Friday, January 7, 2011

Happy Runner Half Marathon Challenge!

Yesterday I wrote about my plans to run the 13.1 NYC marathon on April 2. I'm really looking forward to the training and the race, especially because several of my friends are also running it.

Because I think it will be such a fun time, but also because I know that training for 13.1 is a big deal, I'm looking for YOU to run the half-marathon with ME in the

Happy Runner Half Marathon Challenge!
(or HRHMC for short)

Now, don't worry, it doesn't have to be in person (although that would be great). We're all kinds of virtual in this here blogging world. And, you don't even have to run all 13.1 miles at once. If you're not up for training for the full 13.1, you can run the half marathon distance over the course of 2-3 days. The rules are very flexible :-)

All you have to do is commit. Commit to running (virtually or in person) a half-marathon (all at once or over 3 days) with the Happy Runner! If you do, you will be rewarded, I promise.

What's in it for you:
  • Weekly training updates -- each Monday I'll post an update of my plan and how I did with my training. I'll also give you updates on how the other runners are doing and you can share your updates too.
  • Forum for questions -- I'll put out a call for questions each week. You can comment with whatever questions you have and then I'll collect them and include them in a post for all readers to give their opinions. We'll all benefit from our collective running wisdom!
  • Motivation -- I'll share some motivational quotes and tips throughout the training period. Committing to the challenge will help you keep up with the running through the dreary days of winter.
  • Goodies -- People, there will be prizes. Fun, fun running prizes!
  • A discount -- If you would like to run the 13.1 NYC marathon with me, I have a discount code to share. Woo hoo!
Here are the specifics:
  • The Challenge starts Monday, January 10, 2011. This will give you 12 weeks to train for the full half, if that's what you'd like to do. (Here are some plans: Hal Higdon, Runner's World, Cool Running.)  
  • There are THREE options for running the half: 
    • Run the 13.1 marathon NYC and meet up with the Happy Runner, et al, on April 2, 2011.
    • OR run some other half marathon that weekend. 
    • OR run a total of 13.1 miles anytime from Friday, April1 through Sunday, April 3 (two 5m runs and a 5k, for example).
  • On Monday, April 4th, I'll post a race report and ask you to do the same and to leave a comment with your half marathon time.
  • I'll post a list of all the participants, your results and link to your race reports
  • I'll chose the lucky prize winners. I'll keep you all updated on the prizes as more come in.
To sign up:
  • Leave me a comment -- feel free to think about it for a bit; I'll post the first list of participants on 1/14.
  • If you plan to run the 13.1 NYC marathon as part of this challenge and would like the discount code, include your email address and I'll send it to you.
That's it! Feel free to share the challenge with others -- the more, the merrier!

I hope you'll join me! We'll have fun. I promise :-)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

~ Felice

65 comments:

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

So, as I started reading this blog entry, I was thinking "what a neat idea, a longer virtual race. I wonder who is nuts enough to sign up for it."

And by the time I finished reading this entry I knew the answer. Me.

Damnit.

Sign me up, yo. Running virtually. It will be a good incentive to run longer distances again, to remind myself I can.

Savannah said...

I'm in - I'm planning on running the Indiana University Mini Marathon that weekend!

Julie D said...

I'm running a marathon at the end of March but since I have another one in May, I'm pretty sure I can meet the mileage for this virtual race!

Manderz said...

I'm in and I'll be at the race with you!! Sounds like fun :)

Anonymous said...

Sign me up!
I will be there - with you on April 2nd.

Bridget said...

Sorry - I forgot to put that Anonymous is BRIDGET!
I hit the wrong button.

Bridget said...

Sorry - I forgot to put that Anonymous is BRIDGET!
I hit the wrong button.

Maggie said...

Maggie is in--from Florida!

Giulia Jones said...

Great idea. I'm thinking of doing my first half marathon this year so this might be good for me. I'll have to give a think about it but I will let you know.

Janis G said...

I LOVE THIS- yay! Sign me up- I'll be in NYC on 4/2/11!

Unknown said...

I'm in but I'll be one of the 2-3 day runners lol. I don't have the confidence to go from beginner to half that soon :)

Anonymous said...

Oh shoot, I'm running a half marathon tomorrow! Was really hoping it started today, haha.

I'll join anyway because I know I can run 13.1 over the three days of that weekend =D. I don't live in an area with many races so I don't know that I'd be able to do another half during that time period so yeah.

Amy Lauren

The Turtle said...

