{Sorry, SR got a little snarky yesterday and I don’t want this site to be about that so my apologies. Sometimes it’s just better to keep your mouth shut. and sometimes I forget that}
Rock ‘n’ Roll AZ Marathon is coming up this weekend and it’s going to be a PR attempt. But since I’m already doubting myself and my lack of long runs lately, I’ve got the back up PR attempts on lock…
Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon the following weekend
Surf City USA Marathon beginning of February
IMS Arizona Marathon middle of Feb…
Remember the post where I decided to run the IMS Arizona Marathon in Phoenix on February 19th? The race is smaller, affordable, flat and fast, has got very good reviews online and proceeds go to charities.
Well, if you wanna run in the sun it’s your lucky day because IMS Arizona Marathon has just offered to give one race entry away to one of you guys! Who wants to run AZ with me and RER??
Not in marathon shape? That’s ok because there’s a half marathon, 5k and a marathon relay if you want to run it with friends.
To enter the giveaway, all you have to do “like” IMS Arizona Marathon on Facebook. Just let me know in the comments.
Extra entry for tweeting or blogging about it.
The contest will end Friday 1/13. Official rules.
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Other stuff to check out…
***Reader Deb reminded me of ShutUpandRun’s post about a running relative who’s missing. Please look at her post and say a prayer, say something if you know something and be careful out running!
***Reader Bryna is looking for some advice on Hal Higdon’s marathon training plan; she’s hoping to run under 3:30. Since I haven’t followed it (or any) does anyone have any opinions on Hall’s plan? What plan do you follow? Any plans you don’t recommend?
***HungryRunnerGirl has been showcasing some Olympic Time Trials athletes on her blog and SarahOUaL and Emily are actually going to be there but if you can’t, Runner’s World has a special page devoted to EVERYTHING time trials.
They even have a cheat sheet about all the big players although it probably won’t help you on your bio chem test.



{ 102 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve followed Hal’s beginner and intermediate plans and I love them. Each time I’ve followed them I’ve improved my time, and they keep me motivated!
I loosely used a Hal Higdon training plan for my marathon last year. It worked as a guide so I had some idea of what I should be doing, but I didn’t follow it very strictly.
You’ll rock it this weekend!
Don’t apologize for stating your opinion/feelings…..it’s YOUR blog … and it’s very entertaining and inspiring!
thanks for being YOU
Good luck with your PR! I know you can do it.
What a sad story about the teacher..
Free is definite better than cheap! I want to do this race! I have never done a half in AZ, but with this entry I totally would. The timing works out for me. I liked the page on FB!
I think Hal Higdon’s plan is a little “light” on mileage for a sub-3:30. I would reccomend a higher mileage plan like Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas 18 week 55 mile peak plan (buy the Advanced Marathoning book).
I followed Hal Higdon’s intermediate for the last couple marathons I ran. My first time using the intermediate plan was last year for a spring marathon. My goal was to BQ, and I did! I ran a 3:38.
I really enjoy Hal’s programs. I have used them for my first marathon, first half and have modified the intermediate to use for Boston. since I am pregnant training isn’t like it used to be but I still need to put in the mileage!!
Oops, that should be a 3:28, not 3:38!!
I “liked” their page on facebook!
I just “liked” the Arizona Marathon on Facebook. Surf City full sold out, so I’m looking for another one for February to help me train for Boston.
I can’t say re: HH’s marathon plans (I’m still a beginner–training for my 1st half) but I did his beginner 10K plan last fall and I really liked it. It’s pretty simple/straightforward and allows for adjustments as you go.
I’ve been using Hal’s Novice 2 plan and I’ll let you know after Saturday how it all plays out!
i use hal’s advice for training and non-training. he’s awesome!
and i agree, no need to apologize for something you type on your blog….this is “your blog” if some turdball doesn’t like it then that turbdall should just not read it….that simple. HAIL to SR!!!!
You will PR : )
I “like” the Arizona Marathon on Facebook and I will LOVE it if I can run it! Fingers crossed!
I think Hal’s plans are great and if you’re shooting for a very specific time the Intermediate-Advanced programs are awesome.
