SparkPoints: (27,455)
Fitness Minutes: (17,415)
Posts: 1,243
6/14/12 12:29 P

yes join a running group if you can they are very helpful. Always read there is alot of info out there. never overtrain find a good program and follow it. make sure you eat enough calories to keep your body running.

Pounds lost: 33.0

0 19.25 38.5 57.75

77

Posts: 7,361
6/13/12 4:49 P

Jessica - Dailymile.com is another great source for local runners in your area. I found out about it through a runner I met at a race here and a SP buddy.

current weight: 124.6

126 124.5 123 121.5

120

SparkPoints: (33,808)
Fitness Minutes: (40,338)
Posts: 5,522
6/13/12 12:35 P

Great advice here!

Check with your running store to find a running group or club. If you're doing a local race chance are there are other people near you in a club that are doing it, too, and you will most likely find someone who runs at the same level as you that you can train with. You definitely should get in some outdoor runs.

Also, distance running can be a mental game, so do at least one long run (8 miles or longer) by yourself. It's harder to keep yourself running when you're alone as opposed to with a buddy or a group, and you may need to tap into that training during the race. Of course, make sure you're in a safe area when running alone.

Good luck with your training.

Posts: 2,376
6/13/12 12:29 P

Great advice - thank you!! I recently bought shoes from a local running store. I have issues with my feet when I workout anyway, so I have to go to them to get any active shoe. I even had a pair that I had problems with discomfort and they took them back over 2 years later!

ACICEDA - I do have an aunt who runs marathons, but she and I don't really see eye to eye. My boyfriends close friend actually ran a marathon to prove to the world that he could after a hip replacement after a car accident. He said he will never do it again, but he still runs fairly long distances so I may lean on him for some help.

Thank you all for the advice! I will plan on doing some reading up!

60 Days until:  My Birthday!

100 75 50 25

0

Posts: 534
6/13/12 8:12 A

Definitely read. I enjoy reading tips from Hal Higdon, RW etc. That is a motivation and can help me pin point what is going on with me during a run. Do you have a family member or friend who does marathons? My father is an ultra marathoner so he is helping me mentally train for my first half marathon later this year. That is another great source of help.

Listen to your body. That is perhaps the biggest thing. Rest on your days of rest and walk when you need to for the run. Otherwise enjoy!

current weight: 150.2

152 146.5 141 135.5

130

Posts: 7,361
6/13/12 7:28 A

There are quite a few of us who have trained for a HM by running on a treadmill. My first one was almost all TM runs due to schedules and kids. You do what you have to do. 12 miles on a TM can get boring but I do have the TV set up so I can watch and that helps a lot.
I would also recommend (in addition to the other great advice) to read some of the plans - Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, Runners World, etc. and find one that you can work with. It helps having a plan for your first one then there is no guessing at your mileage. This is also the time to practice and find out what works for you in regards to fuel and hydration during your runs.

current weight: 124.6

126 124.5 123 121.5

120

SparkPoints: (17,507)
Fitness Minutes: (17,186)
Posts: 723
6/13/12 3:10 A

Crosstrain..don't overtrain.
Only add 10% per week to your running as you choose to increase, never more...so if you are running 3 miles now, you could add .3 next week, not a mile.
Your biggest investment money wise should be a great pair of shoes..go to a running store and have them fit you. Running shoes are much different than regular work out shoes in size and support etc...
If you do pick a run, try to do some of your long runs on a road so your body can get used to the differences in surface and how you react...
Good Luck!

29 Days until:  Making the Cut

50 37 25 12

0

Posts: 2,376
6/12/12 11:00 P

Hello all! I think now is a great time for me to ask for advice. I am finally ready to take running to the next level. I have run on and off since I was a young teen mostly for weight loss. I have always wanted to do a marathon, but I have yet to complete any race yet. I currently run on the treadmill as I live in an area that is unsafe to run outside and it's a bit of a drive to a park. What advice can you guys give me as I start working up to longer runs and working toward a half marathon?

60 Days until:  My Birthday!

100 75 50 25

0