Working towards a half marathon!

cjwachsmuth
cjwachsmuth Posts: 9 Member
edited November 11 in Fitness and Exercise
So I got it in my head last week that I could do a half marathon this summer! I have a little over 20 weeks to train. While I am not the worlds biggest runner, I find myself insanely motivated in a way I have never been before. I would like to lose some weight, and have always oriented my exercise and eating towards the goal of losing weight and it is rarely successful. Now however, I find myself running more and lifting more and eating better because I want to do things that will help me get to this race (with the knowledge in the back of my mind that weight loss will probably follow).

Has anyone else experienced success with this kind of motivation?

Replies

  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    My challenge is a little different, but YES, having a goal race and following a training plan towards it help enormously.

    I have struggled in the past with compulsive exercise/trying to outrun a bad diet. Goal races keep me honest about sticking to the plan, because I *know* from experience that jetting out for an additional evening workout will screw me over for the next day's speed set or whatever.

    What race did you choose?
  • cjwachsmuth
    cjwachsmuth Posts: 9 Member
    The Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth! It is a lottery to register so I will know for sure later this month if I will be racing. Otherwise I'm keeping my eye out for other races in the mean time.
  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    Coolness!

    Half Marathons in MN
  • WhatMeRunning
    WhatMeRunning Posts: 3,538 Member
    Absolutely. I find it is easy to change gears when your focus is only "getting healthy and/or losing weight" because there are so many ways to do that. If you have registered for an event though a few months out like a half marathon, you will find it a lot easier to keep focus on that goal and stay on track with your plan. At least that is how it seems to work for me.
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    How many miles per week are you running currently?
  • cjwachsmuth
    cjwachsmuth Posts: 9 Member
    9-12 depending on the week
  • CupcakeCrusoe
    CupcakeCrusoe Posts: 1,426 Member
    Hi!

    I was so excited to read your post, I'm running my first half next month. You should have plenty of time to train, I suggest looking up training plans online. I use Endomondo to track my runs on my phone, and they have a training plan that tells me when to run and how fast, for how long. Lots of these type programs exist.

    Good luck!
  • cjwachsmuth
    cjwachsmuth Posts: 9 Member
    Thank you! I will check that out for sure!
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    cjwachsmuth wrote: »
    9-12 depending on the week
    You're going to need to slowly get that up to about twice that amount at least in my opinion. If you follow a good training plan that shouldn't be a problem. Good luck.
  • RunsForFood
    RunsForFood Posts: 110 Member
    I think it's a great idea! I'm actually already registered for 4 half marathons throughout the year. It keeps me motivated, and working towards a goal. Plus I can up the motivation if I want to better my time each race!

    You will need to up your mileage, but you have time to get it done. I use Runkeeper for my runs, and they have training plans as well.

    Good luck!!!
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