I'm 16. This is my first half marathon. I am able to run about 3 miles now without stopping. Im not overweight but i'm not super skinny either. Any tip? Oh and im a boy.
2007-07-14 15:39:59 · 9 answers · asked by turtle 1 in Sports ➔ Running
Yes you do have time to train for a half-marathon. Someone said you didn't but thats not true. You will have to be serious. When I did my first marthon I pulled a training program off of Runner's World and used it. I took third for my age group.
Many of the people here have already offered good advice. Someone said to get a new pair of shoes. That is smart. Once you find a pair you like take them and put them up once you have them broke in (remember broke in but not worn out). Buy another pair to train in. On race day get your pair out that you broke in at the start of training and run the race in those. They should be just broke in and will be what you have been training in.
Remember to rest and don't over train. Read plenty of articles (Runner's World is a good place to do this also) on race stratagies, hydration tips, training tips, etc. That will help you understand the fundamentals and the mindset you will need to get into. It will also help keep you motivated.
2007-07-14 22:24:28 · answer #1 · answered by El Scott 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) get used to longer run. 3 miles will not get you there. For you to finish 13.1 miles at a time, you will need to be VERY comfortable running straight for at least 7-8 miles without stopping. Ultimately, try a 9 or 10 miles run in your practice, preferably by early September. Also, by September, you should be running at least 20 miles a week, and you should keep up with that until the week before the race - you want to taper down that week. If you can run 9-10 miles without stopping and keep up with 20 miles a week, you can do the half marathon easily.
Don't listen to Snvffy about not having enough time - you got 3 months to train, that's plenty of time to train, but you will have to up your training much more.
2) lots of stretching and lots of warmup. Don't get hurt.
3) Start breaking into a new shoes so you will be comfortable with that shoe. If you don't have good running clothes - like CoolMax or Under Armour, get some.
4) Go to the course and at least drive through it. Running part of it will also help.
5) Find someone else to run with. Maybe join a local running group. Run your first race with a buddy will help a lot. I once helped a girl finish her first time half marathon, running side to side with her and guide her on the strategy.
6) Lots of fluid starting now and before the race. Also carb load 1/2 week before the race - not just the night before. Higher protein in your diet may help, but be careful don't get fat.
7) Have fun! That's what running is all about.
2007-07-15 00:40:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not enough time to train for a half-marathon if you expect to be a hero. If you just want to make the distance, it's probably possible, but I worry about injury and your mental toughness.
A rule of thumb is that you can run 3 times your AVERAGE DAILY mileage. So you need to increase your miles and include some longer runs. Ideally you'll work up to a week of 2 3-mile runs, 2 6-mile runs, and 1 9-mile run. Be sure to taper for 1 week before the run.
Good Luck
2007-07-15 00:31:40 · answer #3 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up on your training. Increase your mileage every week but by no more than 10%. Give your body a rest when it asks for it. If you are having a really hard time going longer distances, do a run in the morning and in the evening to increase mileage... stay hydrated... if you lose a little weight you might move a little faster, but for your first half marathon that does not necessarily have to be a goal... good luck with your goal!
2007-07-14 22:50:31 · answer #4 · answered by NCAATrackAthlete 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
omg I want to do the same thing .I do cross-country.I'm 17.
you just desribed be except that I'm a girl.okay you already know to eat right and drink water. No soda.I have never run a half marathon my advice to you is run as much of it as you can walk a little if you must no one expects you run the whole thing if its your first,. Just remember once you start don't stop until you cross that finish line. Infact I want you to sprint across that line passing as many people as possible. Remember pain is only for a short time. but Pride is forever .
2007-07-14 22:50:01 · answer #5 · answered by reallysweetrunnergirl♥MJ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't drink too much water but don't drink too little. Both will hurt you. Train push yourself to four then on till you are training at a full marathon if you are concerned with the best time. Always train with someone who is watching out for you. Don't run in extreme heat or cold. And even better than water to drink is gatorade.
2007-07-14 22:50:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find an on-line training program -- Runnersworld.com might be able to help -- and follow it. You've only got three months, so it might be a little tough. The general formula is one longer and longer run a week so that you are close to 13.1 miles within a couple of weeks of the race, and then you taper down to rest for the actual competition.
2007-07-14 22:53:25 · answer #7 · answered by wdx2bb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring lots of water and get a new pare of shoes for the Marathon.
2007-07-14 22:43:27 · answer #8 · answered by matthewtcarney 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink plenty of water when you run it will keep your energy up.
2007-07-14 22:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by c t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