“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.
(Image credit: Marathon Photos)
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
Emery Little after her first run.
(Image credit: Emery Little)
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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