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You Too Can Become a Marathon Mom

Thursday, July 9, 2009
filed under: fitness logic
RunnerMom takes us from the couch to the finish line in three sessions!

woman running
Vivian Manning-Schaffel: Our pal, Vickie Leff, a.k.a. RunnerMom, returns with a goal in mind -- to lift our asses off the couch and through the finish line of a half marathon in just three installments.

Participation in half marathon (13.1 miles) races has gone up 15% in the past few years, and 52% of those runners are women. Leff says half marathons mark a rite of passage into the realm of serious running. "It's a challenge, but not one that's out of reach," says Leff. "A mere mortal can easily do a half marathon with some time and training, and the bragging rights are fantastic!"

What do you say? Ready for takeoff?

Commit. Find a race and sign up, allowing 12-15 weeks to train. Half marathons aren't cheap -- they cost a hefty $60-$100 to register, so this commitment is a wager on yourself. Some races sell out, so don't just show up with your shoes and expect to join in. To locate a race in your area, or find one to travel to if you feel so inclined, visit RunnerMom's website for helpful links.

Train. Now that you've put your money down, it's time to get training. Here's a schedule RunnerMom recommends:

• Run 3-5 miles, which takes a half hour to an hour, 3 days a week.

• Carve out about an hour one weekend day and bump up the miles. Run 4-5 miles the first weekend, 5-6 the second weekend, 6-7 the third, and so on.

• Keep track of your progress. Download a training guide and runner log through a link on RunnerMom's website. Be faithful to the log -- it will keep you honest.

"It's a myth that you need to be fast," says Leff. "Slow down! Remember, this is not about speed in any way, shape, or form. It's about finishing something. And it's not about age -- I ran my first half marathon at 44!"

Tune in next week as RunnerMom takes us through the second leg of the training process.



previous: The Three-Month Rule
next: The Three-Month Rule

filed under: fitness logic

4 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

 
OK!! I’m going to sign up for my first marathon.
- Linda
Posted 07/09/09 03:28 PM
 
Ok!! Signing up for my first marathon!
- Anonymous
Posted 07/09/09 03:30 PM
 
Go RunnerMom! Your inspiring yet practical game-plan is great for runners like me who want to expand their work-out and safely complete an half-marathon. Can’t wait for the next installment. Will send the link to this article on momlogic to other runner moms.
- Paula
Posted 07/09/09 06:24 PM
 
Vickie helped me run my first half marathon last December and I have never been so proud of myself! I run now on a regular basis and love the freedom it gives me. As a mom, when I run the world melts away and it is me and the run for that time….it’s a wonderful escape. Thanks Vickie, you turned me into a runner and that has made me a better mom!
- Julie
Posted 07/10/09 11:08 AM
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