Training for a Half-Marathon: The Beginning

It’s official. I just signed up for my first half marathon.

What’s more – it’s going to be in Tampa in February, during the midst of Florida’s pirate version of Mardi Gras: Gasparilla.

To really top it off, I’m running it with one of my good friends, Sheena.

Running and Me

I’ve been a runner since high school, where I ran the 100m, 200m, and 400m (my favorite race). Since then, I’ve kept my running up but I’ve never attempted more than a 5K race or run more than 4 miles at one time.

I decided it was high time to cross running a half marathon off my list.

iPhone running apps

What’s anything anymore without the perfect app? I mean, really.

There’s a ton of roundups out there that have both free and cheap apps. It boils down to what you want to do:

• Track your progress
• GPS capability to see where you ran
• Music compatibility with your phone/device
• Sync with other apps to track your overall fitness goals
• Online dashboard to see your progress
• Post your runs online to friends (on social media like Facebook/Twitter)

Almost all of the apps are going to do all of the above, so it’s really going to boil down to which one you like the best.

I ended up decided on RunKeeper (make sure you friend me if you’re on it, too!). It’s one of the more popular free apps.

Running Tips from the Pros

There’s an abhorrent amount of information on the internet about running: running for beginners to how to run faster to how to train for your first half marathon. Here are my favorite sources for women:

• Runner’s World – Running is all you’re going to find here. From the best shoes to wear to tailored running plans to the perfect runner’s diet. Can you say one stop running shop?
• Shape – You’ll have to search around here a little more, but Shape will give you training plans and a ton of other great information, whether you’re a first timer or a regular. 
• Women’s Health – With an entire section dedicated to running, you’ll find out everything you need to know. Women’s Health is also my favorite source for great workouts that are perfect for cross training.

Get a plan

Many great things happen thanks to planning. Especially if you’re not a runner – or don’t run regularly – it’s simply not safe to throw yourself into your first race without proper training.

Again, there are TONS of tools out there. Many will be based on how you’d like to do for your race. So:

• Pick a goal that makes sense. If your best possible mile time is 8:30, don’t try to run that for each mile of your first 5K in 6 weeks. 
• Pick a plan that isn’t overwhelming. You know yourself and your schedule. Don’t commit to running 20 miles a week if you simply don’t have the time or energy.
• Location, location, location. A lot of people don’t like running on treadmills; so if it’s not your thing, make sure you get outside to get your running in.

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Now, get out there and get RUNNING!!!