Need advice...planning way early for 2009 Half

[MainStMandy]

Hi everyone!!! I haven't been on in FOREVER but I need some help.

A few years ago I convinced my then-husband that we should do the half marathon together. Long story short, I never followed through with it (he did) and I have been kicking myself ever since.

Well I have been through a lot in the last 2 years but this is one of those things on my to-do list.

I want to start getting ready to train, if that makes sense. I checked out Hal Higdons guide for walking the half, but that seemed a little too easy. I am already walking more than that schedule and a bit faster, but by no means running yet. I need some structure to help me build my endurance and time.

Any suggestions or advice is really appreciated!!

 

[chimera]

Amanda is that you?

What is your goal for the half, to finish or finish in a particular time? Is this your first distance race?

There are lots of plans you can use to train. Most of us here use John Bingham's book, Marathoning for Mortals, but a few use higdon and Jeff Galloway too. If the walking plans seem too easy for you, maybe consider a walk/run or run/walk plan. Check out the website sticky at the top of the board for more info. RunnersWorld has a smartcoach feature that will also design a plan for you.

You have about a year before training will start for the 2009 half, so plenty of time to pick a training schedule.

 

[MainStMandy]

Hey Mel!!! Ya it's me. It's been a while. I just want to finish the half. And I know myself and I need to get started early so I can train properly. I will get discouraged and some point so I figure I have a lot of time. I walk now, but can only do about 4.2 on the treadmill, any faster and I can't catch my breath. I will check out those websites you mentioned.

How are things???

 

[windwalker]

If the walking is to easy you are already out of my league but good luck with your training.

Mel's advice of looking into a John Bingham plan is a good place to start. John's wife Jenny is a good personal trainer and she is the one who actually came up with the plans.

Dave

 

[chimera]

Things are good, thanks...looks like you've had some rough spots the past couple years. Hope everything's improving for you.

Come join us on the weekly training threads. We already have a few folks who are skipping 2008, but will be there in 2009.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Amanda, Welcome Back! I'm glad you've returned. Yes, you definitely can do this and we would sure make you accountable over on the weekly walker/runner thread. Please join us there as we support each other through the journey.

 

[monte]

Hi Amanda!

I just came across this post and I wanted to say welcome back! I see that you're not in VA. anymore and I'm sorry to hear about your hard times....wish you were joining us in Jan.08', but glad to read that you're training for 09'. Good luck and do join us on the training threads.

 

[cobbler]

Sorry to hijack but Mandy's questions are just what I was looking for.

I don't know about these books and am a total newbie to distance races. But I really would like to do that half in 09.

Any tips for me?