# I'm going to run a half-marathon! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 29, 2010, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425 "2010-07-29T05:05:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/1 "2010-07-29T05:05:44Z")
[This one, actually.](http://arizona.competitor.com/register/) 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! ---
**Author:** ![Zjestika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/8edcca/32.png) [@Zjestika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zjestika)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/2 "2010-07-29T07:05:36Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/3 "2010-07-29T10:50:24Z")
I did my first half last month, with a similar background as you. Do you have a training plan? ---
**Author:** ![JerseyFrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@JerseyFrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyFrank)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/4 "2010-07-29T14:00:29Z")
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) ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/5 "2010-07-29T14:13:23Z")
> **[Novice 1 Half Marathon Training Program | Hal Higdon](http://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/half-marathon-training/novice-1-half-marathon/)** > > Before starting to train for a half marathon, you need to possess a basic fitness level. But assuming no major problems, most healthy people can train themselves to complete a 13.1-mile race. This guide will tell you how. Much more information is... 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. ---
**Author:** ![DadWagonDriver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@DadWagonDriver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DadWagonDriver)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/6 "2010-07-29T19:02:09Z")
**Telemark** , I’m also using Hal Higdon’s plans. Since I have over 20 weeks, not 12, I’m doing his 5K plan first. ---
**Author:** ![susan\_foster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@susan\_foster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan_foster)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/7 "2010-07-29T19:19:49Z")
I’m running one too - [in Disney World!](http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1820831&CHECKSSO=0) 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. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2010, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-going-to-run-a-half-marathon/548425/8 "2010-07-29T19:21:43Z")
> [@JerseyFrank](#): > > And train, and train, and train, and train… (and try to keep your nipples from bleeding out) Ha, those little round bandaids are your friend!