Thanks Ilene!!
Rhonda, thanks for the info and encouragement! I know it's crazy busy, but hey maybe I'll see you there!
I haven't chosen a training program yet because I haven't found very many that are more than 18 weeks long. I might just build a running base in the next 3 weeks, like an accelerated c25K to really get me running a few miles without stopping, and then jump on an 18-week training plan.
I have been running/walking in my VFFs and I just love them! Last Sunday, I ran a full mile without stopping to walk in 15:45! It was a big moment for me, and I think had I been wearing sneakers I would have kept running another few laps at least. But I have read so many warnings not to overdo it in the VFFs, so I walked another lap and then walked home, about 2 miles total. OUCH my calves were killing me all week! I think it was a combo of being out of practice with running as well as the new style of shoes, but I just kept walking all week, doing some ab work and lifting (ie: lots of playing with my chubby 23-pound baby in the air, lifting him, etc.) and then ran again tonight. Tonight I ran my mile in 13:10!!!! I am totally amazed! Again, I felt like I could keep going, but don't want to push it in my shoes and get an injury.
This week I want to add another lap each night that I run (planning on 3 nights of running during the week) so that when I run on Sunday, I can run 2 miles and hopefully be "Safe" from injury. Of course I'll continue walking during the daytimes to add more miles and get back into good habits. I'm so excited for this half marathon, but excitement won't get me across the finish line. This is going to seriously take a lot of work!