Living in Montana, SUAR’s story hits really close to home. Every small town in Montana is supportive and close-knit and I know everyone there is doing everything they can to aid in the search. Prayers sent that way!
Thanks for the suggestions on where to find Olympic trials info. I’ve been wanting to get informed!
Gl this weekend!
I LIKED IT! and I would love to have it as my first marathon!
I liked them. I would LOVE to win this!
I followed HH’s 10k training plan and loved it. I am starting his 1/2 marathon training program at the end of the month and am really looking forward to it.
I put it up on Twitter and liked on Facebook!!! My sister lives 2 hours from Phoenix so it’d be great to see her as well as run the half marathon… Not full marathon ready yet.
I liked the IMS Marathon on Facebook. I’m also going for a PR at RnR in Phoenix this weekend, but would love to run IMS too, it sounds like a fast course.
Tweeted about the IMS Marathon too.
“Advanced Marathoning” is a good one and “Run Less, Run Faster” is also a good one. I know you don’t like plans but, “RLRF” has great speed workouts detailed that are pretty challenging and will help you to get out of your comfort zone. I’ve never followed a plan to a tee but, I like to pick up on a variety of plans and apply them to my run to improve.
No worries about having to defend and rebute against negativity that is put on your plate. You’re sharing with us and sharing is caring.
Have a great Monday! hugs!
Liked the IMS AZ Marathon page! I’d love to do another half in February, and I’ve never travelled for one before!
I liked em on FB! Maybe I’ll see you there.
I liked them on facebook!
Sherry and SUAR are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow that’s a lot of races back to back!! Does J ever give you funny looks for racing so much? I get the look and I only do 6 or 7 a year
Boo. lol
Looking forward to reading your recaps!!
I have never followed a training plan too closely. Just the distance for the long runs on weekends and then during the week was whatever/whenever. Hence my PR of 4:52, my first marathon….
Don’t ever apologize for what you write if someone doesn’t like it they can stop reading.
I think, given the circumstances, you were well within your rights to be snarky.
And never doubt yourself. I don’t doubt you, and I don’t back losers.
xxx
Thanks SR for the shout out to my post about Sherry. Collectively, we can pray and send positive thoughts.
I followed Hal Higdon’s training plan for my first half and really enjoyed it – ran it in 2:04, then started Marathon training a few months later with Runner’s World Smart Coach and had a 1/2 near the end, improved time by 16 minutes.
I think it’s important to work with your current fitness and assess a logical plan for your personal goals.
I “like” IMS Arizona Marathon on Facebook.!!
I love the word snarky.
I would LOVE a free entry!!
Liked on FB.
Tweeting as @coxchelsea
I have followed Hal Higdon’s Half Marathon program and have had a client or two in the past follow his program. If you follow it correctly you’ll will cross the finish line healthy and happy. Is it for everyone? I’m not sure…but it’s worked for several people I know, including myself. Good luck! http://www.dashingdiva.net
I’m dorkily excited about the trials, and have been devouring any article I see about them. Living vicariously through the super stars! There are a few (30?) people from CO who qualified, so I’m cheering them on!
i liked them on fb..thanks!!
So excited about the Olympic time trials! Wishing I could actually be there…will be watching from home!
Good luck on your upcoming marathons! Not that you need it
Thoughts and prayers with Sherry and her family. What a sad situation! I hope they find her soon!
NICE–you have a lot of races on the schedule. GO you!
I posted about your giveaway on my blog (and of course linked to this page). Good luck this weekend!
I am also running the RnR AZ this weekend…I was hoping to run a PR in the half, but it’s not looking so good. I was also looking to add the IMS Arizona half in case my PR didn’t happen. I liked them on Facebook…would love to win an entry! I want to get my sub 2:00 half!
I liked the IMS page on Facebook. I am a new runner. Ran the Vegas RNR for my 1st half and it wasn’t the 1st race experience I was hoping for. I am running the Phoenix RNR and hopefully it will be a little more organized. I would love to do the IMS race, it starts 3 miles from my house!
I’ve used Hal Higdon’s half marathon plan and really liked it, however I found that my body likes less days of running, and more miles on the days I do run. Think 3 days a week instead of 5. I think it’s just trial and error though, and figuring out what works for each of our bodies.
