Reason #21: Another Jillian Reasons?

I have been doing a lot of straight running as I prepare for my half-marathon coming up in early May, and I decided I need to mix up my routine. Therefore, I jumped on the blog bandwagon and ordered Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred DVD. Not only has this been the most popular exercise craze lately and been receiving fab reviews, it was only $10! Additionally, Im a huge BIGGEST LOSER fan, and she clearly knows how to get people in shape. Jillian bases the 20 minute workout on the 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute abs. There are three complete 20-minute workouts which progress by level of intensity (1 is easiest, followed by 2, and 3). It seems to be the perfect morning workout to start off the day.... The only equipment required include hand weights (3-5 lbs) and a mat if you're on a hard surface. I should be receiving the DVD in a few days, so I will let you know how it is once I receive it.

Speaking of Jillian, she is coming to San Diego on April 25, NYC on May 9th, and Chicago on May 16th to do a "Self Workout in the Park." Unfortunately, I will have to miss it as I will be at my friend's lakehouse in South Carolina (cant wait!), but here is the site to buy tickets.

Another event in NYC that I am contemplating is the More Fitness 1/2 marathon in Central Park on April 26 for WOMEN only. The only thing that is keeping me back is the Long Branch 1/2 marathon race I will be running the following weekend. Runners out there, is it okay to run 2 1/2 marathons in consecutive weekends? The last thing I want to do is get hurt, but I will have a week in between to recover. Thoughts?

I also just received notification that Gnu Bars and PopChips are sending me some of their products to review. Im so excited - I feel like an official blogger. Reviews to come! EatFabinNYC is also giving a mix your own granola giveaway...check it out!

Reason #8: Baby we were born to run...

I signed up for a half marathon! I will be running 13.1 miles on May 3 in Long Branch, NJ for the second time. Last year I had hurt my left knee, but since I was already registered for the race, I intended to just walk it. I hadn’t run three weeks prior to the race in an attempt to heal my knee. However, once I heard the cheering crowd and was surrounded on all sides by runners, my adrenaline rushed, and my fast walk turned into a jog. While I ran/walked my first mile in 14 minutes, I ended up averaging 7:30 for my last three and a half miles. I recommend this race as the terrain is pretty flat, there is a good amount of cheering spectators, and part of the run is along the Jersey shore! I am aiming for a time under two hours this year! Below is a picture of my boyfriend's sister, my boyfriend, and myself after the race.

I also entered into the NYC Marathon lottery, so Im crossing my fingers to be one of the lucky chosen ones to run on November 1. I find out in June. Apparently there are more than 100,000 applicants annually, and 50,000 people are rejected every year. I always said if I am going to do a marathon, I want to do New York! Aside from attracting world-class professional athletes, the race is before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television views.

Below is a workout plan I am using to get myself prepared for the half marathon (I am having trouble posting charts on here, so I have attached the link). I currently run about six miles a day, so it looks like Sunday will be the real challenge.

Training Schedule