Need preparing for half-marathon!

First, go get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes (even if you are walking) at a running store. Also buy moisture wicking socks at the store.

Find a training program and follow it. A couple of suggestions are Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway.

Start training now. My training program (Hal Higdon) already began for my half in August.

I'm training for the Walt Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon October 1st. I'm running a 5K in the morning and the half that night. I know you can follow different programs but I personally can't committ to any pacific plan. I run 3-4 times a week. I use the Nike Plus band. It helps me watch my pace and makes sure I get my distance in. I was running an easy 11 minute mile and after I mastered that time I pushed my pace by 30 seconds the next week. I usually average 9-10 minutes a mile but once I can get an average of 9 on a regular basis I'll be happy. I've heard the Rock n Roll races are a blast to run! With Nike Plus they have different programs and I picked the half to try to follow. Living in South Dakota plus my crazy life style I'm not able to stick with it as they'd like. Good luck with your race! It's all mental if you tell yourself you can do it you'll be able to do it! I told myself that like a broken record and it got me through the 5K, half, and full in January at WDW Marathon Weekend (it was my first half and full and did it in one weekend!)

Check out the literature by Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon. Pick up a copy of Jeff's "Half Marathon: You Can Do It!" book. His methodology and inspiration is the reason why I am able to run 30 miles a week - I never would have been able to do it without that book! Best of luck to you!!

Oh, and I completely agree with josavage - get some good high-quality running socks! Nothing is worse than blisters from bad socks!

my suggestion would be is to pick up a good magazine like runners world. they have article on programs and training plans for everything from 5k, 10k.1/2 qne and full marathons. i used one for 10k training

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and i was able to knock off over 2 minutes from my time last year to this year at the vancouver sun-run. the progams can be taylored to suit every level of fitness. just do gradual increases in milage and frequency. you need rest too.....dont want to get hurt. above all set realistic and achivable short and long term goals. good luck and train smart.

Congrats! You may want to consider a 12 Week program that would lead you up to the race. For 4 weeks run 4 times per week, running only 1 mile for speed + doing heavy upper body weight training, 3 sets of 8 reps for 3 x week to help carry your body better. After this phase, move into a 6 week phase where you train 5 times a week and think of using the speed you built up in the first 4 weeks going into this phase as you start to build up your endurance - 3 x wk do 6 miles, 2 x wk do 4 miles + keep upper body weights 3 x wk, but increase to 4 sets of 12 reps with increase pace in lift to build muscular endurance. Last, 2 weeks out from race, 5 workouts each week, run 3 x week for 8 miles, 2 x week for 6 miles + move your upper body weights to light, easy 4 sets of 25 rep, just for endurance. Definitely get good running shoes + only wear them for your workouts. You should have a strategy for how to work your carbs into your training as well... hope this helps

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