You committed to a fall half-marathon back in the spring. And then you look at the calendar and say “what!? – where did the summer go?” The race is 8 weeks away now. Don’t worry, you got this.

The Eastern Cherokee Harvest Half (and 5k) is September 18th in Cherokee, North Carolina. We’ve got a solid group of Native women who will be running, walking, or a combination thereof. And it’s not too late for you to lace up, too.

When I find myself in this situation, I loosely follow Hal Higdon’s Novice plan, with the following self-modified philosophies.

• If you can do 10 miles, you can totally do 13 on race day. Adrenaline is one hell of a tonic.

• If you fall off the wagon, get back on the next day. Don’t beat yourself up.

• The one “long run” day of each week is key. You have to do that religiously.

Today is week 1. Run/walk what you can a few times this week. Preferably 2-3 miles each day as you ramp up the distance and (maybe) pace. This coming weekend, do a 4-miler.

Week 2 starts Monday Aug 2. Run what you can a few times that week. That weekend, do 5 miles.

Week 3 starts Monday Aug 9. Run what you can during the week. That weekend, do 6 miles.

Increase one mile each week. You get the idea. Calendar it.

The weekend before the race is Sept 11. That’s your 10 miler.

There’s no perfect way to do this. It’s ok to think this is trash and find your own way. Either way, you are moving and that’s a win. Be safe. Hydrate. Carry on.