To quit or not to quit

I've been very discouraged lately with my half marathon training. I just don't feel I'm getting any faster or better. It always feels horribly difficult. My long runs, I keep putting off because I don't have the time and I don't want to do them. I finally did one this week on the treadmill and got horrible chaffing on my thighs that I am still healing from (that was Tuesday). I haven't run since then, just walked a few times. I've been considering giving up running the half altogether because of this. I just don't like running long distances. I run mainly for fitness, not for racing.

Anyway, after feeling sorry for myself this week, I decided last night that I am IN TRAINING. I have FIVE weeks left for this. I set up my training plan, a bit more aggressive than Jeff's plan (because I'm a little behind), and I'm also going to really watch my diet and try to take off 10 lbs in those five weeks. Between healthy, good diet, and consistent training, I'm going to do it. My goal is 3 hours, which is just under a 14 min/mile pace, which I think I can do. And if not, I'll run/walk just to finish.

This won't be easy because my job is very demanding and it's hard to fit in 2-3 hour runs with on a work day, but I have it all mapped out. I will also be on vacation for one of the weeks, but it is at a cabin at a state park, so I'm going to do one of my long runs then/there (somewhere...maybe just around the campsite, doubt I'll try for trails). I'll also be hiking at the cabin so that will be a bit of cross training. But I have a plan and setting out today to do it. (Don't worry either, it's not a crazy plan that would lead to injury, I just spaced out my long runs on the best days and filled in with the 30 min runs with walks and even a few rest days in between).

I think after this my racing days are over. I want to just run for fitness and fill in with other activities. The discouragement I've felt has been mostly from trying to fit in long runs; they just don't fit in with my life right now. But if I don't do this half, I think I will regret it. When it's done, I can check it off my bucket list and move on.