allina Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I'm not exactly a seasoned runner but I enjoy it. Recently, with the bad weather I've just been running on my treadmill at home. Aside from enjoying running my goal is to complete a half marathon this year and lose 10 lbs. My question is, what is the best way to accomplish these goals? This week I ran Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs after work for 30-45 minutes each day. My speed varies anywhere from 4.8 to 5.6 mph. I know that I have to go longer and faster if I'm going to achieve running the half marathon. How many days a week should I aim for? How much time? What distance? Link to post Share on other sites
tanbark813 Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I don't know the answer offhand but I'm sure you could google a training schedule for a half marathon. The first few miles are the hardest. Once you can go 5 or 6 miles it's not that much harder to go 10. Link to post Share on other sites
hotgurl Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I'm not exactly a seasoned runner but I enjoy it. Recently, with the bad weather I've just been running on my treadmill at home. Aside from enjoying running my goal is to complete a half marathon this year and lose 10 lbs. My question is, what is the best way to accomplish these goals? This week I ran Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs after work for 30-45 minutes each day. My speed varies anywhere from 4.8 to 5.6 mph. I know that I have to go longer and faster if I'm going to achieve running the half marathon. How many days a week should I aim for? How much time? What distance? this is just must uneducated opinion but I would work up to at least running five days a week to maybe everyday. I would focus on miles first and speed second. each week add an extra mile. What is your goal in running the half mararthon? Is it just to complete it? Or is it to win? How long do you have to train? How many miles are you running now? also coolrunning is a nice site for runners. They probably have better advice for you. Link to post Share on other sites
hotgurl Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I found this it might help. http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm Link to post Share on other sites
clv0116 Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I'm not interested in competition so I can't help there, but I do know it's important to have a good machine. It's hard to progress if you're using a machine that fails to maintain a steady pace. Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted March 6, 2009 Author Share Posted March 6, 2009 Thanks guys. My goal is not to win the race, I'm just doing it for fun, to challenge myself. Though I don't want to finish last, or walking I've googled around but I always dislike the weekly charts and things I find. I feel like they're inaccurate and poor guides. I'm more interested in discussing this with normal, everyday people. Link to post Share on other sites
johan Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 ...I'm more interested in discussing this with normal, everyday people. Understood. If you want to hear my opinion anyway, let me know. Link to post Share on other sites
runner Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 make sure you get properly fitted with good quality running shoes. it's vital if you plan on spending that much time pounding pavement. i once trained in a bad pair and ended up straining my tendons. took me almost a year to heal, and i ended up putting on weight since i couldn't run as much. go to specialty running shops, they're usually staffed with people who know what they're talking about when it comes to running shoes - as opposed to foot locker, etc. Link to post Share on other sites
underpants Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Get a really scary person to chase you. A scary and fast animal could bump up your time. Link to post Share on other sites
D-Lish Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Get a really scary person to chase you. A scary and fast animal could bump up your time. Lol. That would work. I started a running program Feb 15. I've already lost about 5 pounds. I just go for as long as I feel like. On days I don't feel like running full out- I'll still hop on the treadmill and do a brisk walk at 3.5 for 20min. I use a walk run method. So I pace myself at 3.5 for a couple minutes- then increase to 5, 5.2 for as long as I can... then go back to 3.5. I do this for about half an hour. I am not looking to lose weight- just to be leaner and more defined. I am new to it and totallly loving it. Link to post Share on other sites
sunshinegirl Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 I have run 3 half-marathons and I love the distance and the discipline required to be able to finish one. I agree with the poster about getting good shoes. Don't skimp here - you could wind up with injuries, especially if your feet overpronate or supinate (google the terms). A good salesperson will be able to help. As for how I train: I make sure that I can run 3 miles 3-4 times a week without too much trouble. Then I start a 12-week, 4-day-per-week running schedule that increases my mileage by about 10% each week, culminating in at least one 12 mile run before the race. I know you said you're not into charts and stuff, but if you want me to post the schedule I've created, I'd be happy to. The biggest hurdles for me are usually more mental than physical - once I am comfortable running 6-7 miles, as Tanbark says it's not that much harder to run 10. What helps me through the longer distances are my iPod and my Nike+ adapter thingie that records my runs (pace and distance). It's really motivating to see the miles rack up week after week. Good luck! I hope you have fun training! Link to post Share on other sites
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