Half-Marathon Challenge

Congratulations on surviving a 10K! I trust your experience was all you had hoped for and more.  Whether you're a fan of the design or not, wear that race shirt with pride--you certainly earned it.  Don't be surprised if the shirt draws comments.  You're part of a "club" now with friendly members.

Now that you've mastered a 10K, are you ready for a new challenge?  How about setting your sites on a half-marathon?  Sound crazy?  If you think running 13.1 miles is crazy talk, think back to the beginning of this journey.  When you first began running, lasting for 6 miles was a pipe dream.  Six miles was impossibly far.  Your body would never be able to handle it.  Despite your doubts, somehow you managed to wrap your mind around the possibility of running a 10K.  After a lot of hard work and determination, what once seemed impossible, became reality.  You survived a 10K.  Aren't you hungry for more?

A half-marathon is more than double what you've run so far, and in that light, seems like a daunting task.  I'll be the first to admit, that thirteen miles is a LONG way.  Running that kind of distance takes at least a couple hours of constant motion and involves serious training and commitment.  But with the running base that you've already established, completing a half-marathon is not as far off as you'd think.  In less than two months, you can be ready to face your first half by following this simple training plan.

Half Marathon  Training Plan	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
Week 1	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	7 miles	off
Week 2	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	8 miles	off
Week 3	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	9 miles	off
Week 4	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	10 miles	off
Week 5	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	11 miles	off
Week 6	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	12 miles	off
Week 7	40 min	50 min	60 min	40 min	50 min	Race Day	off

By adding one additional mile onto a long run each week, at the end of seven weeks, you'll be ready for a half.  You know you can handle the Monday through Friday load--you've done it before.  Don't let the number thirteen scare you.  Take one week at a time.  If you ran six, then you can run seven.  If you ran seven, then you can run eight.  If you ran eight, then you can run nine.  See where I'm going with this?  Before you know it, you'll be saying, "If I can run twelve, then I can run thirteen!"

It's been a privilege taking you on this journey.  I hope I have created a fellow running enthusiast in you.  Wherever your future lies, bring a pair of running shoes along for the ride.  You won't be sorry.

Stay happy and healthy--LACE UP!