Introduction:
As I approach my 48th birthday, I have set an long term goal to complete a half marathon in under three hours before I turn 51. This isn’t just about the race itself; it’s about creating a sustainable fitness journey that balances strength training and running while enjoying the process. In this article, I share my experiences, insights, and plans as I embark on this exciting path to better health and fitness.
I dove deeper into the ‘why’ behind this three-year goal in my very first podcast episode. You can watch the full podcast below.
Or listen on Spotify.
Setting a Long-Term Goal
Three years may seem like a lot of time, but for me, it provides ample opportunity to work up to my goal safely and effectively. Having previously completed three half marathons, with my best time being three hours and nine minutes, this goal has been lingering in my mind for years. The “fastest” half marathon I did left me feeling like I could do better, especially since I struggled with cramping during the final miles. This time, I want to do it right by leveraging my experience as a personal trainer.
Creating Structure and Motivation
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in my fitness journey is the importance of having a “why” behind your workouts. Without a clear reason, it’s all too easy to let life’s challenges interfere with our routines. My goal of completing a half marathon gives me a structured focus for my workouts, ensuring that I stay motivated even when my energy levels dip. For instance, during difficult times in 2025, particularly following the loss of my mother, I relied on the routines I had established to keep my fitness on track.
Adapting to Life Changes
2025 was a challenging year, but I managed to maintain my workout routines thanks to the habits I had already built. However, moving in September created new obstacles. My commute increased, cutting into my workout time, which made it harder to stay active. This realization has motivated me to adapt my approach for 2026, using my half marathon goal as a springboard for establishing new habits in my new home.
Why a Half Marathon?
Choosing a half marathon as my goal may seem daunting, but running is an activity that resonates deeply with me. I love the gradual progression it offers, allowing me to start with walking and slowly build up my endurance. This time, I plan to be more strategic in my training, incorporating strength workouts to ensure I stay injury-free and healthy. As I approach 48, I know my body requires more care and consideration.
Building a Training Plan
In January, my focus will not be on running but on rebuilding consistency and establishing new habits. I’ll aim for two full-body strength workouts each week along with two cardio sessions in the zone two heart rate range. Zone two training is essential for building cardiovascular endurance without overexerting myself. For instance, if I’m walking or biking and can maintain a conversation but still feel slightly breathless, I’m in the right zone.
The Road Ahead
As I prepare for this journey, I will incorporate a treadmill, bike, and rower to add variety to my workouts. Additionally, I’ll focus on incline walking to elevate my heart rate gradually. I know I might not start running until a few months in, but that’s okay. The key is to enjoy the process and build strength steadily.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Setting long-term fitness goals can provide structure and motivation, especially during challenging times. By focusing on building consistent habits and incorporating strength training, I aim to create a sustainable fitness routine that sets me up for success. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, remember that it’s about progress, not perfection. Let’s embrace our individual journeys together and support one another in achieving our goals.
If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my training, make sure to subscribe to the Strength for the Journey podcast on YouTube
or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