SUAR’s story hits close to home. Many many prayers!
I have used Hal’s training for both of my half marathons (no full for this girl) and I loved it. I like the mix of running and cross training with strength work. Not sure how great it is for improving time though as I just wanted to make it through without walking.
I pray to win this. Like right now on my knees. Thanks, SR, for the awesome giveaway.
P.S. I liked them on FB.
And I tweeted!
How exciting, I was looking to run the IMS Marathon!! (well the half anyway!!)
I liked on FB and tweeted!
I liked Arizona Marathon on FB.
Liked them! I have been looking for a pre-LA Marathon race so Feb would be PERFECT timing!
Also tweeted this out!
I “liked” IMS Arizona Marathon on facebook….pick me so that i have an excuse to go to AZ!!
I am a liker of IMS AZ Marathon on FB!! It would be a great race to follow-up with after Carlsbad
Good luck at RnR Zona this weekend!!!
I tried following Hal Higdon’s program for Advanced Marathons, and “fired” him after 7 weeks for training for Boston. I hated it! I have run 20 marathons (PR 3:41) and five IronMans, so I think I was safe to assume that running the advanced program would be good. However, I totally disagreed with his thoughts of doing a race pace run on the Saturday, and then the long distance on Sundays and hill work on Wednesdays following Tuesday’s speed work. I felt that it didn’t provide sufficient recovery and I started to feel like I was on the brink of injury. I really tried to make it work, but I had to look after myself and ensure I didn’t get injured. I ended up going back to my old stand-by, Running Room’s 16 week program (www.runningroom.com) and they have a marathon program (paid $69.99), which gave more flexibility for recovery. However, they do the run 10/walk 1, but I would just run straight through for Sunday LSD. I also find running more than 4x/week doesn’t allow me enough time to refresh and recover.
Pete Pfitzinger’s Advanced Marathoning is an interesting read, but I would only recommend it to those who have run for at least 3+ years, as it’s a lot of high mileage. I don’t think it’s suitable for someone who is looking to do their first marathon.
Good luck on your PR!!
Sent Prayers up for the missing teacher.
The twinner and I used Higdon’s marathon plan and we loved it. I like having someone else tell me how many miles to run. Good luck SR!
I used Hal Higdon training for all my half marathons before training for a full. I joined a running club to train for the full marathon and they used a different training method (timed runs over mile building) and I didn’t like it as much. I preferred Hal’s training.
I LOVE Surf City!!! I ran it last year and had a blast! I would do it again this year but I will in in Flordia for the Disney Princess half. But trust, I would rather be back in Huntington Beach. Its a good race! Good Luck!!
I liked their Facebook page! I certainly wouldn’t mind beginning the year with a FREE race!
AND if anyone wants to run RnR AZ with YOU… I still have a bib for wicked cheap!
Good luck @ all of your upcoming races lady.
I would LOVE to run the IMS half! I have a goal of 6 halfs (halves?) in 2012 and anywhere I can save some ching, I’m all for it! Thanks!
Oh and I liked them on facebook… I probably should have said that in the post before! Sorry!
I liked it on fb, so show me some love! Please?
Prayers for missing fellow runner Sherry, that she is found safe, and for her family and friends for their heartache and worry at this time. I wish my dog and I could help the search.
Like Arizona Marathon on fb – would be interested in running that for my third half. Gonna get my second half in this weekend at the Phoenix RnR!
I’ll email you the plans my Tucson Sole Sisters have for a meet up after the race (after our naps, of course) in case you’re interested.
Good idea Lisa!! Yes, SR, come join the Sole Sisters!!! (I liked on FB also.)
“liked” IMS Arizona Marathon. This would be my first full marathon. I know I’m ready for it–in 2011 I ran 2523 miles and had some pretty legit 1/2 and 5k times–would love to see how I do going 26.2!
thanks SR!
I liked the Marathon on FB.
Oh, and I posted about it on my wall.
Hey girlie! LOVE your blog! It keeps me motivated! I live in AZ and was going to tell you to run the Lost Dutchman in February but you already have one on the 19th. If you get a chance next year you should do the Lost Dutchman!! Nice course with gorgeous views of the Superstitions. They cap it so it’s not super crazy. I quit doing PF Changs in January and switched to this one because it is more chill.
