What's your winter training routine?

For me, my training plan for Escape from Alcatraz starts Sunday, which is actually a ramp up to start my real training plan for IM Arizona.  So I'll be spending alot of time in the pool and on the bike trainer for a while.  I may substitute a few spin classes for some of my bike workouts.

In your case, if you're going to be super focused on running for now, I'd use your "Cross-training" days for biking and swimming.  Also, I find that as long as I have the time, a swim workout does not affect a run workout later in the day for me.  So I can swim early am, like 5:30 or 6, then still feel fresh for a run in the afternoon.

Are you planning any races of shorter distances before your half?  That's an awfully big race to jump into for a first!

Good luck!

Winter is the time to maintain fitness and work on my limiters.  Namely, muscular force and speed work (especially on the run).  So, I've got some strength sessions throughout the week as well as some speed work on the treadmill.  It's been fun to incorporate some intervals and fartlek running.  They sure do help the workouts go more quickly. 

For the swim, the offseason is time for form work and developing an endurance base.  Though there are a couple of intervals mixed in there to remind me how to swim fast. 

On the bike, I've been tweaking my position and breaking in a new saddle.  I sure am looking forward to outdoor rides, but Spinervals will have to do the trick for now.

Perhaps the City of Lakes Loppet (Feb 4) is in danger of being cancelled or course altered, but its too soon to decide on the real big race...the American Birkebeiner in late Feb.  They are skiing on the race couse lately.