“Who wants to run a half marathon with me?” a friend asked over cocktails last June.
I’ve never considered myself a runner. In fact, I was one of those people who despised running. Who would do that on purpose—let alone pay for it?
But as the evening went on, I started thinking: What if I did it? Could I train for a half marathon with no running experience? Maybe it was the espresso martini talking, but I agreed to sign up for the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon.
After chatting with my runner friends and checking Reddit forums, I found the training method that worked for me: Jeff Galloway’s Run Walk Run technique.
I used his plan to train for four months and I finished my first half marathon in September 2023. My journey from non-runner to half marathon finisher wasn’t easy, but it was well worth it. Here are seven things I learned during my 16-week training block.
1. My weight stayed the same, but I got fitter
When I set my sights on completing a half marathon, I had no idea if or how my body would change. I didn’t gain or lose weight, but I felt stronger and more confident overall. I also found that I slept better and had smoother, brighter skin.
2. Training can be time-consuming
Between commuting, running, and resting, training for a long race requires time. As my runs inched closer to the three-hour mark, fitting in my workouts demanded creativity. One time, I hopped off a plane and headed straight to the track to crank out seven miles in the rain. Crazy? Maybe a little. But building this discipline and mental toughness was essential to finishing strong on race day.
3. Run slow to run fast
It’s tempting to run as fast as you can, but that’s not always the best training method. Instead, focus on maintaining a steady pace, even if it feels frustratingly slow. If you…
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