Beginner to run the half marathon in 2013

JenniferAConley

I need advice on how to train for this(running), shoes, eating etc...How can you lose weight and eat well enough for training.. I have done MFP for 1 year now and have lost 31 pounds. I walked the half marathon in Indy this past year and made it with a great time. Thanks so much, if you would like to add me feel free I love support!!!:happy:

RunXstrong

Eat a balanced diet, and assuming you are a healthy weight, you should be fine. If you are training to run a half marathon, then look up what drink they serve on the course and try using that in your training. If your body takes that well, e.g. you don't get an upset stomach, then that is going to be the best carb to use in your training. But you only really need it on your long runs. After all your runs it is probably good to drink a little chocolate milk or eat a graonla bar or otherwise replinish some of your carbs to help with recovery. Runners World gives a lot of good advice on nutrition for runners of all different levels.

sevsmom

I followed a Hal Higdon half marathon training plan for my first half in May '12. I modified it a bit for my second half which I finished this past Saturday. I ran both in under 2:00 and I shaved over 7 minutes off my time. I didn't follow a special eating plan, just ate healthy food and monitored my calories. I did go get fitted at a running speciality store for shoes. I have miserable feet and am still searching for "THE" shoe, but I highly recommend getting fitted by running specialists. Not some kid working his way through college at a big box retailer.

Start slowly. Talk about the race with friends/family/coworkers to keep you accountable. And, enjoy the ride! I think the half marathon is the perfect distance!!

melindadunston

I am doing my first half in 20 days!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I started running in the spring so I jumped right into it:) What was your time of your walking half? I try to watch what I eat and eat balanced the best I can. I try not to stress to much but stay within my calories!

schmenge55

Ditto what has been said, especially getting fitted for shoes. Are you doing Indy again? I've done the mini maybe 5 times. A great race!

beths53

Active.com has some great free training plans. I follow John'The Penguin" Bingham - his plan and motivation is good for beginners. The long training run is when you need to make sure your fuel is right especially as you get up in mileage. I am by no means an expert but I have been blessed with amazing coaches and support. I've done 3 half marathons ( walked each one) and am planning my 4th, doing intervals, in April if the foot pain I had in Nashville is not a fracture.
There are lots of great books and websites with nutrition and training - Jeff Galloway is one.

Also contact, if you haven;t already, your local running club. they can provide suggestions and help.

Good luck and keep us posted.

HMVOL7409

Already some great advice; there's a half marathoners group on here you can join. I have my first in 3 weeks. My only advice is to not stress about weight loss in the last 12 weeks bc many don't see the scale move much but rather lose inches. With long runs you need the fuel and some retain water afterwards and don't see these huge drastic losses they expect.

taylor0204

I applaud you for making the decision to run your first 1/2 marathon. I will be running the Baltimore 1/2 on Oct 13th. I started training in January and began from the Coach to 5K and progressed to a training plan from Woman's World. I can successfully run 15 miles with one or two walking breaks.

Training will require a great deal of committment and patience with yourself. Initially, I was not eating enough food for my training schedule so I increased my intake.

I feel good and I can proudly say, I am a runner.

JenniferAConley

thank you!

JenniferAConley

thank you so much

JenniferAConley

I walked/ jogged the mini in Indy this past year. Considering doing the same in May 2013. I want to actually completely run the Chicago mini in Sept. 2013

michellekicks

If you're still trying to lose any weight, I highly recommend aiming for only a half pound per week as a loss. That way you are only getting a 250 cal daily deficit and you'll be able to run well.

When I have a big race I like to eat without a deficit for a week (or even 2) prior. That helps with glycogen stores to keep you strong to the end without any bonking. In the last 3 days I cut out most fiber and cut way back on protein... aim for 80% carbs (or more).

That's all I got! Enjoy it!