I have 14 miles on my training plan that day, so I am in for the virtual race. I'll be running in Texas, but NYC sounds like more fun.

RunningOnCoffee said...

That's awesome that you are able to offer a discount code for the NYC Half! I'm in NJ only an hour from NYC, however back in early December, I registered for a local half marathon in PA (only 20-25 min away) on 4/3/11.

I'm starting my training on Monday as well! I've been looking at training plans after using Smart Coach for the first two half marathons, and decided to try Hal Higdon's Intermediate half plan for this one.

Lauren @ mostly i run said...

While my next half (so far, anyway!) isn't until May, I conveniently have a 10-mile race on April 3. I'm sure I can squeeze another 5K in that weekend!

Fruit Fly said...

I'll be between half marathons and busy training, so I will just watch from the sidelines. I'm looking forward to following along with everything though!

Marlene said...

I'm in without a doubt! What a fun idea!!!

SMG2008 said...

ooooh, perfect timing. thought I am doing the STL half marathon the very next weekend. Like a PP said, though, maybe I'll add a 3 mile run to the scheduled 10 mile run so I can participate.

Sarah said...

I'll sign-up. I'd like to go to NYC...I need to check on travel costs first. Otherwise, Ill just run around Iowa.

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

The NYC half would be amazing!! I will be excited to follow your journey.

I am running my FIRST HALF marathon TOMORROW! :D

Since I will be training for my 2nd full marathon on 5/14, you can bet that I will virtually run 13.1 with you!

Laura said...

I'm in! I am actually running the NYC half on March 20th ...didn't know about the one you are doing...

Karen said...

Sounds awesome - count me in :)

J said...

I'm in! Sounds like a lot of fun! This will be right at the end of my half training so i am sure this will help me train.

Jen Frey said...

YAY!!! I'm in!!! Thank you for doing this! This is great!!! I hope to be there on 4/2 with all you fabulous ladies!!

Darlene said...

I love a challenge! BUT..........my half is Jan 16 - ifI survive I may run with you Apr (email is dsc59@nycap.rr.com) or if not I will run that weekend!

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea! Can't wait to follow along! (That a week before one of the halves that I really want to do well in, so I'm out, but following is gonna be fun.)

Brian said...

Sounds like fun, count me in!

H Love said...

Sounds great! When is race day?

Felice Devine said...

Hi -- It's 4/2, but you can run the mileage anytime 4/1-3!

MCM Mama said...

I am so in! I need a good virtual race to train for! Wish I could come up and run with you, but I think I'll be in St. Maarten that weekend. ;o)

RunningOnCoffee said...

MCM Mama- I went to St Martin at the end of August! (stayed on the French side) Have fun!!

Running Kiwi said...

Ahhhhh I WISH I was joining you in person, I was really really hoping this would be on the 25th of April (to match last year's date), when we will be flying home from London via New York ... not to be though :(
Good luck with the training!

Unknown said...

I'm in! Definitely!

Suzy said...

I'll be part of the group in NYC for the race! So, I'm in. :)

HudkinsFamily said...

This is great! I'm running my 1st 1/2 marathon on April 2nd in Cook Forest, PA! I'd love to join your challenge and recieve tips and motivation over the next 12 weeks!
www.yayaformom.blogspot.com

Just came accross your blog - it's great, I'm a new follower; glad I found you!

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Love it!

I may or may not being doing an ultra the weekend before, but I'll definitely get in the 13.1, whether it's all at once or broken into shorter segments.

Melissa said...

This is the motivation I need! There is a half on April 2nd I was thinking about running...but I have been having a hard time committing. Afraid I wont be ready. What better time to commit than now !

Unknown said...

Hi Felice, I am excited to join you. I am running my first half in over a decade on 4/2 in Bentonville, AR. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, I totally would do this, but I am running a 5K on 4/3 and I REALLY want to PR, so I am hoping to have fresh legs. This is such a great idea though. Can't wait to see how everyone does!

The Laminator said...

Ooh! Fun! Good luck Felice :)
I ran this race last year...and live right across the street from Flushing Meadows Park so if you got questions about the course, etc, I'm your man. Good luck with your training :)

Unknown said...

I'll (hopefully) be preggers, so I will have to be a 3 day racer, but count me in!!!

Christine said...

I'll do it!!!

I'm doing my first marathon this year and this will be a good way to make sure I am doing what I need in prep for it.

Unknown said...

