I have (reluctantly) decided to do a half marathon in November 2008. I HAVE NEVER EVER ran more than 1 mile without stopping. I am not in the best shape but not out of shape either. I am VERY nervous about this event and I am trying to find some good training tips. Any suggestions?
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Posted 6 months ago #
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Welcome! And good luck!
First step, is to pick an event... since you're not yet running a mile, you will want to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. I think you'll want to give yourself 20 weeks or so... so if you pick an event in the fall/winter, you will have plenty of time. You might be able to do it sooner, but to be as safe as possible (and avoid injury) it's good to work your body into it.
Second step, is to pick a training plan... We have several training plans available in our library, and the beginner half marathon plan is designed for someone who already feels comfortable running 5miles... Don't worry, you'll get there. But to start out, you might want to start with a beginner 5K plan... it's 6 weeks long, 3 days a week, and get's you up to 3 miles. Then you could do a beginner 10K plan... and eventually work to the beginner half marathon plan.
There are other plans out there that take a "couch potato to half marathon" approach... and those are perfectly good plans... you just need to make sure you pay attention to your body and go slow.
You can do it!
Check out our library section for other great tips.
Also, I'm sure other people will reply with suggestions and ideas.
Posted 6 months ago # -
My main advice is to pay attention to your body. If it hurts, listen to it.
The thing I like to tell my non-runner friends that are getting started is when you are finished with a good run, take note of how you feel. Try to remember that feeling and use it for inspiration for getting out there again.
To echo Brad, pick a training plan and pick an event. I'd also recommend picking a few 5Ks or 10Ks to race in prior to your half.
Other than that, know that there will be good runs and bad runs and it's okay to have both! Be sure to pay attention to what (and when) you eat before your run and how it affects you.
Good Luck!
Posted 6 months ago #
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