We're getting a lot of questions in the other thread about where to start. If you are new to this or running a half marathon (13.1 miles) seems like an unreachable goal - have faith. You will cross that finish line. We will help get you there regardless of how out of shape you are. You will surprise yourself and one day, you may even say "I'm just doing 13 today".
Here are the first steps that you need to take to get to the finish line in October.
1. Sign up for the Jimmy Fund Group;
2. Sign up for the Daily Mile. The Daily Mile is a social training site where members post training, get feedback, and encouragement. The community is very positive. Do NOT worry for one second about what your running times are. Join the SoSH Running Dogs Group on Daily Mile and send friend requests to members. Logging your workouts and sharing them will improve both your training and commitment. The only people who judge runners are non-runners. You'll find the running community and our Running Dogs members very generous with their advice and encouragement.
3. Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. Dicks is not a running store. Somewhere near where you live is a store that specializes in running shoes and gear. It's staffed by runners. Go there. Get fitted properly for shoes. Try on several pairs - run with them. If they don't work - take them back. I can't tell you how many new runners get discouraged because they get injured because they aren't wearing the right shoes for them. There are lots of good brands and makes - find one that's right for you. Do not take those old shoes out of the closet and try and start training with them. Good running shoes will cost you anywhere between $70 and $120. Make it your gift to yourself. There's no shortage of running gear on the market, most of it you can do without, but the proper shoes are a necessity.
4. Start thinking hard about your fall race. Think about where and when you want to run. Whether you're running a race near your house or traveling some distance - there are no shortage of great races in the fall. You can find one that works for you. Here's where I'm asking you to take a leap of faith. A giant leap of faith. The reason runners run races has nothing to do with winning them. Races are large goals. Those goals will provide focus and motivation for you to train. Knowing you're going to run a half marathon is what gets your butt out the door. Once you've found your race, if registration is open, strongly consider registering. If registration is not open, mark the day on the calendar that it opens and sign up on the first day. Doing so will strengthen your commitment and is a significant step to crossing that finish line. Let us know in this race what race you are doing. You'll be amazed what this will do for you.
The general arch of this training will go something like this. Pick out a spring 5k. There is a race near you. Saint Patrick's Day is sort of the opening day of racing season in the Northeast. These races are fun and almost always end with beer. St. Patrick's Day is the perfect amount of time it's going to take you to go from couch to 5k. Let us know what 5k you're considering or if you don't know of one we'll help you find one. Sign up for a race!
Half marathon training programs generally span about 12 weeks give or take. You should start your half marathon training in the summer (likely July). When you start the program, you'll need a base. We'll get you there. A base for a half program is being able to run roughly 5 miles (I'm speaking very generally here) for your long run and maybe 10 miles in a week (these are rough estimates).
Sass a Thon's husband is a certified coach and is going to help us with specific training programs for you. Including how to bridge the gap between your 5k in March and your half in the fall.
Please post any questions you have about the goal of this fundraiser, running, gear, nutrition, and life in general in this thread. There's enough experience on this board to make a difference in your life. The SoSH Running Dogs are outstanding. Welcome.
Edited by Trautwein's Degree, 07 December 2010 - 02:15 PM.
