Warrior Walk & Gluteus Medius

Half Marathon Goal – Postponed to 2021