I'm going to run a half-marathon!

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This one, actually.

I’ve never done distance running before. I ran a 5K in college, but I was 55 pounds lighter and was training for lacrosse. I was 145 pounds soaking wet back then, and did the 5K at hilly Western Michigan University in about 23 minutes.

Fast forward to today: I’m a 6’0, 200 pound ex-athlete, ex-cable installer who currently teaches high school English. My blood pressure is hovering around 155/90, and no meds are helping so far (though my NP gave me samples of a new med last night to try). Being in good shape was the only thing that ever controlled my BP, and just weightlifting isn’t cutting it for me anymore. I need to do more cardio, and I need a purpose for doing so.

So, I started training tonight. I’m running a 5K over Labor Day weekend to gauge my progress. Tonight, I started with 1.5 miles. I got it done in 14:33. While it’s not nearly as good as my sub-8-minute-mile 5K from (yikes!) 2001, I’m still happy with being under the 10-minute-mile mark. If I can complete the half-marathon at this pace, I’ll be one happy runner!

Wish me luck, and send me any advice you have!

2

Awesome! I want to do a half marathon, too, but I keep thinking up better things to do with that huge (to me) entry fee.

3

I did my first half last month, with a similar background as you. Do you have a training plan?

4

I ran a couple. I’ve always been a fat bastard, and was proud of my 12 minute pace. I wouldn’t worry so much about how fast you’re running or comparing yourself to who you were some years ago. Just run at a safe and healthy pace for your shape.

And train, and train, and train, and train… (and try to keep your nipples from bleeding out)

5

I trained using a modified version of this. I had more time and ran a few 10 milers before the race and then rested a bit more the final week.

6

Telemark, I’m also using Hal Higdon’s plans. Since I have over 20 weeks, not 12, I’m doing his 5K plan first.

7

I’m running one too - in Disney World!

And I’m going to be starting the linked training schedule above around October. Like wmulax93, I plan on doing a modified 5k training schedule before starting that.

8

Ha, those little round bandaids are your friend!