Newbie wanting to do half marathon in WDW

[chipper10]

Ok, so I am a complete newbie at this. I'm trying to get info still and I'm pretty much clueless to exercising and getting healthy.

I've been dieting (counting calories mostly) using Dietpower.com. Since December 29th, I've lost about 13 pounds. My goal weight is 128, which I hope to reach by November. Currently, I weigh about 192.

I have set the Half Marathon in January as my goal. I'm working out for about a half an hour or so about 5-6 times a week.

I have never been a running person. I have no one to look to for guidence in this area. DH is behind me 100% but he does not want to run the marathon with me. He says that he and DS will be there to cheer me on. So, I feel a little bit alone in this, but I know I can do it. I've very determined. I'm only 26 years old -- certainly I can run a half marathon!

I have very active in high school, but once I got to college -- I was not as active.


Can someone point me in the right direction? Are there any resources/books that I should look into getting. Also, I need a good pair of shoes. I have New Balances not, but they are not comfy to work out in. Where can I go shopping to find a good shoe. I'm in a very small town, so I really don't know of any specialty stores besides a Foot Locker, etc. St. Louis is about an hour or so away, so I could go there if need be.

Any help, advice would be great. I just feel very alone in this goal. Most people have laughed at me when I told them I was going to set the Half Marathon as my goal.

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hi..... Good Goal!! You've set yourself up and now its just a matter of getting in the steps.

Good book that alot of people read here is Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham. There are different plans in there from running, run/walk or walking a half or full marathon.
I myself am a walker. It's good to start off this way even if you want to run. It causes less problems with injuries as your body gets use to doing more miles.

Shoes are very important and I wouldn't go to Foot Locker (imop). You need a good local running store to evaluate you. They should size your foot, watch you walk/run to see your gait and stuff and then have you try on shoes of a few different brands. I would recommend going into to "town" for this.

Feel free to join in on the weekly thread, ask lots of questions.

Tracy

 

[WDWFAN9]

Welcome Nicole! A lot of us have used John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals as a starting point in our journey. Some of us are runners, some do a combination run/walk, and some of us are strictly walkers and he has a training program for each. Also, check out the Welcome to WISH Team sticky on this page for lots of ideas and please join in on our weekly training thread. We are glad you are here!

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hey Tracy - great minds think alike! We posted at the same time!

 

[chipper10]

Thanks! I've posted to join a team. I think I will try to talk DH into going to STL for some shopping next week!

 

[SAHDad]

First off, congrats on aiming for a half-marathon. You've got almost a full year to train, so it is most certainly an attainable goal. I posted this on another thread, but it applies here too, I think.

Here's some basic advice.

First, make sure you have the right pair of shoes. Go to a running store and have them fit you. Most running stores have a free gait analysis, even if it is someone watching you take a short run down the block. The wrong pair of shoes can mean an awful lot of pain.

Second - increase your mileage slowly. The general rule is to increase no more than 10% per week, although this is flexible. Going from 3 to 4 is generally less problematic than going from 20 to 24, even though the first is a 33% increase and the second a 20%. This applies, BTW, to both the total mileage for the week, and for the length of the runs.

Third - run every other day, at most. For a beginning runner, running three times a week is plenty. If you want to, you can cross-train on the other days.

Fourth - don't worry about speedwork, hills, intervals, fartlek, or other workouts just yet. Since you are just starting, you need to be building a solid base, and not worrying about how fast you are going.

Fifth - don't be afraid to cut a workout short or take a day off, especially if you are in pain when you run. (Not discomfort, but actual pain.)

Sixth - get the right clothes. Almost as important as shoes are the right clothes. You want wicking gear - shirt, socks, shorts, etc. Cotton is bad - it gets hot and sweaty, and can chafe like you wouldn't believe.


In addition to Marathoning For Mortals, Bingham has a couple of other books - No Need For Speed and The Courage to Start. Both are worth reading.

Oh, an addendum on shoes - most running shoes are good for 250-500 miles. (I used to change mine every 300, now it's closer to 375, I think.) Since you are expecting your weight to drop as you continue your running, you will certainly want to keep checking in with a running store every time you change shoes, just in case your gait changes. Shoes that serve you well now may not be what you need come November.

 

[bubba73]

Welcome Nicole!! You and I have a lot of similarities about us. I was never a runner/walker until last year when I got on one of the teams. I had never thought about doing a race either. Now, I have done 3 different races and will do my 4th next week. One of those races was the Half at WDW this past January. Let me tell you, YOU CAN DO IT!! (Not screaming at you. Just emphasizing the point, promise.)

There are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met here on the boards. They can give tips and advice to make that goal a reality. If they can do it for me, I know they can do it for you.

Hope to see you on one of the teams! You can do it!
Bryan

 

[cryssi]

Just wanted to say that Disney makes for a GREAT first race! You have plenty of time to train. Be prepared and enjoy yourself! You will have a blast!

 

[wtpclc]

Welcoem Nicole!!! Looks like you've gotten most of the advice I would give. Make ssure you post on the weekly thread too to get access to more resources. We love to share our experience!

