So you watched the Birmingham half marathon last weekend and are now thinking you would like to have a go next year? Or your friend did it and you are thinking if he can do it so can I? The message is start training straight away. October 2011 may seem like a long way away but 13.1 miles is also a long way to run. The sooner you start the easier it will be. Just ask your friend –did he wish he had started his training programme sooner and the answer is probably a resounding ‘yes ’.
When taking on a big challenge it is wise to break it down into smaller goals. If you have never run before you may wish to start with a walking programme. A realistic goal might be to run 3 miles continuously by Easter. This will probably require a regular 2 sessions of cardiovascular training each week. Why not try one of our 5km Disc Runs – first Saturday of each month at 9am?
With just 6 months to go, ideally, you would be running or doing some cardiovascular exercise up to 3 times each week. Another good goal would be a 10km event. There are plenty of local fun runs to choose from and the Great Midlands Fun Run held in June at 8.5 miles would be an ideal target.
After achieving 8.5 miles, 13.1 will start to feel less daunting. Through out July & early August you will want to maintain a regular 3 sessions each week. Now the hard work begins – ideally a 10 or 12 week programme aimed specifically at the half marathon. The priority during this time will be to increase your long runs until you are able to complete 11 or 12 miles.
And the reward of these next 12 months? An experience of a life time! Enjoy!