How I Trained For My First 13.1

22
Feb
2012
By

In January of 2009, I registered for my first half marathon. I wasn’t a runner, had no idea how to start training and wasn’t confident in my ability to run more than two miles at a time.

I had a brief conversation with a colleague, and three days later was given this –>

This is the training plan for my very first half marathon. The colleague I had chatted with happened to be a runner. He was also a coach. His brother had also run Western States 100…more than once. This guy knew running.

My colleague believed in me and as a result, drafted a personalized training schedule (on binder paper, with a ruler and colored markers). For eight weeks, I followed this schedule.

Three years later, this piece of paper still means a lot to me. Not only did it get me to a 2:01 finish time at the 2009 Napa-to-Sonoma half marathon, but it gave me the confidence I needed. It made me a runner.

What about you? Do you still have the first training plan you followed? Are you holding on to it for sentimental value, like me?

  • http://twitter.com/allie0223 YummyMummyAllie

    I did my first run ever in October 2011 (half marathon).  I didn’t really have a set plan other than to try to increase my distance a bit every time I went out.  I figured it can’t be that difficult to run – people have been running forever (next time I’ll be following a plan!).  I was happy to finish in a time of 2:26.  Not bad for being 49 and never running before.  I am now training properly for two half-marathons I have signed up for this year. 

  • http://twitter.com/bikerly Jim (@bikerly)

    Really? By time? Now I understand your obsession to record time on dailymile. :)

    I  like this handwritten plan. Especially the “SUCCESS!!”

  • http://twitter.com/jbluther Jared B. Luther

    My first was also in 2009.  It’s a Google Document spreadsheet.  I still adjust it and use it today.

  • Courtney

    Hi Kelly! What does it mean? I may try to use this plan! : ) hoping to get a half on the calendar this year but more likely a 5k in April to start.
    Courtney

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Hi Courtney! The best advice I can give you (as you look toward your first 13.1) is to concentrate less on how many miles you run in training and more on how many minutes you run. The schedule above is all about time. 35 minutes…45 minutes…55 minutes…etc. It’s a lot easier to jump from 30 to 35 to 40 minutes of running than it is to jump from 3 to 4 to 5 miles. I think your brain works better if focused on the minutes.

      The 10-8-10 numbers in red signify 10 minutes of stretching, 8 intense intervals, 10 minutes of stretching. Stretching is key to success. Interval training (or running tempos or Yasso 800s, etc…) makes you faster and allows you to push your lungs to capacity that final stretch of the race.

  • http://twitter.com/winloseorWard Ward

    The first race I registered for was in October of 2009 and was a half marathon. I kept the schedule on my refrigerator and highlighted it every day as I completed what was on it. Unfortunately, I then turned the back side of the schedule into a grocery list and that was that :(

    • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

      Hahaha!! I just seriously laughed out loud…I’m sorry, Ward. That is a sad story.

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