 

[Sandy321]

Nicole,

Just wanted to jump in there and say - btdt!!\

I hate running - I hate being out of shape...

I love DISNEY!! So dh decided 2 years ago to inspire us - and signed us up for the Half (me) full (him - he was a runner!) Marathon... and I found myself here!

I couldnt have made it without the advice, support, encouragement I got from here! I will add, you get out what you put into it! I hate HATE running - so I started with the Couch to 5 K program (main WISH forum has more info, or just google it- - also abbreviated at C25K btw) and I signed up for a local 5K - that helped me get a feel for a race - as in people passing me, the whole start up stuff...

but I saved the miles for Disney!! In my siggy I finally finished my report on what it was like for me - (ie Procrastination link) to actually run that race - and I fully admit I was not as prepared as I intended to be - still overweight - and I didnt do much preparing in December in the Chicago area (I HATE running when its cold! or snowy... or rainy... or too hot.... )

I DID IT! and so can you!!

Perceive, BELIEVE, achieve!!

Welcome to the Group!!

 

[twoWDWfools]

Welcome Nicole!!

Congrats on setting your goals!
You've already gotten great advice and just want to add that I've also been there. Jan 08 I walked my first 5K and this Jan I walked my first full marathon. It's hard at times but stick with it. You can do it!

There are great people here, lots of knowledge, help, encouragement and the occassional wet noodle thrashing when needed (love ya Tracy!)

Be sure to read up, post questions and be ready to have a great time in Jan!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to the WISH Team! I'm so glad you've found us and I look forward to sharing your training. It is always fun to hear from a new person so we can relive the excitement of it all!

 

[bekkiz]

Totally 100% doable. I went from 3 months of bedrest following major spinal surgery in Jan. '07 to walking the whole thing in Jan '08. We walked it in exactly the right amount of time (crossing the finish line at 3:30!) but it was the most amazing thing I 've ever done. I cannot wait to do it again someday--I just have to wait for the little munchkins to get a bit older and then I'll be right back training again.

A lot of people here have tons of fantastic advice on the nuts and bolts of training. My only suggestion, download some disney park music and use that in you mp3 player from time to time. I often finished my workouts to Mickey's Jungle parade It super motivating, at least for me!

 

[Ronda93]

Hi Nicole. I am doing the same thing. It started wanting to prepare for a local 5K and grew into, hey, I could do the Disney half next year!

I'm starting with the C25K program. Week 2 started today. I have read Marathons for Mortals. It was good reading and contains a lot of information for newbies.

After the 5K this spring I will need to pick a half marathon training plan. There'sa lot of advice out there... Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway and John Bingham are the ones that I've jotted down in my short time researching.

My biggest piece of advice is to remember the days off. Honor the every other day requirement and you'll avoid trouble later.

For the beginning, I chose C25K because there are various podcasts available for the week to week intervals. One less thing to learn as I put one foot in front of the other.

Good luck... Let's do this together!

Ronda

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Great Goals!

As mentioned injuries are the most common problem to people getting back into exercising. This is from over training. Make sure you get rest days and don't try to "make up" mileage if you miss a day. You have plenty of time to owrry about it later. If you stay injury(and pain free), you are more likely to stick with it as it is more enjoyable.

Good luck and see you in Jan!

 

[deekaypee]

As everyone's said, great goals and you have the time to train for the half. I can't add much to the wonderful advice you've been given, so my response is generally "what they said."

In addition to the specifics you've been given, everything from shoe fittings to books to the 10% rule to posting here to C25K, I want to emphasis that what you're doing is going to change your life in ways that will surprise you.

Of course, it will change your body. But it'll also change relationship with your body. It will change how you think and feel about yourself. That's part of the joy, and part of the challenge, of undertaking your goal. You'll learn how to listen to your body (please do, to avoid injuries) and will be tempted not to to push yourself just a little harder. You'll go further and faster in a few months than you ever thought was possible. You'll start thinking about how water is hydration and food is fuel. And you'll go through days when you feel you can conquer the world (or at least your training course) and days when you feel that you can't do one more step.

Know that we all have these days, and that we're here for you when you have questions, when you're feeling down, and when you want to celebrate. Consider us your online cheer squad and your coaches, as well as your WISH family.

 

[Maherae]

Nicole!!

You are definitely in the right place!! No question is silly or dumb, we all had to start somewhere!

You don't need to worry about doing the half alone, either. You are now a member of the WISH team!!

The only other thing I would add is to to expect weird looks from your friends and family (other than your supportive DH!) when you tell them your plan!! Just come back here, cause WE understand!!

 

[chipper10]

Thank you everyone! I love everyone on this board. You all are so helpful. I know I can do this. I'm going to get some running shoes today and go join the Y. I've been reading "Marathoning for Mortals" which is very helpful as well. I just wanted to thank everyone for all the help/encouragement you've been giving me! I really do appreciate it. (Escpecially when everyone outside of the DIS thinks I'm crazy! )

 

[Maherae]

told ya!!!

Anne

 

[SamSam]

Nicole, Welcome to this wonderful, supportive group. Everyone has given you great advice, the only thing I would add is that's okay to walk instead of run if that's what works for you.
I hope to see you at the WDW!