A lot of people start out the year with resolutions that include starting to run, or running their first race. By this point in the year, many have met that goal and seem to be asking the question, "I did Couch to 5K . . . now what?"
It's a good question and, to me, it means that the person posing the question wants to keep up with the running. Music to my ears!
And, since you all know I love running, I'm happy to share my advice on what new runners can do after reaching their first goal like, for example, completing the Couch-to-5K program. My answer to, "now what?" is: Build your endurance, stretch your limits, and sign-up and train for a half-marathon this fall.
You finished a 5K. You caught the running bug. Yay! But without a plan and a goal it can be easy to shake that bug and lose your running motivation. If you focus on setting a new goal for the fall you can stay motivated throughout the summer. And a half-marathon is a perfect distance to train for.
The half-marathon has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years, for good reason. To run a half-marathon, you need serious commitment. After all, 13.1 miles is no joke. But, half-marathon training takes far less time and effort than full marathon training, making it an ideal distance if you wish to push your limits without having running take over your life.
Completing your first half-marathon will give you a great sense of accomplishment and will kick your running up to a new level!
And, most half-marathons hand out shiny medals to finishers -- and who doesn't like a little bling?
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| That's me, sporting my medal, after finishing my first half-marathon in 2011! |
Most half-marathon training plans are 12 to 16 weeks, making now the right time to start planning your fall half-marathon.
Here are some good training plans to get you started:
Runner's World Beginner Training Plan
Hal Higdon's Novice Training Plan
Jeff Galloway's Training Plan
HalfMarathons.Net Training Tips
Cool Running Beginner Training Program
So, if you've become a runner, tackled your first race and find yourself asking, "now what?" I say, go find a half-marathon. Commit to it. Train hard. Have fun. And keep on keeping on with your running!
Couch-to-5K and are looking for something new?
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Felice
6 comments:
I can not tell you what completing a half marahon did for me. I feel like I can take on the world!! I love my medals!
After my first 5K, I aimed for a marathon! But it helped to take it in easy steps, and tackle a 10K next, then a half marathon. And it made the journey more enjoyable and less stressful. My first half marathon was my most enjoyable race.
I think looking at a 10k is also a good next step. Running for 6 miles was a big milestone for me.
If they aim for Half, then sign up for a few races in between to keep motivated and see how they progress.
Thank you for posting! There is no better feeling than completing a race you're absolutely right!
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I think looking at a 10k is also a good next step. Running for 6 miles was a big milestone for me. If they aim for Half, then sign up for a few races in between to keep motivated and see how they progress.
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