Thanks again for your blog. I like your humor and style. Don’t let the jerks get you down. You rock!
Liked IMS. Would love an entry. My little sis is running IMS.
I’m 11 weeks into Hal Higdon’s 12 week spring training program (which aims to build speed before embarking on training for a marathon PR attempt), and I’ve really found it has improved my speed out of sight.
I’m planning to use his 18 week advanced 1 program for a May marathon, with a few modifications. Things I like – he uses kms rather than time for length of runs. I’ve decided I really dislike programs that go by time. You need to get enough kms in the legs, and time-based programs have the risk of leaving you short. Things I don’t like – he doesn’t include a long run over 32km/20miles, which I think is a bad idea, so I’m going to do a 34km and a 36km instead of 3 x 32kms. Also, I agree with runangerun’s point about doing a race pace run the day before the long run being a potential problem. However, the race pace is marathon race pace over a maximum of 16 miles, so really it isn’t too taxing, in fact I’ll probably have to concentrate on pulling back to achieve that pace over a relatively short distance. And in any event, I often change the order of workouts to suit me better, tring to always follow a speed session or long run with an easy day.
Essay over. Good luck with your PR attempt.
Wow, you are a running beast! Good luck with the PR. A marathon is definitely not in my immediate future but its great to always look forward and keep moving ahead!
Liked on FB. Just started reading your blog and love it.
I’m definitely a fan of Hal Higdon, but for such a time-based goal, I’d recommend checking out the book “Advanced Marathoning” by Peter Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas – there’s more training advice for pace goals.
***I “liked” IMS Arizona Marathon on Facebook!
AND I tweeted about the giveaway.
A friend just pointed your blog out to me, and I really like what I see so far!
I liked the IMS on FB.
I like them on facebook!
I “liked” on Facebook. Really hope I win because I live in AZ and love to run!!
I liked IMS on facebook and I would love to get out of windy and cold Wyoming and run a semi-warm, low altitude race!
I would love to run this race! I’m not on the Facebooks though, nor do I have a blog. Ergh. Good luck this weekend! I’m sure you will smash your PR.
Ah I will cry if I win! I live in Flagstaff so it would be a short little drive for me. I might still sign up even if I do not win. I liked their page on fb
Liked them on FB woot woot! You’re gonna rock the PR, girl
I liked IMS on Facebook
Tweeted!! I want an excuse to go to as many warm places as possible.
And I liked them on FB!
Free is always better! I liked them on fb…
I realllllyyyyyy want to run the marathon with you two!!! ahhhh FREEEE entry=best thing ever!
I liked on Facebook!
and I will blog about it!
thank you so much!
I need to get out of Montana and go on vacation so AZ would be the perfect excuse
I liked the page on facebook!
I liked them on facebook!
I wanna run Arizona!
I’m already registered for it. If I win, does that mean I get my money back?
Never tried HH’s plan – maybe I should look into it too! Just liked IMS Arizona!! Did RnR Phoenix a couple of years ago – had a BLAST! Have a great time this weekend! Kick butt!
I liked their facebook page! Hope I get to run the 1/2!
I liked IMS on Facebook!
After a failed PR/BQ attempt in December…this would start my year off right! My dad lives there…would love the excuse to take my entire family to watch me run! I liked IMS on FB.
I “liked” the AZ Marathon on FB. I would love to try and run the half marathon!
Oops, I misspelled my email in my last comment!
After a failed PR/BQ attempt in December, this would start my year off right! My dad lives there…would love the excuse to take my entire family to watch me run! I liked IMS on FB.
I’m running my first marathon this weekend at the Arizona RNR!! You have been such an inspiration to me and know you will totally get your PR!
I liked the arizona marathon on facebook
I liked the arizona marathon on FB. I would love to run this race and visit that part of the USA! I would probably do the full…however it would be fun to try for a sub 2 half!
I liked them on FB!
Hi! I would love to run in the Arizona Marathon!! Hope it’s not to late enter the giveaway! I live near Phoenix, so not a far drive. Just discovered your blog. I will be reading more often! Good luck this weekend!