Half Marathon Training

This information is helpful as my wife convinced me to run a half marathon in May. She loves watching Biggest Loser for the Trainer Tips. But, it has been inspiring to her before she got pregnant to research and carefully monitor her intake. She's looking forward to getting started again in January as she delivers in 9 days (scheduled C-section). Then she will start training to run a 5k with our kids while I do the mini. However, for me, the mini is only a stepping stone as a friend of mine convinced me to run a Tough Mudder. Thankfully the one I am registered for is not until October 2012 because I really need the time to get back in shape and train. If you don't know what Tough Mudder is, go here: http://toughmudder.com/.

But I look forward to running the mini-marathon as it is something I have never done before and will push me out of my comfort zone (I HATE RUNNING!) to something awesome.

Good for you! I totally agree with MaggieMay about Hal Higdon's plan; my hubs used his plan for his first marathon. Another good plan is by Jeff Galloway. Here's a link to his site: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

Try to do a warm-up before you start your walk/run. Save the stretching for after your run. It's easier to get injured by stretching cold muscles. I always think of an elastic band; when it's cold it will snap, but when it's warm it will keep stretching.

Remember to have fun out there!

I am also doing my first half in May. I have been working with a trainer for 4 months and she put me on the treadmill doing intervals of walking a minute running 30 sec. I started walking at 3.3 and running at 4.0 Now I do intervals of a minute each but I still walk at 3.5, I run at somewhere between 4.5 - 4.8
I will soon start walking a minute and seeing if I can run 2 minutes, I usually di intervals for an hour. I can run up to 2 miles straight but she says intervals help build stamina.
My goal is just to finish, I also expect to have to walk some.
Good Luck to you and Woohoo!!! for you signing up!!!!!
Robin

I second the Hal Higdon programs...used the novice for my first as well and really liked it--very doable. Also, you'll probably want to eat back those exercise cals. You may need to play around with what works for you pre-run eating wise. I do oatmeal normally but beef it up a bit on a race day...I add banana, maybe some walnuts too. You'll want to eat about 2 hours prior to give your body time to digest. The great thing about the training period is you'll really be able to dial in what works for you and you'll learn quickly what doesn't. Also, get fitted for a good pair of running shoes and never wear anything new for the actual race day (clothing, shoes, headband, whatever!). Make sure you've run in it before without issue...no fun hitting mile 10 with a shirt that rubs you raw. Don't forget to hydrate too...I could go on forever :laugh: Remember to have fun and be proud of yourself for getting out there! "The miracle isn't that I finished...the miracle is that I had the courage to start." John Bingham