I will join! I'm expecting to be training for my own half marathon in mid april, so this will need to be the three day version for me.

macnic said...

I will join as I'll be in half marathon training for the one I'm going to run on May 15th. I'll just be sure to the the K's in that weekend!

massage momma said...

I'm also in. I'll be running a half marathon at the beginning of May. I've started using Hal Higdon's training plan, so this will be fun!

Tricia said...

I'm in!

(Please,if its not too late)

Oz Runner said...

count me in..

Liz Zuercher said...

Hey Felice! Love your blog. Hope you are well. I'm in Columbus OH now. Anyway, count me in for the 13.1 challenge. I'm signed up for the St. Louis half on April 10th.

Unknown said...

Yo yo, I'm totally in! Will be signing up shortly!

Party of Eleven said...

Hi Felice, I am a beginner runner, started running again this summer after a long break. 7 kids later and I am running more and longer than I ever have since high school. My goal this year is to run a half and I started my training this week. I would love to join you on your journey. Thanks for the opportunity :)

Lena said...

count me in. my (soon to be 16yo) daughter and i are training for our first 13.1, in march. we started training during the first week of jan.
i'm working on getting fit, gaining energy and loosing my post preg weight (from all 5 children).

Anonymous said...

I'm in. It will be over 2-3 days:-)

streak said...

I'll in for the at home run. Thanks for putting this together. Looking forward to it.

Quix said...

OOoh...umm... I had planned to work the short distances this spring but I'm tempted. :) I'll consider it. I'd like to see if I can eek out 13.1 while training more for 5k/10k/sprint tris. :)

Jeremy McNamara said...

I'm already signed up for the NYC half, so I might as well join the challenge!

Jill@Run for the Hills said...

I'm in too! I'm running the Oak Barrel Half on 4/2.

Run with Jess said...

Darn it, I just saw this! I'm running 13 today anyway!

sammy said...

Bugger! I have just decided to do a half marathon, but way too late to join you!

madeline said...

Please send me the discount code for the NY City 13.1. I am ready for the challenge! My email is Madeline@Madfitness.com

PollyAnna said...

I'll join! I have my 2nd half of the year at the end of April. It will be good to have a virtual running group. Thanks for organizing!

Jamie said...

I'm thinking I want to do this. So sign me up!

Patriciakhqh said...

Sign me up! I will be there - with you on April 2nd.

Salcedoxkls said...

Getting a technical degree and seeking some good engineering jobs is a never fading dream of every individual; who understands the importance of any profession in life to turn any hope into an expected reality. There are a lot many dedicated student that keep looking for some jobs in Delhi; not just to have a better future but also to turn all true colors of comforts and luxury that we all crave for at some point of our life. so no matter at what fraction or stage of a clock pulse; an interested candidate or even a working individual gets aware about the significance that govt. jobs hold within; yet the demand and the craze for the same seems to be never falling short in the note of appreciation as well as recognition. There are many lucky teachers who find work as travel hosts for student groups that are traveling abroad, either hired by their local school system or by an outside company. The need for responsible education-oriented chaperones for these trips is outstanding, and you will get the added benefit of free travel accommodations as well. Bachelor's degree holders started receiving around $43,269 per annum in 2005 while master's degree holders were given around $46,300 as an initial wage on an average. The lowest rung picked up annual paychecks of less than $32,320. The other pay scales given to accountants (either qualified or non-qualified) working in various capacities in other US government departments are as follows:

Anonymous said...

You can not expose these boots to any immediate offer of warmth, that consist of a dryer. This could absorb any various other consuming consuming water and will also guidance retain the form. Best suited soon just after they are beforehand stuff, depart them to dry out naturally, but do not area them in fast heat or sunshine publicity. Even though it could possibly effectively possibly hold awhile to the ugg boots for xmas gaining washed and dried in of the pure and pure way, it is really incredibly essential to adhere to these regulations to ensure their duration of wear. With appropriate solution your Ugg boots will in all chance be preserving your ft cozy for rather awhile. Ugg boots are very soothing to location on and to the reason that belonging to you may perhaps properly possibly get your do it on your own placing on them a good deal. It is all appropriately and great right until they commence to obtain soiled and begin to odor.

