H: Half marathons and writing

As some of you may know, I'm training (and let's use that word lightly) for my very first half marathon, which is five weeks from tomorrow.

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I haven't been very good about sticking to my training plan. Oh sure, I've done the long runs on the weekends, but it's the short mid-week runs and the strength training that eludes me.

The same can be said for my writing. In theory, I can sit down on any given day and pound out 2000 words. I won't have quality prose when I'm done, but I'll have a start. But in between those writing sessions, I struggle with my training.

I don't spend much time reading in my genre. I don't get to know my character. I don't fill out the holes in my outline. And let's not even ask me about my ending. (What ending?)

You can run a half marathon by just doing your long runs once a week, but it won't be a competitive race. I need to make the time to improve upon my times, work on my pacing, and pay attention to my heart rate just like I need to keep my character's motives in line and aim for action on every page.

You can run a half marathon and you can write a book. I would go as far as to say anyone can do it. But how well do you want to do it? That's the key. If you want to be competitive and finish under 2:30 or write your book the way it should be done, then you need to put in the mid week training.

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My mid week training for writing now includes a blog. And a critique group. It's a start. If I could only get better at producing words instead of playing the part of author, then I'd be set.

Buying the shoes, the heart rate monitor, the Gu packs, and wicking tops don't make you a runner. No, you have to get out there and earn your miles. I also have to earn my book; I have to train harder.

This weekend's goal?

10-11 miles and approx 2000 words. Preferably words that include "the" and "end."