How Not to Train for a Half-Marathon

Did I mention I’m running a half-marathon again?

No?

Oh yeah. That’s because I forgot I signed up for it.

But I’m doing it right this time.

In my post-2014-Fort Lauderdale-Half-Marathon adrenalin and endorphin haze this past February, I decided to sign up for the 2015 A1A Fort Lauderdale Half-Marathon.

They were offering a great deal for 2014 finishers if you signed up for the 2015 half-marathon then. I’m a sucker for a great deal and thought it would continue my motivation to keep running.

I’m still running.

Just not as far and as hard as I did when I trained for my first Half.

So, I need to get my boo-tay in gear. Starting right meow.

Last time I trained, I left about 3 months. I say “left” because that’s how much time I had once I decided to sign up. Ha! If you’re not a runner, you need to give yourself more time than that. Hence, the name of this post.

Also, I use the term “runner” more loosely than some purists. I’m not a fast runner. Very often, I’m not consistent with my pace. I don’t “look” like a runner. But, I’m still a freakin’ runner. No, I’ll probably never run 8 minute miles. For me, running is about the experience. What I feel after a damn good run is immeasurable and can’t be diminished because I don’t have a fast pace. And the people who judge other runners for that can suck it.

They probably are the same a-holes who have a 16 ingredient coffee at Starbucks. And for THAT, I judge YOU, sir!

So, back to the plan, Stan.

Here’s what it basically looks like. I use a mix of what works for me and also what the incomparable Jeff Galloway (read: super awesome freakin’ runner) has put together. He also uses the run-walk ratio that’s worked well for me.

Half-Marathon Training

30 minute run: 2x a week

1 long run: 1x a week (with increasing mileage starting @ 3 miles)

Strength training: 2x a week

Yoga: as needed

I’ve given myself more time than the usual 20 weeks training because…life happens. Sometimes you get sick or in my case, strain your IT band. That may be because I only trained for 3 months… Often, I didn’t get the required 3 runs in per week. Which is not helpful! I’m looking forward to not squeezing in my training this time around. It’s like I’m making an adult decision or something.

I’m going to do a long-ish run this weekend and then officially start in the next 2 weeks.

I will be mixing in strength training this time around. I’ve read reports that strength training doesn’t help with your half-marathon training per say, but I had IT band issues just weeks before my half-marathon last time and I want to avoid that at all costs this time.

That means doing weights, yoga and stretching like a mofo after each run, rolling that mofo after each run and icing that mfer down after each run.

Yeah, buddy!

What do you think? Any advice for me this time ’round?