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do I sign up for a half-marathon ynm

almostsuperpowered
almostsuperpowered Posts: 135 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
do I sign up for a half-marathon or just work out like a normal human?

some context:
- I've run like 10+ (and 3 full marathons), but none since having 2 kids (now 5 and 2)
- I've had better success with weight loss and maintenance on half-marathon training regime
- half-marathon training is a big time and mental commitment
- finishing a half-marathon feels pretty great
- using a stair master and swimming regularly is enjoyable as hell and less of a mental effort to commit to

GO

Replies

  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    I know for me, I like having goals in front of me that drive my training. So I register for my events a year out, as I finalize what I can afford for travel. My Google Sheets spreadsheet for half training plans now stretching through May 2020. (I stick to halfs and 10Ks -- I like 5Ks as a nice short run, but I find I do better when I've got a longer distance to cover. And I'm not on board with doing the long training runs that a full requires.)

    So I say yes. :)
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    For me, the time commitment and your existing running ability is key. You may be looking at a longer HM training plan to build your mileage base since you haven't run in a while. Additionally, do you want (and are you able) to spend a couple hours on several consecutive weekends doing long training runs?

    Since you like swimming, you might also consider a triathlon if you're at all interested in cycling. A sprint triathlon could be a good way to check it out and see how you like it.
  • almostsuperpowered
    almostsuperpowered Posts: 135 Member
    I am currently in 10 - 12 km distance-wise, but setting aside a couple of hours to run on the weekend with 2 young kids would be a challenge

    I do like swimming, cycling, and running, just not consecutively! good idea tho
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't think anyone but you can answer that. I'm not a runner, but I've spent a lot of time in the past training for a variety of cycling races and events. I've personally taken a couple of years now off from doing that as I have other interests...I love cycling, but when I'm training, that takes up most of my available exercise time and doesn't really leave me much time for other things I enjoy like hiking, swimming, rock climbing, golf, etc...not to mention 3 and 4 hour + long rides on the weekend are both time consuming and really become a chore when you wish you could do something else.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    do you have the capability to pay for a babysitter for a couple hours on the weekend to get your longer runs in? do you have access to a gym that has childcare that you could use for treadmill workouts?
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Tri sprint is a great idea!
  • almostsuperpowered
    almostsuperpowered Posts: 135 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    do you have the capability to pay for a babysitter for a couple hours on the weekend to get your longer runs in? do you have access to a gym that has childcare that you could use for treadmill workouts?

    I have a spouse who can do these things for free (and a job that would allow me to do short runs at lunch)
  • almostsuperpowered
    almostsuperpowered Posts: 135 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    I don't think anyone but you can answer that. /quote]

    Yes but the mindhive can be fun to engage w too
This discussion has been closed.

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