Signed up for my first Half Marathon

btkrausen · Aug 9, 2011

Been running on and off since middle school, which is about 17 years now(I'm 30). Ran cross country and track through high school, and was on and off through college and after..running 5Ks and just running to be healthy.

Looking forward to seeing how I do since I've generally stuck to just 5K races. I'm not really expecting to "race", mostly just finish :) Been running heavily since April and was up to 25 miles a week, but its lower now. Time to pick up the pace again :)

Tabasco1 · Aug 10, 2011

Congrats and good luck! When is the race. Signing up for something is great motivation to push it.

Bouncingsoul39 · Aug 10, 2011

A step in the right direction, but really too easy. After this step up to a full marathon and have a lifetime accomplishment you can tell your grandkids about. My buddy is always wanting to do halfs and I always respond " would you drink half a beer?" hahaha. Seriously though, good job. Running is good for the soul.

C3H6O3 · Aug 12, 2011

First of all, I don't want you to think that I'm putting you down. Just trying to help.

I've run over 40,000 miles since I was 14. I'm 44 now. I've set high school records, was All-America in college, and was amateur duathlon champion in '97 and '98. Not bragging. Just want to let you know where I'm coming from.

25 miles a week is very low for running a 1/2 marathon. Your longest run in preparation for it should be at least 13 miles. You would be surprised at how much your body can do. Don't be afraid to crank up the miles, but do it slowly. When I've run marathons, my highest miles for one week has been 100+. I've also run marathons with only 70mi for my max week.

I have to disagree with the other member saying you HAVE to run a marathon. I've seen too many people start running, and they get this crazy idea that they HAVE to run a marathon to validate themselves as runners. Marathon preparation is rough on the body. I've only run 10 marathons. There are plenty of other races/distances you can run. Some trail runs, for example. One
Of the most challenging races I've done was a 31mi trail run. Took me 5:12 to finish it!! Ouch!!

I'm sure there are some famous races somewhere near your area that are considered great challenges--give them a try. They are a nice break from the run-of-the-mill 5k. I've run Piles Peak Ascent a few times and have enjoyed that nasty challenge!

If you want to run 13.1mi, good for you! But, you need more weekly miles to do have your body physiologically prepared for the challenge.

Running should be enjoyable. I'd be glad to give you advice in preparation for it.

Oh, yeah: you don't have to run a marathon to drink a full beer without feeling guilty. :0)

btkrausen · Aug 12, 2011

Oh, I'm no amateur when it comes to running, I've been doing it for 17 years. My 25 miles per week wasn't a goal for preparation, it was just what I was up to a few weeks ago before I had planned a bunch of office visits for work. Due to work travel, the heat, and trying to get my tank up, my mileage decreased. I also recently found myself dropping my mileage, but increasing my speed, which led to smaller weekly totals. I did just pickup a new Nike+ GPS watch, which I am enjoying. It comes in handy when I'm traveling and want to avoid the treadmill <--which I hate running on.

I'm currently cranking up my mileage again without angering my ankle too bad. I'm not really worried about "having" to run a marathon...honestly it doesn't interest me right now....I'm surprised I'm going through with the half as I having been running events for a year or two.

My running is for pure enjoyment and exercise. People really underestimate how much running can actually relax you and clear your head. Its also great stress reliever. I love to show people that I've lost some weight the "proper" way with exercise and eating better, without these weight loss pills, diets, programs, shakes, etc. Its all a bunch of garbage.

Appreciate the response though, glad to see we have others that enjoy running as well.