7.14.2015

Calling all Runners!

About a month ago one of my best friends Jackie & my neighbor Steph texted me because they wanted to sign up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco this October.
It is a lottery...tens of thousands of women sign up for it and use a random lottery to get picked.
Jackie & Steph wanted me to sign up with them as a "group" because you have a better chance of getting in as a group rather than an individual.
I laughed when they asked me to join their group because I haven't gone running in 10 years.
That's right....I haven't been running in 10 years.
But, since they needed a 3rd person to be in their group, I said "sure", I will sign up. 
(I only agreed to do it because the chances of us getting in were slim. I didn't REALLY think we would get in)
Well...imagine my surprise when I got this email a few days ago:
Oh $h!t!!!!!!
We got in. I couldn't believe it. 
So, this October I will be doing a half marathon in San Francisco.
Have I mentioned that I have NEVER run a half marathon before?
Have I mentioned that this half marathon is VERY hilly? 
Have you been to SF before? 
SO. MANY. HILLS.
From what I have heard, this course is pretty brutal and they recommend that you do cross training & run hills to prepare for this race. 
WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?
So, this is where I need your help!
Are any of you runners?
Have any of you run a half marathon or a marathon?
Are there any good online training programs you recommend?
Any other tips?
AHHHHH.

But, first things first....today I need to go out and buy some running shoes since I don't have any!
I have 96 days to get ready for 13.1 miles.
OMG. 
I'm trying not to freak out. 
Seriously...what have I gotten myself into?
Help!

41 comments:

  1. I'm no help, but have heard stuff about the Hanson's Running method. I think they have a set up for a half marathon. Good luck!

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  2. Wow! You are brave! I've never done a half or a marathon, but I do run several 5k and 10k's a year. One of my best friends does half's 3-4 times a year, I will ask her about a training program.

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  3. I'm so excited for you! My friend ran this race in SF last year and she said it wasn't TOO bad until the hill at mile ten! Glad you are getting shoes today...that's one of the most important parts! I would search for a Hal Higdon plan...they are usually free and I like that you run 4 days a week because it's not as hard on your body! You've got this :) Good luck!!

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    1. I have heard good things about Hal Higdon, think I am going with that plan!

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  4. since I can't run a block without keeling over, I'm just going to cheer you from the sidelines! Good luck!! :)

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  5. Strongly recommend you plan to "jog" (it's a long distance) and just train nice and slow trying to increase distance slowly by about 1 mile/wk on your long run day. Set aside 3 days/wk to run, maybe 4 every once in awhile. Buy good shoes at a proper running store or you'll be out with an injury and not recover the time. Then do 2-3 miles (jogging/walking until you can jog continuously) 2 days week picking that up to 3-5 miles 2-3 days/wk by mid september (trying to do some hillier short runs so you're used to that on the short days). In addition, run at least 1 long run/wk when you walk/jog starting at 4 miles and increasing from there until you get to 12 or so. If you can do 5 miles jogging without stopping, you can do 13. Seriously. Stay hydrated. Get in ice water baths for 15 minutes after long runs. I went from not running a half mile last spring without hacking to a half marathon 5 months later. I was in BAD shape. You can do it! -Jenny

    PS I didn't gain weight but after the first 5 lbs I didn't lose any weight either. FYI. I ate a lot of calories after the long runs.

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    1. I'm a runner as well. I don't follow any sort of plan when I train for races but this is the exact layout that I use when I run halfs or a 25K. And don't sweat it if you don't get near 12 miles during any training. When I was training for a 25K (15.5 miles) the longest I ran was 10 prior to the race. The adrenaline during the actually race will carry you through to the end! Just think of how proud you'll be when you finish! That gets me through my races as well :)

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  6. I highly recommend Hal Higdon training programs, start with the novice since you haven't run in 10 years. http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

    My biggest advice is do the training, if you don't, it will be horrible! Do the training!!!

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  7. My friend & I are running 1 half marathon a month for a year....we just did #7! STUPID!! I've done many halves & a couple full marathons. I'd use the Hal Higedon training program--super easy to follow and will get your milage up enough so you won't have a problem. As for shoes, go to Forward Motion & have someone fit you. Usually at those specialty running stores you can take them & wear them for a few runs and return if you don't like them. I've run in a million different kids of shoes, but I'd recommend Asics for SURE. I had a stress fracture a couple months ago & the first thing the dr did was put me back in Asics. My second choice is Adidas Energy Boost. Have fun! We tried to get into it last year, but didn't...maybe next year!

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    1. Girl....you are running 12 half marathons this year?!?!? You rock~~~ Thanks for the advice :)

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  8. You can do it!

    I did two 1/2 marathons this year and used the Runkeeper app on my iPhone (free) to keep me on schedule. http://runkeeper.com/search/fitness-classes/running/finish-a-race/half-marathon-plans

    You pick what level of runner you are and how many weeks you have to train and it maps out all of your runs for you! It was extremely helpful for someone like me who likes being "told" what to do. :)

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  9. Like I said, you can always run in flip flops-haha! I could not run, but I'm sure you will totally be able to do it, especially since you've gotten back to soccer. Erik's sister just started running this year, she has NEVER run before. She didn't even train formally, just went on regular runs with her friend who runs marathons all the time, then did a half marathon and right after a marathon! CRA-ZY, but possible!

