New to this - Help!

Hi

I've just signed up to run the 2009 half marathon and I'm really scared about the whole thing.  I've never done any running before in my life so really not sure what training I need to do.  Is anyonne else in the same boat as me?  I'm determined to do this as it's for charity and it's a personal challenge for me, I know it won't be easy but I don't want to let myself down on the day by not being prepared.

Would be good to hear off anyone else that is running.

Thanks

Hi Siobhan,

There were many is the same boat for 2008. I have also signed up for 2009.

I did 2008 for similar reasons to you - if you really want to bore yourself you can read my trials and tribulations on my blog :)

Google Hal Higdon, a Marathon trainer/runner in the US. Many runners work to his training program. Personally, the first thing for me when I started this year was to get into a routine of exercising. So if it's say, 1 a week, 2 a weekend, just get into the routine for the first couple of months, ensuring you make the time to exercise. As you've never done running, start with walking, then fast walking, then you might want to intermittently run e.g. walk for 5 mins, run for 2 mins, then build up gradually to aim for 5 mins walk, 5 mins run etc.

It really is possible, so don't be scared. You have a whole year to worry othewise, and you have plenty of time just now.

I also joined a gym to help me, just for the year, but will be unable to continue it I expect when it expires in February. However, it really helped me be less conscious of what I was doing, with some guidance from trainers there.

To be honest, I'm still a jogger and not a runner. But did complete it.. yes yes.. to whoever reads this.. the videos showed me in near state of collapse at the end with heaving. But my god I did it! You can too Siobhan.. really. Start slowly and build up. You have time.

Best of luck,

Tracy

Hi Tracy

Thank you so much, that make's me feel much better!  I actually read your blog a few days ago and I must admit it sounded like a lot of fun (along with pain) along the way.  I have decided to get xmas out of the way and then start in the New Year.  I have to see my doctors first as I actually have a problem with my right ankle (had it for over 4 years now) and no idea the reason.  At the moment I can't walk far let alone run 13.1 miles, but that is part of the challenge for me.  For so long my ankle has stopped me doing stuff because of the pain, but I'm determined it won't stop me doing this. 

As you mention I need to get myself in a routine, and hopefully if I can get a kind of training plan put togethe r(with the help of my gym) that will make it easier. 

Very much looking forward to it.   How did you go about getting people to sponsor you?  I've set a  page up on justgiving.com, but to be honest I think I'm going to have a heap of trouble to get people commit to actually sponsoring me (just a feeling).  I've already decided to try and sell some stuff to raise money myself but is there any other way you got people to sponsor you.

Thanks ever so much for the advice, it is much appreciated!

Take care

Siobhan

Hi Siobhan,

Yes, you need to get your ankle looked at and you'll need to monitor it as you exercise.

I found the routine of exercise is the first thing I needed to do, eventually it might feel like it's overtaking your life ;) I still go to the gym but would like to join a running club when my membership expires as can't really afford it but really enjoy running (although jogging!).

I know a lot of people at work and outside, but also my company do a charity match of £500 per person a financial year, so that helped boost it up. I also think by writing a blog whether on here, Facebook, or a blog site such as wordpress.com, will encourage people to be interested how you are doing, and the entertainment factors you will face whilst training may keep them amused, then they sponsor ;) Email them with the link and keep the page interesting.

Last year I did the Playtex Moonwalk (to be honest, walking 26miles through London at night in decorated bras for Breast Cancer was far more enjoyable than running Half Marathon in the rain) - and I sold stuff on ebay with the money going to justgiving.com account. Also as we wore our 'bra t-shirts' we got comments on Friday nights training/walking past pubs so I encouraged people to part with money ;) Don't be afraid to ask. Look out for opportunities that present themselves.

Another thing with your training... enter public 5ks, 10ks along the way, to keep you motivated. I'm looking for another half to do before next year.. maybe :) I don't want to lose the fitness and the weight will start going back on! In fact, I think it has :( Log onto runnersworld.co.uk, register for free and you can search for publich running events.

Let me know how you get on.

Best wishes,

Tracy