The toes frequently get misty from dampness, water or sweat. When this is excreted, it indicates that there are less troubles with the toes as far as making ready scalds sores and hotspots.The UGG Bailey Button Boots are emphatically afflicted with comfortableness in brain in each sights of footwear. An additional incredibly monumental possess is that the triplet are a authentic accord. They are obtained of choose stuff and use great laces, which help to make the shoe in selection without having slackening off.Putting these shoes on and on is a homey undertaking. They are finest constructed and the artisanship is fantabulous that has been place into these shoes. The enduringness of the Geox is intimately greatest-regarded. it is most typically holding out to be complied with Geox breathable and yet again this is due to the fact it [url=http://www.uggbootsoutletinuk.co.uk]Cheap Ugg Boots[/url] is 1 of the most significant appears to be like of the shoes.It is tremendous exceptional for someones to have the accurate footwear no matter what activeness they are taken in. The feet get in a bunch of tire out and shoot down and [url=http://www.uggsbootsukoutlet.co.uk]cheap ugg boots[/url] pulsating all through the day, and declare, and deserve as considerably aegis as executable.There are some simulates of ugg perfect sellers 2010 that are not supposed to be worn in moist environments.


Ugg typical short boots are cozy Camseil that Cossacks are real and [url=http://www.uggsbootsforuksale.co.uk]ugg boots uk[/url] specific specific bodily appears in your time pointed out. Ugg boots arise to be thoroughly in the region to safe and sound and seem to be aerosol Ugg boots, as boots batting pop then a layer right after the rainfall do not abuse the specific payment circumstance. Also absorption: No bloody baptism crucial Bailey UGG sale, do not take into account advantage inside of the pin Abe Ugg boots apple pie, not dried out shoes in any way, not the sunshine problem Tiffany & Co, no lady even irrespective of the actuality that in your dried out cleansing. That chill tingling in spite of the actuality that in the air, that dried out wind stealing your breath, that sharp chilly pricking your each 1 pore can all only signify a person detail: it is Ugg season. Of course, women and gentlemen, they are again, back again just as before using a fuzzy-abominable-snowman kind of fury, terrorizing our streets with tasteless, fake-style ugliness.
[url=http://vamporama.com/members/diedymnpype/] University Campus Tour Ideas[/url]
[url=http://www.dumbasstoolsblog.com/members/expigelap/] Legitimate Ugg Boots - How To Recognise The Authentic Just one[/url]
[url=http://prep.monthlychange.com/members/biatnendamb/activity/] uggs boots for inexpensive also shell out notice to the colour of selection.[/url]

Anonymous said...

UGG Boots are in vogue right now. They are really snug to dress in and are made up of the epidermis of Australian merino sheep. UGG boots are a wonderful merchandise to be made use of in winters as the wool portion of the epidermis faces into the inside of of the boot and therefore lies in opposition to the leg. This gives an exceptionally hot experience and convenience in chilly and chilly winters.


The global recognition of these boots has risen in the latest previous. Their recognition has pass on over and above Australia and they have grow to be famed as the most cozy footwear all over the world. They have insulative homes and that sets them aside from other varieties of footwear. They are also identified as Sheepskin boots as they have the comfortable sheep epidermis facing out and the [url=http://www.uggsinusoutlet.us]uggs[/url] woolen component faces the internal side of the boots. But Persons should really just take treatment whilst wearing and physical exercise their discretion. This is due to the fact they have a soft exterior and sturdy inside and vulnerable to damage in rough circumstances. They can be worn in the most chilly climate.

[url=http://www.uggsinusoutlet.us]www.uggsinusoutlet.us[/url]
Sheepskin boots have started off a sort of craze and have progressively become a favorite manner accessory. They can be worn outside and are offered in diverse tranquilizing colours and kinds. They are out there in ankle length which can be worn indoors and then there are those people which come up right up the cheaper leg to just beneath the knee.


The greatest issue about UGG boots is that they can be worn by any person irrespective of age. In simple fact Uggs are also on the market for babies and elder individuals can wear them to keep on their own heat during the chilly winters. The youthful wears them for each fashion and features.


If you have fallen in enjoy with this fantastic footwear right after learning their operation and the great convenience they supply, you just require to devote in a wonderful pair of UGG boots. These times, they can be purchased on-line with excellent relieve. You just will need to research online and uncover manufacturers of these footwear. You can buy right from the brands from their on the web stores and hence help you save a ton on the invest in.


Even though shopping for these boots, you desire to be thorough shopping for the first ones. Keep in mind legitimate UGG boots have a synthetic rubber sole and no cowhide is applied in their producing. It is a good idea to acquire from a reputed manufacturer who gives significant excellent products.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...