| Tips
on training for a half-marathon
By Faith
Vera
October 22, 2008 | Shut that fitness magazine, click
off the work-out videos, and put down the "Wii fitness"
paddle, it's time to stop wasting time and start running
for greatness.
The goal to run a half-marathon is one
that needs far more than ambition, it requires a full
commitment to the purpose. Once you commit to the goal,
all you need is a plan. There is obviously more to training
then running and mental preparation, but this article
will give the basics you need to get started.
"You have to take at least 10 minutes
a day and visualize yourself running through the race
all the way to the finish," said USU Professor and Sports
Psychologist Dr. Richard Gordin, "you can't possibly
get through all the training until you can believe that
you can succeed."
When thinking about running a half-marathon,
most people think about the physical pain, and discomfort
only. Actually, whenever you are attempting a distance
race the mental preparation is probably just as important
as physical training. A person can have the ability
to run 13 miles prior to running this race, but if they
haven't mentally prepared themselves it is going to
be a much harder battle to the finish line. For more
guidance on this subject you can visit the beginner's
half-marathon mental training article. It is targeted
at women, but the advice is universal, all you need
to get started, is the desire to accomplish your goal.
You can't even allow the thought of failure to enter
your mind.
"When you are running and you reach the
point that you feel like you've hit a brick wall, imagine
yourself breaking through the wall and catching your
second wind," said Britta Anderson, USU student and
half-marathon runner.
A lot of people use inspirational quotes,
visual exercises, and partner training to motivate themselves
psychologically. Find which one motivates you and stick
with it. If you use the same mental exercises throughout
the training process race day will go much smoother.
As far as the physical preparation goes
you need to eat right and find a running plan that works
for your schedule, and physical ability. There are so
many good resources. The most popular online half-marathon
training site is Hal
Higdon's Half-Marathon Training Guide. Hal Higdon
gives a lot of options, and takes you step by step through
a 12 week training program. I also found a Runner's
World article that has nutrition and physical training
for a nine week span, just in case you are cutting it
close.
Grantsville cross country coach Steve
Allen has run 12 marathons and just recently ran the
Top of Utah half-marathon for his 18th half-marathon.
Allen said the half-marathon is the perfect race for
a recreational runner, it still hurts, and gives you
a challenge, but it's not as painful and difficult as
a full marathon.
"Just make sure you enjoy training, even
when it's hard, incorporate cross train and rest days,
so you don't hurt yourself," Allen said.
There are many people who have run a
half-marathon and lived to tell about it. So not only
is it possible, it is a good thing to work for. The
feeling of accomplishment will last much longer than,
that game on "fitness Wii," that magazine article, or
that work out video.
So for the random running questions you know you will
have visit frequently
asked half-marathon questions, but if you just need
some encouragement or mental motivation check out Faith
rising from mediocrity. I have never ran a half-marathon
myself, but I am tired of the everyday grind, and I
am making a commitment to run the Top of Utah half-marathon
next fall. So if this article has stirred you to movement
at all feel free to get on my blog and tell me about
it, if not just get out there and run.
NW
MS |
