hTTraining For 1/2 Marathon ?

I found several training schedules on about.com. Just type in run or walk half marathon into the search box.

Good for you!

I completed my first (and second) half marathons last fall. Wow! I am still proud of myself. :) I already have two for 2013 on the schedule.

My first one was so awesome, I signed up for another the following month. That was was WAY harder! Somehow, the course managed to be uphill...both ways. I couldn't believe 13.1 miles in the same city - even with parts of the courses overlapping - could be so different. But yet I survived.

So let me clarify awesome and completed:

1. I finished the entire 13.1 miles

2. I didn't run the whole time - was so pleased to see lots of people walking at different stages

3. Compared to the runners in my usual running group, my time sucked

4. I didn't care

5. I've been running since Jan 2011, never very fast, never with much stamina, but consistently plodding through

6. I have the greatest running partners ever - they make a huge difference and mean the world to me

7. Invest in good shoes, with proper fit and support, even if they are ugly

8. Work up to your distance slowly

9. I had never done the full 13.1 until the first actual race day, but had been up to 10 miles for a couple of months prior to it - that last 5k is a killer!

10. Cut yourself some slack - you are still running faster and farther than anyone on the couch, no matter how long it takes you to get there or what you do to make it happen

11. Anti-chafing stuff is pretty cool

12. Train with a little bit of snack/energy chew/whatever before race day to make sure it agrees with your system; try the actual type of drink and flavor they will be serving, too

Have fun!!!! Or something close to it. I mean, you are still running. :)

I trained for a 1/2 marathon a year and a half ago. It was fun. Do you run? I already ran every week...about 3-5 miles at a time. To train I ran twice a week and every week to every other week I added a mile. I went to a women's fitness retreat one weekend that was all about distance running and one thing they taught about was fueling your body. I found I needed to carry water and some kind of food and drink and eat every 15 - 30 minutes even if I did not feel hungry or thirsty. Gummy bears worked for me...they are easy to carry and worked well. It really made me feel better than when I did not do this. I did not buy any special running gear - I just wore a workout shirt and exercise shorts and my running shoes (then I liked New Balance. Now I am liking Montrail). I just made a handle on my water bottle using duct tape. You can buy fancy running water bottles and packs to wear. During the race they had water stations so I only needed my one water bottle.

Congrats! What a great aspiration (and perspiration!).

I did my first half-marathon in my mid 30s, a goal before getting pregnant!

The best advice I could give is that you are challenging yourself. This is a personal goal that happens to be disguised as a race! That said, focus inward and pace yourself. Since this is a distance run, slow and steady is the way to go.

I would run a few miles daily and take two longer runs on the weekend.

I did train and wear my iPod for the half marathon. The tunes helped me pace and stay in the endorphin zone.

I didn't boast any fancy gear except shorts, a great sports bra and a tank. And of course comfy sneakers. I would use the sneaks that you train in for the race.

Good luck and God speed!

Yes, sign up. It's a great motivator to sign up for an event. You won't need too much to run in the winter, you can buy most items at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I run all year long in New England and wear running tights/leggings, a turtleneck or half-zip long sleeve, soft running jacket (if under 20 degrees), headband/ear-warmer and cheapo gloves. You don't need to buy expensive brands, figure out what is comfortable for you first. The main thing is that you really dont' need much to stay warm, you should be cold/cool when you start off on your run, because you will definitely heat up as you go.

Have fun and good luck!

Hi J.,
I ran several several half marathons and 3 full marathons and highly recommend that you do it! (a big part of succeeding is wanting to do it!). Now, I'm a non-runner :( but that's another story).
I might suggest that your first goal be to run a 10 K. One of the biggest things that turn people away from running is doing too much too soon and getting injured. Your body needs a chance to adjust to the pounding that it takes from longer mileage and running consistently.... a little increase at a time with plateaus in between. There are wonderful books and websites for people with different running goals (see if a local running store or on-line running club can point you to a good source). They can guide you with regard to how much to do each day/week until you reach your goal. Please make sure that you get fitted for proper sneakers given your fitness level, mileage, weight, foot strike (how you hit the ground and how your foot pronates etc.) Don't go for the good-looking shoe, go for the proper fitting shoe with the correct cushioning and stability for you! Having said that, for sure pick running clothes that you feel good and look good in b/c that can motivate you to get out there! Don't forget to hydrate well and wear weather appropriate clothes and sunscreen. Have fun!

