Training For A Half Marathon [One Month Challenge]

By Jenny University Of Texas

Call me crazy, but I’ve decided to embark on a CollegeCandy One Month Challenge and train to run a half marathon. A real one. Not just one of those races people run with camel packs full of beer or boxed wine. Am I the only one with ‘friends’ who do those?

I decided to enlist the services over at Runner’s World to build a training program that is right for me. I chose a program designed for runners who have been consistently running for at least a year, logging at least 15 miles a week. This is a ten week training program, but I’ll keep you guys posted on the journey and progress for the next four weeks. And if I have any near death experiences on the East River, I’ll do my best to provide some photos! I’ll be honest, I think that a few may arise during week one.

Some of my major concerns from the start will be making time in my schedule each week to follow the training program. I’ll be running 3-5 days a week for the next 10 weeks! I currently happy hour 3-5 weeks, so I anticipate feeling a bit of a lifestyle shock. I’m also a little worried about the weather in NYC. It’s hott, y’all. And I can say that, because I’m from Texas. Hot and humid. I may venture into running before going into work…yes, it sounds dreadful to me, too. But running at in 95 degrees at 6:30 when I’m off work sounds like a heat stroke, so I may be sacrificing some early morning sleep.

Alas, sink or swim, I’m going for it. My schedule for the next week (because I know you are all dying to do this with me!) is below:

Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: 3 miles– easy pace

Wednesday: Rest day– you can do low impact exercise on rest days like yoga, stretching or swimming, but be sure not to burn yourself out!

Thursday: 3 miles- easy pace

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 3 miles- slightly faster pace

Sunday: 5 miles- easy pace

Week one is really about easing into the routine and instilling running into your schedule as a habit. It’s good to keep the mileage low so you don’t exhaust yourself too soon. Training is a build up, so don’t make the runs impossible from the start. Give yourself something to work towards!

Have any tips for me?! Leave them in the comments below!

[lead image of girl running via Maridav/ Shutterstock.com]