I will ask
If you don't watch sports, then just say that.
My favorite sport has always been baseball. I love the environment, the nostalgia, the mental strategy, and you don't have to be a marathon runner to excel.
My worst sport is definitely soccer. The ONLY aspect of it is running, and there isn't much to it other than that.
Answer
My favorite sports were:
Athletics
Basketball
Volleyball
Badminton
Trampolining
Equestrian
Martial arts
Sports I disliked were:
Rugby
Gymnastics
Swimming
Cycling
My favorite sports were:
Athletics
Basketball
Volleyball
Badminton
Trampolining
Equestrian
Martial arts
Sports I disliked were:
Rugby
Gymnastics
Swimming
Cycling
New runner, NO experience...Is training for a 1/2 Marathon unrealistic?
Jeannie Ha
I've been thinking of signing up for the San Francisco Marathon (half) taking place on July 31, 2011.
The thing is, I am NOT a runner, kind of suck at running because my breathing always seems to suffer, and I probably haven't run more than 200 meters at once in my life.
So my question is, with consistent gradual training over the next 7 months, is it realistic for me to expect to be able to run a 1/2 marathon by then? It sounds like it should be, I just get nervous that I may not have the endurance... If I train PROPERLY, what is the likelihood of me still sucking at running by then?
Answer
Oh, you can *totally* do it in 7 months! Since you're new to running, I would focus mainly on developing the endurance to finish the entire race, rather than setting a specific time goal. Some people use a walk-run strategy for their first long race, and others prefer to train to run the entire distance. Both are perfectly fine options. (Incidentally, are you thinking of running the first half or the second half? I do a lot of racing in the SF area & I'm thinking of running the 1st half across because you get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge - maybe I'll see you there!)
First, be sure you've got a quality pair of fitted running shoes. Wearing improperly fitted shoes is one of the leading causes of injuries, especially for new runners, so be sure to seek out a shop in your area that focuses on runners and running (preferably not a big chain sporting goods store) and ask for a shoe fitting. They should measure your foot in several different directions and also watch you walk and run both barefoot and in shoes. Based on what they see, they can recommend a few different pairs that might work. Take each of them for a jog around the store to help you decide which are most comfortable. (If you're in the city, I can definitely recommend See Jane Run in Noe Valley or Fleet Feet in the Marina - I've had fittings & bought shoes from both places and they're great. I think there's also a See Jane Run in Oakland. On the peninsula, I really like Roadrunner Sports in Menlo Park, and there's a Fleet Feet there too.)
There are a ton of half marathon training programs out there that you can use - as was mentioned above, Runner's World has several good ones in addition to the SmartCoach application. I really like Hal Higdon's half marathon programs too - they're straightforward and practical, but also effective. It's best to save those for when you're 10-12 weeks away from the Half Marathon, though, and in the mean time work on developing your endurance and form.
In terms of how to get started, I would definitely recommend signing up for a 5K that's ~3 months away to give you a short-term goal & keep you motivated to stick to your training schedule. It will also give you a chance to see what racing is all about & what it's like. C25K is great program for new runners - http://www.c25k.com/ - and Coach Jenny Hadfield at Runner's World has some great tips as well -
http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2010/08/the-secret-to-learning-to-run.html
http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2010/11/newie-runner-learning-to-run-a-faster-5k.html
http://www.jennyhadfield.com/writing-NewRunnerTips.html
Some good options in the SF area for your first race could be the Chinese New Year Run on Feb 13, the Strawberry Hill 5K on Feb 20, or the St. Patrick's Day 5K on Mar 13. (I really like the Kaiser Permanente 5K through Golden Gate Park as well, but it's Feb 6, so you may want a little more time than that to get ready to race.)
Once you've raced your first 5K, set your sights on a 10K sometime in May (www.active.com is a great way to search for races). Again, there are tons of great training programs out there you can google, and SmartCoach as well. Once you've successfully raced a 10K, you'll be well on your way to being prepared for the SF Half!
Congratulations on your new running career & best of luck! :)
Oh, you can *totally* do it in 7 months! Since you're new to running, I would focus mainly on developing the endurance to finish the entire race, rather than setting a specific time goal. Some people use a walk-run strategy for their first long race, and others prefer to train to run the entire distance. Both are perfectly fine options. (Incidentally, are you thinking of running the first half or the second half? I do a lot of racing in the SF area & I'm thinking of running the 1st half across because you get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge - maybe I'll see you there!)
First, be sure you've got a quality pair of fitted running shoes. Wearing improperly fitted shoes is one of the leading causes of injuries, especially for new runners, so be sure to seek out a shop in your area that focuses on runners and running (preferably not a big chain sporting goods store) and ask for a shoe fitting. They should measure your foot in several different directions and also watch you walk and run both barefoot and in shoes. Based on what they see, they can recommend a few different pairs that might work. Take each of them for a jog around the store to help you decide which are most comfortable. (If you're in the city, I can definitely recommend See Jane Run in Noe Valley or Fleet Feet in the Marina - I've had fittings & bought shoes from both places and they're great. I think there's also a See Jane Run in Oakland. On the peninsula, I really like Roadrunner Sports in Menlo Park, and there's a Fleet Feet there too.)
There are a ton of half marathon training programs out there that you can use - as was mentioned above, Runner's World has several good ones in addition to the SmartCoach application. I really like Hal Higdon's half marathon programs too - they're straightforward and practical, but also effective. It's best to save those for when you're 10-12 weeks away from the Half Marathon, though, and in the mean time work on developing your endurance and form.
In terms of how to get started, I would definitely recommend signing up for a 5K that's ~3 months away to give you a short-term goal & keep you motivated to stick to your training schedule. It will also give you a chance to see what racing is all about & what it's like. C25K is great program for new runners - http://www.c25k.com/ - and Coach Jenny Hadfield at Runner's World has some great tips as well -
http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2010/08/the-secret-to-learning-to-run.html
http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2010/11/newie-runner-learning-to-run-a-faster-5k.html
http://www.jennyhadfield.com/writing-NewRunnerTips.html
Some good options in the SF area for your first race could be the Chinese New Year Run on Feb 13, the Strawberry Hill 5K on Feb 20, or the St. Patrick's Day 5K on Mar 13. (I really like the Kaiser Permanente 5K through Golden Gate Park as well, but it's Feb 6, so you may want a little more time than that to get ready to race.)
Once you've raced your first 5K, set your sights on a 10K sometime in May (www.active.com is a great way to search for races). Again, there are tons of great training programs out there you can google, and SmartCoach as well. Once you've successfully raced a 10K, you'll be well on your way to being prepared for the SF Half!
Congratulations on your new running career & best of luck! :)
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