PF Changs January Marathon

sjdennis45
sjdennis45 Posts: 6
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am not a runner by any means and have decided to try the PF Changs Half-Marathon in Tempe in January. At this point, I can't even run a mile straight. Anyone have any good tips or tricks or advise for a new runner?

Thanks!

Replies

  • fredd500
    fredd500 Posts: 106 Member
    In one word - C25K - google it.

    It aims to have you running 5K non stop in 9 weeks and is aimed at non-runners.

    I'm planning on starting it as soon as I can pluck up the courage.
  • bethvandenberg
    bethvandenberg Posts: 1,496 Member
    I did the half for 3 years but walked it. It's fun. You'll love it. As I train for a tri I've been reading a ton of books.... Maybe start looking at some running books and figuring out which training schedule will work for you.... You're going to have a good time...
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    C25K will get you started.

    Make sure you have a great support system -- someone to push your butt out the door when you lose your oomph!

    Also, breathe. Breathing is the hardest part. The tendency is to breathe in too much and not breathe out enough, causing cramping and mini-hyperventilation spells. If you cramp up, it'll be on your right side. Blow out when your right foot strikes the pavement and this will help ease the pain.

    You're pretty ambitious, it's admirable!! Good luck!

    Best advice I ever got about running a half? Slow down and have fun.
  • agleckle
    agleckle Posts: 235 Member
    I was never a runner until last October when I decided I wanted to do the PF Chang's 1/2! I just started gradually building up the miles! I started off with 2 and each week I would add a mile or two to my running! Eventually I got to a point where I would go out for a "short" run of 5 or 6 miles. I also had friends that were training with me so we would help push each other, too. Also, I would do some sprints and run hills to get my endurance up. Add me as a friend if you would like! Good luck!
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    The Runner's World Ultimate Guide to Road Racing is a great book. Everything from training plans to tips on nutrition and cross-training workouts.

    Sorry for stalking your thread, haha!!
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    The Runner's World Ultimate Guide to Road Racing is a great book. Everything from training plans to tips on nutrition and cross-training workouts.

    Sorry for stalking your thread, haha!!
    Thanks for the suggestion — I just grabbed a copy from Amazon.
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    My GF is thinking of something very similar. She's a non-runner and wants to run the half at the California International Marathon in December. My advice to her was to try the C25K now and then train up for the half after that.

    I'm using an iPhone app for my training plans. I decided to go with SmartCoach but there are others out there that will do the trick, too.

    Check out runnersworld.com as a resource.

    Enjoy!
  • PandaFAmBAm
    PandaFAmBAm Posts: 111
    I have been thinking about doing the same marathon. I am currently doing C25K on week 4 and love it
  • sjdennis45
    sjdennis45 Posts: 6
    Wow! Thanks for all of the advice! :) I'm going to start really training this week, so this helps a lot!
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