Glass Slipper Challenge training – 17 weeks to go!

Only two weeks after the Tower of Terror 10 miler, and it’s time to start training for the Glass Slipper Challenge, happening in February!  The Challenge involves running the Enchanted 10k on Saturday, followed by the Princess Half Marathon on Sunday.  It’s a big goal, but I’m excited for it!  And what better way to start off training than with some new shoes?

I’m once again using Jeff Galloway’s training plan.  I will admit that one of the things I’m most concerned with this time around is the weather.  Here in Pennsylvania it’s starting to get chilly.  It’s been raining a lot the past couple of weeks, and if this winter is anything like last year we’ll be inundated with snow.  I know there will be a lot of indoor training runs on the treadmill for me, but I’m hoping to get outside at least once a week.  I just happen to be super sensitive to the cold, so it’s difficult for me.

Monday I was lucky enough to be outside, though my lungs were definitely having a tough time adjusting to the chill!  But they say you run faster in the cold and maybe it’s true – this was my best pace time ever.

It was raining all day Wednesday, so off to the gym I went to use the treadmill for the first time in over 6 months.  I was really concerned with keeping a fast pace, especially given how it’s more difficult to alternate running and walking on a treadmill, but I was happy with this.  Maybe indoor training won’t be a bust after all!

On Saturday I went for my three mile run.  I managed to just barely squeeze it in – I worked until 5 and then had a show that night so I had to grab food by 6 in order to be there on time.  Luckily my time was pretty good so I managed to make every thing on time!  My leg was a little sore afterward, and the second half of my run was actually much better than the first – I think it was due to running in Valley Forge park again, where the hills can be bad.  It must have been more downhill the second half.