How to Train for the TC 10 Mile

I've officially started my training for the Twin Cities 10 Mile race in October. I decided to challenge myself, so I'm running with a faster pace group than I would normally run with and so far it's been great (minus the 70 percent humidity).  As I did with the Get in Gear 10K (which I, um, didn't run. Shhh), I've crafted a training schedule for the next couple of months -- complete with mileage and weekly rewards. Like last time, rewards are based on whatever clipart pictures I dug up whilst putting this bad boy together.



It continues . . .
 

A few things to note:

• You might have noticed that there are pushups mentioned three times a week. That's because I, too, have jumped on the 100 Pushup Challenge bandwagon. And like Marcy, I'm starting with "alternative" pushups.  They're very alternative, actually. They would probably make Pavel Tsatsouline cry.
• My TC 10 Mile training doesn't end after the race is over. It morphs into my half marathon training. That's right, folks, I'm going to run my first half marathon! I figure I'll be running 10 miles already, so why not add a few?  Plus I've heard that the Monster Half is a really fun race -- costumes, low stress and lots of frivolity. And you know how I love frivolity.
• PSA time! I am not condoning or promoting the use of performance enhancing relaxing drugs, the deadly sin of envy or the dangerous reality of spontaneous combustion. Thank you, you can go about your business now.

I am making the declaration for all the world my mom to see -- I'm doing a half and I'm getting buff (actually, I'd settle for getting enough upper body strength to open the storm doors in my apartment building).