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Corrie
Corrie Sendmail

My "someday" goal: Half-Marathon. Got any tips?

asked 3 months ago | Report

Hi! Does anyone have any tips on how to train for a half-marathon? How long does it usually take to train for one? I'm not interested in speed, I just want to be able to complete it. My first race ever was an 8k in November and I am doing another 8k in March. I love the feeling I got after completing my first race (I never thought I could do it). Now I am interested in training myself to (eventually) do a half-marathon. I know this will take a while but I was hoping you guys could give me some background info on how to train and what did/didn't work for you. Thank you so much!

Some background: I've recently started getting back into shape- I've been back in the pool for about 6 months and I swim 2 miles at each practice. I have also been doing weight training for the last 3 months. I'm a newbie to running- just starting to add running onto my exercise regimen and I have been running 3 miles, trying to build up to 5 for my race next month.

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  • Sang Y.
    Sang Y. Sendmail

    So how many days a week do you run? Most plans I have seen recommend having a weekly base of 12-15 miles per week. I started running and within a year ran my first half marathon. I trained specifically for it for about 20 weeks though I see plans anywhere from 10 to 20 weeks with 12-16 weeks being the norm. While others aren't too keen on crosstraining, I feel like it helps build the cardiovascular system without tearing down the body like running does. You are on the right course.

    answered 3 months ago |Report

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  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    Running is a little different than other sports, in that slow easy consistency beats going out and working really hard to run fast or long. (you just end up injured). So- take your time and be consistent.

    Sounds like you've got the exercise bug. Keep up the good work. Find a local training group if you can. You've got this.

    answered 3 months ago |Report

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  • Renae H.
    Renae H. Sendmail

    I LOVE Jeff Galloway's Program! Best thing I ever did. I trained for a half in 10 weeks (not that I recommend doing it in that short amount of time) and completed it Sunday by following his run/walk method.

    answered 3 months ago |Report

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  • Vanesa
    Vanesa Sendmail

    I trained for my first half marathon for 4, almost 5 months. I used a training plan I found on Runner's World (called Smart Coach). Before I started training I was averaging about 15 miles a week. My guess is if you started increasing your miles in the next couple months you could be ready for a half marathon in the fall.

    answered 3 months ago |Report

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  • Kelly
    Kelly Sendmail

    I was never a runner and I haven't worked out for done anything except walking for the past 6 years. I decided over Christmas break that I wanted to start running. My runner husband encouraged me a week after running to sign up for a half marathon which is March 11th and I did. I went from 0 miles to running 9 miles in 6 weeks. If you are running 8K's I believe that you can run a half marathon. I don't follow any specific schedule other than trying to do one long run a week, upping my runs by 1.5 miles each week. I am due for my first 10.5 run in a week then I am taking it easy with shorter runs until my first half marathon. Much of it is mental for me.

    answered 3 months ago |Report

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