half marathon

..want to do a half marathon.any tips would be appeciated.two goals loose a 100 lbs and do a half marathon in the same year

I've got my first one at the end of March, practice run sunday. Start off steady don't try and push it just gradually build up the distance/speed. I invested in a running watch as it keeps me focused and pushes me on and I bought that after only a couple of runs.

Get the right shoes.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51130/Half-Marathon-Training-Guide

Great training programs. I'm currently doing the 30 week Novice Supreme marathon training, and it starts you out really easy.

If you're not much of a runner, I definitely would start with a shorter goal, like a 5k, and then work your way up to a half marathon (Couch 2 5k is great). The great thing about a half is that you can run a 5k and a 10k in preparation, that way you know how it is to race with a huge pile of people and really get the feel of a race.

The Hal Higdon website mentioned in an earlier post is one of the best websites for training information.

If you are new to running this year than I would caution against moving too quickly. Muscles get accustomed to the pounding much faster than the skeleton. If not careful you can end up with an overuse injury or worse a stress fracture. Always abide by the 10% rule. No one run each week or total overall mileage for the week should ever increase by more than 10%. Hal Higdon plans follow that for the most part. I think it would be best to look at fall half marathons. I am doing one on April 27th and my weekly mileage is between 25 and 30 a week right now. Obviously just to finish one you will be able to get by with less but be patient.

But the best piece of advice would be to take a pair of your used running or walking shoes to a running store, not a department store. They will look at your shoes and should ask you to run in front of them. From there they can recommend a proper running shoe for you. You will pay more at a running store but like anything else, you are paying for their expertise as well. Once you know your shoe type you can bargin hunt later.

Good Luck!

Bill

good luck! :flowerforyou: i am training for one in May 18th im on my mile runs now stay motivated

I have run over 10 half marathons in the last 4 years and 1 full marathon. The key is to stay focused and don't push your self too much. It is always okay to run/walk. Do not push your yourself too soon because that is when injury will happen. I think everyone can do a half marathon. It's not out of reach. The only person you are competing with it yourself.

Hey, Thats my goal too (i'm booked into the Birmingham Half marathon).

I used the 5K runner app to start me off & keep up my motivation. I found i needed the structure (something telling me what to do) otherwise id stop running as soon as things started to get hard (i'm a bit of a pansy). I then progressed to 10K and now looking to train for a half marathon.

I also use the Sport Tracker app as it allows you to find friends, records your workouts etc etc. Its genius & great for motivation.

When I first started running I ended up with shin splints which are VERY painful! I thoroughly recommend having a gait analysis from a decent running shop so you end up with trainers that suit you. It makes a massive difference although you feel a bit of a t*t running on a treadmill in the middle of a shop.

Id recommend a good play list and only keeping one head phone in so you can still hear the traffic. I run for 30 mins in my lunch hour at work a couple of times a week and then do a longer run at the weekend.

Good luck!!!

what watch did you get?

I ended up getting a Garmin Forerunner 410 with heart rate monitor, I wasn't much of a runner but I find this awesome and makes me want to get out and it takes my mind off what I'm doing as I'm trying to beat the visual pal built in lol.