I've done two, but that was in my twenties. I didn't train. I was in pretty good shape, and worked out regularly, including regular 3 mile runs. So if you're young, and in good shape, it's possible to wing it. I just pushed through it and took Advil for my knees for a couple of days afterward. I think it took me approx. 2-1/2 hours both times.

Other people who are more disciplined and actually train can give you training advice. My advice is that you should go for it. It's a great feeling of accomplishment.

I don't see any comments about the shoes. My daughter does triathlons and when she bought her shoes she went into the shoe store had them fit her for what her needs were.

Her shoes have a rubber sole but the big toe is cut separate as if it has its own little pocket, however, not gorilla toes.

You should go in and tell them your level, your goal, and let them take a look at your foot needs.

Spend the money on good shoes epically if you plan on running the number of miles you need to train for a half. I started having knee problems two weeks before a race and then got fitted. It was the best thing ever, time went down on my miles and there was no more pain!  Once you are fitted you will know in the future what to purchase and can search around online for the best buy. I have found the workout cloths at Walmart to be inexpensive, decent quality and hold up decent. Good luck!

I have to ask why you settled on 1/2 marathon as your first goal? Might you consider a different intermediate goal first such as a 5k or 10k? Sign up for one this spring, and then build from there aiming for a 1/2 marathon in the fall? There are tons of "Couch to a 5k" programs all over the internet. It'll get you from being a non-runner to a 5k in a fairly short time. From there, you can build up to the 1/2 marathon.

If you go too much at first, you risk either burning out or injuringyourself because your goal was too high.

You can run in anything - i prefer tight capris and a t-shirt in our cooler climate. But you need good shoes, so go get fitted in a good shoe store. If you scrimp and try to save $30 on a pair of shoes, you could end up injured and you'll have wasted every penny you did spend.

The first thing to do is to get the right equipment. Do not skimp on running shoes. Please go to a running store - there's a terrific one in Westborough which is not far from you. It's called PR Running and it's right in a shopping plaza on Route 9. I can give you better directions if you want. DO NOT go to a sporting goods store where the clerks know nothing about this. A running shoe store will watch you walk and watch you run - either out on the sidewalk or on a treadmill, and they will look at things like your gait, whether you pronate, whether you heel-strike or not (where you land on your foot), and more. Then they will fit you for some shoes. It's worth it. You can get all kinds of injuries from poorly fitting shoes even if they are a top brand - if they aren't right for your foot, you're in trouble. My son and husband are runners, and I'm a treadmill walker. We buy all our shoes there.

Next is clothes - you need a good sports bra, but you can often get something decent at any athletic department in any store like Target. Just make sure it fits you. You need clothes that wick the sweat away from you. Otherwise you get really cold in the winter and/or you wear too many layers. So if you wear UnderArmor or TechWick or one of those, you will do well and you don't need a lot on top, just a windbreaker, or a 2nd layer plus a windbreaker. You can wear any kind of hat and gloves - your ears and your hands will get cold. You can get these clothes at big sales at places like REI and the UnderArmor stores in the malls, sometimes on line, occasionally at places like Target. Get on REI's email list and watch for their big clearances.

Next, get in shape. Develop a running program that helps with sprints, hills, cardio training, and more. Don't push to a half marathon until you are ready. If you injure yourself, it will be a huge set-back, both physically and emotionally. It's absolutely great to have a goal, don't get me wrong - but a lot of people do too much too soon and then give up. Running seems to clear your head as well as condition your body, so you don't want to lose that.

Try walking 13 miles. Can you do it? If not, don't try to run it!! It's very tempting to go out too fast in the first 3-5 miles, and then you don't have anything left for the end. The terrain of the half marathon matters too - here in New England, you're dealing with hills. That's hard on the heart and hard on the knees.

What are you doing for muscle repair and recovery, and for knee support? There's a lot you can do nutritionally but you have to know what you're doing. We did a whole program for my son working with a coach here at the high school, and it made all the difference. Using the right nutrition products and with his guidance, my son has run injury-free for 5 years.

Does this help? There are some people in the area who consult for free so if you want more info, let me know.