Beginner running a half marathon?

Question

Hi all. My friend and I made a bet with our boyfriends that we would run a half marathon by December (we gave ourselves 7 months to train.. just in case). We are excited to begin training but need some insight. Anyone have any training books that they recommend? We found "absolute beginners training guide to marathons" and "half marathon rookie" - anyone read those? And do you have other recommended books? We really want to do this and extremely excited..

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I have been running for 8 years now and would recommend the following:

I would strengthen the core: calves, quads, hams, back and abdominal (the "six pack" muscles along with the obleks), chest and arms. But when strengthening these muscles, I would focus more on the muscle endurance not the muscle bulk. For more advice for this, I would consult with a personal trainer. For the running part, I would stay flexible as it helps/contributes to your balance (so do the muscles in your core) but also helps prevent some injuries like pulled muscles and shin splints. Also, I would try to make up a schedule where you can run for X amount of days and try to have a long run. I would start off slowly, running about 2-3 miles per run for the first week and increase my mileage per week. Make sure you have the following: a good diet, hydration, sleep, a good sense on how to take care of your body, and sleep. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Running Times and Runners World have some excellent training plans.   You can log on to their web sites and find a plan that may work for you.  You have plenty of time, Pick your half and make a schedule.  You already have a training partner so that will help keep you both motivated.   While your putting your schedule together just start working on a base.  Maybe starting with 15 to 20 miles per week.   2 to 3 miles per run 4 to 5 days a week.

Answer 3

i don't know of any books, but if you want to run a half marathon race, you should first figure out what the course is like (flat, hills, etc.). you should then make sure you train on similar terrain.  i ran a half marathon in high school and i jogged a mile or two twice a week and then once a week ran 4 miles, 5 miles, 6 miles, 7 miles, up until i hit 13.  after that, it's just replicating what you've done in your training on race day, making sure you pace yourself and don't let your nerves get you so excited that you waste your energy in the first few miles....

Answer 4

If all you have to do is run and finish, that'll be easy.

I just finished my first 1/2 three days ago.

Just run a bunch of 5 k races, do a couple 10k's. Training: run only 3x/ week.

Since you have 7 months (I think you can do it in 2 months).

Start jogging 1-2 miles the first 2 weeks and add a 1/2 mile a week or two. Before you know it, you'll be running pretty far.

My longest training run was only 8 miles... 5 miles below the race and I only did that 3 times before racing the half.

Race day.... start really slow the first 3-5 miles. Thirty second to one minute slower than training.

Good luck

Answer 5

Check out Runnersworld.com, they have at least two half marathon plans that explicitly tell you what to do to train.  I'm on one of their plans right now, and am two weeks from my first ever half marathon!  They also have a training log which is nice, because you can track all your runs and see how you progress in lengths of long runs and time throughout your training.  I find it really motivating.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,71...

This is the plan I am currently following, if you search using the term "half marathon" on their site a bunch of other plans are available, too.  

And get a running buddy if you can...I am running this with two friends and though we all live in different cities right now, at least knowing that they are training and being able to talk to them about progress and setbacks helps.  Sign up for the marathon and tell lots of people--that makes you feel accountable.  Otherwise it can be pretty easy to back out.

Good luck, have fun!

Answer 6

7 months is the perfect amount of time, and I commend you on trying your first marathon (half marathon in your case). Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed my first one.

A few things, I read something a number of years back, that was a training guide to marathons, maybe have been the same one you mentioned, if it is, read it. It will give you insight, and it never hurts to have knowledge.

Since you've never run one before, my advice is take it slow, which the book as well as other sources will tell you. Your body won't be used to the pounding, so gradually work into it. Make sure to get good running sneakers. Go to a local running store, tell them you are just starting running, have them look at how you stand etc. and they will likely recommend a good sneaker for you. Many people just go with any sneaker and up getting hurt. That's the last thing you want.

Core exceresis will help as well as pushups. Not many, but your body will get stronger and will help you push through those 9-13 miles.

If you really want a recommendation on books I have a stack at home that I could look through and let you know, send me an email if that's the case. I'm always up for helping.