Run America Run Half Marathon

[figmentfan2009]

Okay, I'm new here and, while I REALLY want to run a Disney half marathon, I figure it is more practical to try one closer home so I'm only out the race money if I fail miserably. That doesn't sound very optimistic, but with finances for everyone the way they are right now... it is at least realistic if not optimistic.

I haven't signed up yet, but I"m planning (and training for) on running the Run America Run Half Marathon (http://www.usaproductions.org/index).

I figure if I commit to it publicly, and use this as a forum for discussing progress, I will be held more accountable than if I just plan on it on my own... and I can live the Disney adventure of it all vicariously through you all. Maybe if I don't fail this one, I can be ready for the 2010 Princess half marathon... or the Disney World half marathon in 2010.

Anyone have any advice on training? Moral Support? Maybe in the effort I can loose the next 30 pounds while I'm at it.

Thanks for letting me live through you all.
figmentfan2009

 

[chimera]

That looks like a cool race, figment! Are you doing Portland or Austin? We'll look forward to having you with us in Jan or March (maybe both? )

You can totally do this! I started in 2005 and could barely walk a mile...now have 20 races under my belt.

There are lots of different training plans you can try. Many of us here use Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham. There are quite a few folks that also follow Jeff Galloway and Hal Higdon, who have some training programs online.

Check out the Welcome to the WISH team thread at the top of the page for more info and other links to running stuff. Also, a lot of folks hang around the weekly thread...great place for questions, advice and general chatting.

You'll do great...and we'll look forward to getting to know you better!

 

[figmentfan2009]

If I make it... I will be running the race in Austin. I have been reading Galloway's book and started out my fitness deal with Podrunner Intervals. I managed to get through Day 1 to 5k at a 15 min mile but I knew that there was no way I could maintain that for a Disney race and chance getting picked up before I had a chance to finish. And to take any time to actually take pictures (something that would be neat running through the parks) would put me seriously behind.

Do I think I can do this? Yeah, I think I can but I know I'm really going have to work at it.

20 races in 5 years? That is awesome. I've done one and it was a joke. The Susan Komen Race for the Cure 5k... my daughter and I did it together but we didn't do the timed race and it took us 45 minutes to get TO the starting line... "race" is a loose interpretation...

Now... I'm going to do it and do it right.

 

[SAHDad]

Well, you're off to a good start. The first rules to remember are:

1) Don't increase mileage more than 10% per week. Likewise, don't increase the length of your longest run (or walk) by more than 10% per week. There is a bit of a fudge factor in there - you can go from a weekly total of 8 miles to 9, or from a 1.0 mile run to 1.25 or so, just don't try to go from 10 miles per week to 20 miles per week in only a couple of weeks.

2) Get the right gear. You don't need a fancy watch, or a GPS, but you do need to have good shoes and the right kind of clothes. Go to a running store, and let them help you find the right shoe. The wrong type of shoe will make you miserable, and can cause blisters, knee and hip problems, back issues, etc. And if a shoe doesn't feel right when you first try it on, it's not for you - running shoes should not have a "breaking in" period. For clothes, technical gear (or tech gear) is recommended. Tech gear is made of wicking materials, and will keep you much cooler on your runs. Your running clothes includes shirts, shorts, and socks. (Yes, cotton socks are evil. Get wicking socks as well.) You'll also want a good hat, and, if appropriate, a running bra.

3) Don't worry about speed. At least, not at first. You want to build your endurance base before you worry about speedwork or hills.

4) Try to enjoy yourself. For almost everyone out there, the only person you are racing is yourself. When I toe the line at my next race in a couple weeks, I am not running against the people at the very front. Neither am I running against the people at the very back. The only person I am racing is myself - measuring myself against my previous times, forcing myself to the best effort I can give on that day.

5) Run "practice" races before your actual race. Since you are training for something so far off, look for some local 5k and (later in the summer) 10k races. They should have pretty reasonable entry fees, and you'll be able to see improvement from race to race.

6) You might want to keep an eye on how quickly the 2010 WDW Half fills up. You probably will have to register before you run the race in Austin.