When one thinks of the number 13, we often conjure up negative images, most often related to bad luck. Yet the 13.1 miles of a half marathon is anything but. By simply adding the point one, thoughts quickly change to fitness, fun and finishing.
Running a marathon is a great accomplishment. I have personally run five, including the Grand Daddy of them all, the Boston Marathon. So I feel that I can make an honest assessment of the training. In a nutshell, it takes too much time, too much discipline, too much commitment. Basically, it just takes too much.
The half marathon, on the other hand, is not as all consuming. One might even say that it takes half the time, half the discipline, half the commitment. Or as Goldie Locks might say, “It’s Just Right!”
Although you will find few books on how to run a half marathon, there are countless articles that include training schedules, based on six months, three months, or even a one-month buildup. Remember, the run is still a physical challenge and should not be looked upon lightly. If you haven’t run at least a 10K, then caution should be used before scheduling your first half.
Most articles you will find will focus on the “race” as opposed to the “completion.” To a fault, events are pegged as competitions, when 80 percent of the entrants are running for fun and fitness. You will find on-site vendors hawking their wares and products to make you go faster, few focus on making the run more enjoyable.
Training is no different. Speed workouts and heart rate monitors abound to help you keep in the optimum training mode. However, unless you are really an elite runner and God has decided to give you a runner’s build and increased lung capacity, I would opt for a fitness program that you can enjoy. I find slow, long distance runs the best and most enjoyable methods of training for me. It gives me time to relax and reflect, while still building up the stamina I need.
When picking a half marathon to run, I encourage runners to choose an event where the featured race is the half marathon and not an afterthought to a marathon. After all, running 13.1 miles is no easy feat, so don’t have your effort looked down upon by those who have just completed the full 26.2 miles.
13 Perfect Runs
January – Los Angeles HM (L.A., CA)
February – Goldsboro Heart and Sole HM (Goldsboro, NC)
March – New York City HM (New York, NY)
April – Race for the Roses HM (Portland, OR)
May – Middlebury Maple Run HM (Middlebury, VT)
June – Virginia Wine County HM (Purcellville, VA)
July – Red, White & Boom HM (Minneapolis, MN)
August – America’s Finest City HM (San Diego, CA)
September – Denver HM (Denver, CO)
October – Disney Wine & Dine HM (Orlando, FL)
November – U.S. HM (San Francisco, CA)
December – XTERRA Trail Run HM (Oahu, HI)
** Special Mentions**
13.1 ½ Marathon Series. These promoters are growing the half marathon with stops in eight cities. Their motto is “Where the Party Meets the Pavement.”
Rock N Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon Series. This group promotes a series of marathons and half marathons. Although the emphasis is typically on the longer run, they do have some events that are just half marathons.