What ways other than just running can I train for the 1/2 marathon?

Question

I want to run the 1/2 marathon in my city and it is in a year. I just don't know any other way, besides just running and getting used to it, to train for it. Does anyone know what else I could do?

Answer 1

I ran the Honolulu Marathon (full) and found that my legs actually got incredibly tired. I was only used to getting winded from a fast paced 5-7 mile run. I would suggest some big time cardio workouts PLUS leg strengthing exercises. Jumping rope can be a great way to get both at once. Concentrate on endurance. Swimming can be great cardio as well. Whatever you decide, mix it up. Boredom kills the desire to exercise every time. Good luck!

Answer 2

The best way to train for a ½ marathon is running. While I would never discount cross training activities like biking, swimming and weight lifting. Nothing prepares you better for the longer running distances then running.

However, many successful people train and finish ½ and full’s with as little as 4 day per week running and 2 day per week cross training, weights, bike, swim what ever. You certainly can build aerobic capacity by swimming or biking. But remember the muscles you use for running are not the same as those activities.

Core workouts are important and I certainly would encourage a day a week in the gym working on balance, stomach, back type exercises. As well as stretching, having good core work will help with running more the swimming or biking will, Just my opinion.

One of my friends who bikes often says he can’t imagine running 42Km but thinks nothing of riding 150Km on his bike, the reverse is true for me I can run 4 hours, but the notion of biking 4 hours is not something I can do. So each to his respective sport, yes my friend runs once per week for about 10K, as I bike once per week as well.

Biking and running do compliment themselves because they use different muscles groups. Biking is a great way to loosen the hamstrings as running is a great way to loosen the Quads.

Harry
http://therunningdiabetic.blogsspot.com

Answer 3

sixteen is youthful for a marathon. Six months is lots too speedy a coaching application for a ordinary timer. you may choose to remember coaching for a factor instead. once you finished a factor, assume approximately a 15-20 mile race. Then remember the marathon. A marathon will shouldn't ever be taken calmly. you will ought to purchase shoes with extra cushioning for the extra desirable mileage you would be waiting to be walking. to furnish you a common suggestion, to totally coach for a marathon, you have got a minimum mileage base of 50/week for a minimum of 8-10 weeks with step by skill of step starting to be mileage. you will ought to have finished a 20 mile coaching run at 75-80% marathon aim velocity 2 weeks in the previous to aim marathon. you may get heavily harm once you attempt to run an entire marathon without precise coaching (tension fracture, torn ligaments, tendons). injuries can takes months to end get properly. it relatively is properly to have a coaching associate who runs approximately the equivalent velocity as you, principally for the era of long runs. yet once you ensue to & she do no longer look on the equivalent wellbeing degree, you somewhat do no longer look going to progression.

Answer 4

While there are many aspects to training, such as diet, stretching, strength-building and cross-training....running is the primary ingredient to a successful plan. See the link below for some helpful tips and a sample training plan. Best of luck!

- Mike

Answer 5

running is the best way to train, with a long distance run at a slow pace at least once a week and shorter runs more often.

but you can also bike or swim to build up your endurance. these are great for cross training, because they are low impact (no pounding feet!) and a strong cardio workout. add a 30-60 minute biking or swimming workout one or two times a week to your running, its a huge help.

Answer 6

lifting really helps. upper body strength is important when you're running so you don't get collarbone cramps, and trust me, those are killer. obviously you should eat right. eat lots of carbs. fruits are good after a run. water before, gatorade or powerdrinks afterwards. have a good mindset is important. if you think you can do it, you can. you have to be able to trust yourself.

Answer 7

Lifting weights will help. Also anything that will help develop your fast twitch muscles like tennis, racquetball, basketball, or the like will help. Other than that a lot of running.

Answer 8

i used to run 10k and 10 milers, i would recommend long walks to get yoru knee joints used to the road surfaces, and even long walks or runs with some sort of pack on yrou back. fill it with stuff like 5 pounds of sand or something heavy but soft like sheets and blankets. the weight will help your cardio.