D.C. Half Marathon in March

Serendipityunt

Hey all,

So I'm going to try to run the half-marathon in mid March in our nation's capital. I can currently only run two miles at a time, at a slow pace, so I've got a lot of work ahead of me.

Any suggestions? Advice? Warnings?

Anyone else going to do it?

jenniferstanton

I would go online and find a training program that you think you can stick to. I looked at a number of them, found one that I've been able to follow. I'm doing my first one in two weeks!

AlohaAmber

I have trained for many half-marathons, and a marathon using Hal Higdon's training plans. When I started I could only run 2-3 miles at a time. I still run slow. www.halhigdon.com

jenniferstanton

Oh, and it helps to find people to run with. It has been so much better running with other people and we motivate each other to stick with the program

jenniferstanton

I have trained for many half-marathons, and a marathon using Hal Higdon's training plans. When I started I could only run 2-3 miles at a time. I still run slow. www.halhigdon.com

Me too I call myself the turtle of the group!!

Topsking2010

I ran the DC Rock and Roll half marathon last March. Fun race. It will take 90 days to get in shape to run a half marathon. Try Hal Higdon novice training plan.


Good luck



Herb

Serendipityunt

Thanks! I'll look into the training plans. Any marathon books you recommend?

MorganLeighRN

Google "Grandmother's Marathon Training Schedule". You can download a novice half marathon training schedule.

Actually, here is the website to make it easier:

http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/site/index.php?page=alias-6

It actually start you off on 2 miles and gradually bumps you up. I did my first half in August and is was so much fun! It is actually easier when you are running a bunch of other people, they kind of push you to keep going!

Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like!

jenniferstanton

I don't know of any books but Runnersworld.com is good.

runrockclimb

First step is to build up your weekly mileage. Ideally you should be running 20-25 miles a week to really train for a half. You'll want to do this slowly, building mileage quickly is a really great way to hurt yourself.
Find a program you like and stick with it. Your goal should be to finish, don't worry about slow or fast. Once you've got one under your belt I bet you find you can't stop, then you can work on a time goal, or speed, or a longer distance. They're great fun in my book.

Higdon is great for beginners. Here is a link to his getting started running guide.
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51233/Beginning-Runner-Training-Guide
For later once you've built up your mileage some this could be a great training program, but feel free to look around on the internet for one that looks good to you.
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

Runner's World could be a great source for you, they have a whole section for beginners... here is an article about getting started from them.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-520--2201-1-2X3X6-4,00.html

Hope this helps. Good luck!