Half Marathon Training Advice

Hi S.-
Is this the Spirit of St. Louis half marathon? I was planning on running that also with my neighbor! I got a training schedule on the internet for 10-weeks, so we still have time. It's my first time too, and I'm doing about the same thing you are. It's really tough with kids though, so I'm trying to run at work at lunch, then get the longer runs in on weekends. If you live around Winghaven, let me know, we can train together if you want! I'm about 9.5/10 min miler (or at least I used to be). Good luck!

Check out www.halhigdon.com. He has a GREAT free printable training guide for many different length of races. He also has different guides for new runners vs. experienced ones.

If you go to www.runnersworld.com they have a complete training program laid out for you - very easy to follow! Good luck! I did the Hospital Hill Half-Marathon in 2008 - I LOVED it!

Good for you, you are already farther along then I was when I started training. I was luck if I could run three miles without dying! =) I followed the half marathon training on coolrunning.com. Here is the link, http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/144.shtml . One thing that I did not do that I wish I had was varied where I ran. I had a three, four, and six mile loop worked out around my neighborhood and that was all I ran, so I knew where I need to exert more energy and where I could conserve. I really wish I had run many different routes, that would be my only advice! You can also check out mapmyrun.com and create running routes around your neighborhood. Good luck!

Hi S., I have no advice for you. I only run if I'm being chased and then it only if the person chasing me means to do me harm - LOL! But my sister is also running in a half marathon on April 10th - so I'm assuming that it's the same one. She has a schedule that tells how much you should run on each week while training. I don't know where she got it, but I did e-mail her your question so that she can help you. Good luck and God Bless!!

Good for you!!!! A training schedule really helps! There are tons of them online. Make sure that you find one that gives you rest days, and has you running slightly different amounts during the week. Your Saturday run (or which ever day you choose) should get continuously longer every week, and then the rest of the week you shouldn't be running nearly as far. I really liked the packs of gel instead of drinking a gatorade. After your long runs sit in a tub of freezing cold water for about 10 minutes (or as long as you can stand it)...seriously!!! This makes your muscles heal faster, and prevents soreness. I did it after mine and wasn't sore at all the next day.

I did the Go! St. Louis 1/2 two years ago, and I had not run a day in my life before I started the training. I found the actual 1/2 to be easier than any of my training runs! The atmosphere is so exciting and there are so many other people trying to accomplish the same goal. It is something I am really glad that I did, and am even starting to think about doing again...maybe :)

There are some good books out there. My husband trained for 3 marathons and followed a certain schedule of how many miles each day, per week, and when to do longer runs. I would go to either The Running Center of St. Louis (at McKnight and Manchester) or Ghisallo (in U. City at North & South and Delmar, I think.) They have knowledgeable people who work there who can give you a good starting place or guide.

I walked a half marathon, but found a great training schedule off of the website of the half marathon. Not sure where you're doing yours at, but the Go! St. Louis marathon has links to training schedules. The experienced runner's half marathon training can be found here:
http://www.gostlouis.org/hm_experienced.html

Hope that helps and yea for you!

Training schedules are great but for your first run, most prepare you to SURVIVE it...not excel. It's a great guideline to tell you where you should be on distance, but add some other types of training to ensure you feel GOOD all the way through. My few tips...
1. Get good shoes - it's good to get a new pair now so they'll have enough support to get you through your training and then be nice and comfy come race day. Buy at Gary Gribble's or somewhere that knows how to fit you in the proper pair - it really makes a difference. Smart Wool socks are great too.
2. Buy some Gu - once you get over that 6 mile hump, a Gu pack is like crack for runners! It will give you a boost of energy! Chocolate is the best one.
3. Do some speed training. If you have somwhere you can run sprints - it's a great way to supplement your jogging schedule. Even doing short stints on teh treadmill running a mile a minute faster than your usual time. Once a week is enough.
4. Some type of stretching or yoga. I haev always been athletic, but didn't start runnign until about 5 years ago. It changed my body and I learned the importance of makign sure I was stretched out and taking care of my muscles.
I've only done a few halves and can't wait to get back into it (I'm prego right now) but these are the things that I think helped me ENJOY it rather than just surviving it and then want to keep doing it. Good Luck!