Half Marathon Anyone???

[Saraha]

I know many of you are really into fitness and some of you run. My FI and I have decided to do a half marathon on March, 10th. Does anyone have any advice about where to even or anything. I can use any information I get. I have been looking on line for the training calenders that tell you how much you need to run every week to be ready. Just wondering if any of you have personal experience. Thanks a bunch!

[Lorilou]

I've ran four marathons and my advice is to just follow the training schedule to a tee and you'll do fine. if you put in the training, you should finish. also, just take good care of yourself. if you are hurting, treat it, don't ignore it. drink lots of water. let me know if you have any more specific questions. good luck!!

[Spazz]

I ran the Philadelphia half marathon a few years ago. My advice is to be ready for it! I consistently ran 30+ miles per week for years, but never went out and ran 13 miles at one time. Well, I developed a stress fracture that I have been dealing with for years now (I've worn a "boot", seen 5 orthopedic doctors, can't run anymore...horrible!). I thought I was ready, but my body didn't agree...haha! So, follow the training schedule and make sure to do the long runs to prepare yourself. Good luck!

[mrsmark08]

That's so awesome of you to take on this challenge! I've run 2 half marathons and 2 full marathons. The last one was the Nike's women's marathon in San Francisco this past October. For me no other exercise gives me as good a workout as running does! I have an excellent training schedule for both full and half marathons that start at very low mileage and slowly increase. You're "mid-week" run should be fairly consistent and then one weekend day, saturday or sunday you should do your "long-run." You can check out Runner's World.Com : Running, Racing, Training and More. to get a personalized training schdule, or PM me and I'd be happy to email you mine. if you're interested in running for a good cause and training with a group for extra motivation and moral support, check out Team in Training, Teamintraining.org. They train you from start to finish for marathon and half marathons and in return you raise money for the leukemia & lymphoma society. I completed my 2 full marathons as part of Team in Training and it was a truly life changing experience.

 

The best piece of advice i can give is to get a good pair of shoes. Go to a running store and get properly fitted for running shoes. My running shoes are a size and a half bigger than my normal shoe size. In addition they make different types of shoes depending on your "foot strike." Training for a marathon in the wrong type of shoes can cause issues like black toenails, blisters and a bunch of other nasty issues! =) Let me know if you have anyother questions! Happy running!!

[Clussy75]

I second the advise of getting properly fitted for running shoes at a specific runner's retail store depending on your step. I ran a half marathon last year and it was the best running experience of my life. Sounds dramatic but man, after completing a personal goal like that and feeling like you put in your all is priceless! I found a training schedule on runwashington.com for a half marathon but I'm sure you can find others online. Stick to moderate runs about 3 to 4 times a week and a long run on the weekend and you'll build up your stamina. If this is your first half-mari, then just go for keeping up your stamina and eventually (for future runs) work on your speed. The energy gel packs they give you at later mile point checks are awesome for upping your energy levels so definitely take them up on that (if you don't already stock up to have in your pockets for energy lulls).

 

Good luck and enjoy!

[Saraha]

That is great information, thank you so much. I will definetly check out team in training. That sounds awesome and very motivating. And thanks both of you for the great advice on shoes. Thats the first thing I am going to do, hopefully this weekend. I also heard something about only drinking a certain amount of water during the run. Do you guys know anything about that at all?

Thanks again for all the great info!

[fogdog]

I've also run 2 marathons and several half-marathons. Totally agree on the shoes and sticking to a schedule.

As for the water, my non-professional recommendation is to drink alot of water regularly so you are consistently well-hydrated. I drink at least 3 liters/day. Then, when you are running, just drink a few sips every couple miles or so and you should be fine. Personally, when I was training, I never carried water on my runs (even the long ones), just stopped at fountains when I could, and was totally fine, but everyone has different fluid needs. You can get overhydrated if you are really pushing the fluids and there is alot of hype right now about that. Dehydration is a risk if you don't start out well-hydrated, you sweat alot, and/or if the weather is really hot/dry. I think as long as you don't go crazy one way or the other, you're body adjusts, but I have a really forgiving body

As for the gel, be sure you try them ahead of time if you're going to use them (particularly if they have caffeine) - certain kinds make me really sick to my stomach.

Have fun - you'll love it!

[Saraha]

Awesome. I cant wait to start

Thank you everyone for all your recommendations, I need all the help I can get haha. Im also so impressed with all you girls that have ran these marathons/half marathons.... I thought 13 miles was alot.

[mrsmark08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saraha I also heard something about only drinking a certain amount of water during the run. Do you guys know anything about that at all? Thanks again for all the great info!

My advice on water is only: don't wait until you get thirsty to drink, because by then it's too late. I usually didn't carry water with me unless I was running over 5 miles. However, the last thing you want to happen is to be caught on a run without water. They sell great "hydration belts" that hold water around your waist or hand held bottles that have a strap that goes around your hand. Like fogdog said, you should try to start increasing your regular daily intake of water. I'd say just starting out you should try and drink a few sips of water every mile or so and as you become accustomed to running & drinking lots of water you will likely need to drink less frequently but you will still be well hydrated.

[Saraha]

Ok perfect, that makes a lot of sense. I have been trying to drink a lot of water during the day. So that will hopefully help. Just thought I would tell you guys how pitaful I am.... I started off running 2 miles... haha I thought I was going to die. So this cant be a good thing, I am running a bunch this week and doing cross training today. Hopefully by the end of next week I will actually be able to run longer!!