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  10. I actually ran this half marathon as my first (and only -- hoping to change that this year) one. If it makes you feel better, I started training in July as well for mine & I ran mine with an awful pain in my foot. Once you get into a groove, you should be fine. I used Hal Higdon's novice plan. I'm a different runner than I was then (I've since had two babies) and now I use an interval system (8 minutes of running, 1-2 minutes of walking). Makes running so much more manageable. Good luck!

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  12. You can do it! Just be sure to ease into the training rather than diving in headfirst. It sounds like other commenters mentioned some good training programs. This probably goes without saying, but if I were you I'd buy a pair of running shoes from an actual running store (rather than a "sporting goods store") where the employees are experienced runners. Often running stores will analyze your gait for you if you ask them to, and match you with the appropriate level of structure/cushioning, depending on whether you overpronate, underpronate, or strike your foot in a neutral position. That may be particularly helpful since you haven't run in a while and will be doing a lot of mileage.

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    1. Got some new running shoes from a running store, thanks for your advice :)

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  13. You will do great!! Start with couch to 5K plan, it isn't intimidating. Once there Hal Higdons plans are good or do a run/walk interval plan. You can do it!!

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  14. I did this half marathon 3 years ago. I used the Hal Higdon training plan. It definitely prepared me. For me the downhills were much harder than the uphills bc it's hard on your knees. I wish I had done more cross training, maybe that would have helped. It's amazing to run this with so many women and who can complain when there is a firefighter at the end in a tuxedo giving you a Tiffany necklace. Have fun! The experience is worth all the training!

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    1. I didn't know you did this race also! That is awesome! Thanks for the advice, going to do the Hal Higdon plan :)

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  15. First, you can do this! you can! 2nd, get a good pair for shoes. You cant run anywhere if your shoes aren't fit for the journey. Go to a running specialty store, one that watches you walk in the shoes and barefoot and will access your needs. I suggest long runs on the weekend, try to build up to 10-12 miles towards the end of your training and run that distance at least3 times. Get some good gear and body glide, trust me on that one, body glide! I live in NE and I am running this race Nov 1. here is a training schedule, something to base off of. http://goodlifehalfsy.com/assets/GoodLifeHalfsy_TrainingPlan_Beginner.pdf

    Track your miles, Daily Mile is free and it helps me keep on track. Also, while you train if you drink only water, only drink water on race day, if you train with Gatorade, only drink Gatorade during race day. You do not want digestive issues.

    You can do this! Good luck!

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  16. I'm running my fourth half marathon this Sunday! Luckily its in good old flat Chicago so the only hills I have to worry about are a couple of overpasses and an on ramp. I actually just blogged about my half marathon experience yesterday. I'm not much of a runner so I don't have any good advice for you other than stick to your training program! Those San Francisco hills are going to be rough and you don't want to risk injury because you weren't prepared. Good Luck!

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    1. Good lucky this weeekend! Going to check out your blog post now :)

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  17. I have been lucky enough to get picked in the lottery to run the full marathon for this one back in 2005 and 2009. It is an amazing event and you will love it! Search online for a training schedule that is pretty basic and a novice level (I really like Hal Higdon, as others have mentioned). You are doing this for fun, with friends, so the important thing is to find a training plan that will get you to the finish line (compared to a training plan that is aimed at a fast finish). Definitely go to a running store and take to someone about what kind of shoes are best for your feet. Body Glide is a must and I also use Gu every 5 miles when I run longer distances. Experiment with Gu/cliff blocks/whatever to see what works best for you. Good luck and enjoy it!

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  18. I have no tips, but just wanted to say good for you!! Good luck with your training!

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  19. My advice is "Are you crazzzzy??? I only run when being chased!" hahaha Just kidding- you are a rockstar and will do amazing! I cannot wait to follow along and hear all about it! xoxo

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  20. I'm running my first half Nov. 1! I Crossfit and have done so for a year now. My group is now completing an endurance program, but more importantly, learning "how" to run. I've doubs out recently I've been doing a lot of things wrong. Their biggest suggestion--look up "pose" running and spend plenty of hours on your legs. Best of luck! What a cool honor to be chosen!

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  21. Start with the free Cto5K app from Zen Labs. It recommends running 3 times per week, but you could do 4 or 5 runs per week to speed up the training. Obviously this will only get you to at 5k, but it should show you how to gradually increase your time without hurting yourself. You can listen to music and it will interrupt your songs to tell you when to start and stop, so you don't need to pay attention to your phone while you run. It's a really great start and I totally recommend it!

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  22. A good article full of tips:
    http://www.buzzfeed.com/sallytamarkin/how-to-make-running-less-miz?bffb&utm_term=4ldqpgp#4ldqpgp
    Xoxo

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  23. Mel, this is so cool! You are going to be so proud when you finish. I have never run that distance but I know that having your buddies to keep you motivated through training and at the event will be so, so awesome. Excited for you, looking forward to reading about how it's going!!!

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