[imsexydamnit]

I've been jogging very consistently now for several months and am thinking about participating in a half marathon. I've been jogging 5mi 3x a week for several weeks now and want all of that sweat to have more purpose than a smaller number on the scale and on the size tags in my pants. I've heard a lot about Team in Training and am thinking about signing up. Any Suggestions? what about getting a book and training on my own?

[Ilene]

I'm not familiar with Team in Training...Sorry ... But we do have a Cool Runner's thread where I'm sure you'd get a lot of suggestions from our seasonned marathon runners... I, just like to run 5-8ks 3x/week....

[Su-Bee]

Team in Training totally depends on your team. . .I started marathon training with them several years ago. I wasn't in a small town, but apparently was the only person in my city to sign up. . .so they ended up having a coach drive down every other weekend just to work with me, and then I was supposed to drive to St. Louis (2 hours) if I wanted to work with the "team" for my other runs. . .plus all the nutrition seminars, etc. were in St. Louis. If you live somewhere that has a big group doing it, I think it could be very fun & motivating.

The other thing is the fundraising aspect - you have to fundraise A LOT for some of the runs. They make it sound easy, and maybe for some people was, but for me, it wasn't.

I ended up not completing the program - I had a hip injury, but really, it was more just feeling discouraged about the fundraising and the lack of the support/companionship that I had envisioned.

[LeighHop]

I haven't done Team in Training either, I'm not much of a fundraiser. If you're interested in training with a group, try and find a really good local running store. They usually have training programs, often for free. You can also check out Jeff Galloway's website. He has a program for training for the half. I really like his run/walk method:

http://jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

I don't know my Arizona geography well, but if you're close to Phoenix, they have a USA Fit program there. I did the Austin program my first year and it really helped build my confidence. Almost everyone was a first timer and the cost was very reasonable.

http://www.phoenixfit.net/

I've gone from being completely inactive most of my life to completing 2 marathons. It is a great goal you've set for yourself!

[imsexydamnit]

Thanks for the info ladies, I'm kinda nervous even thinking about training. It's good to know the there are alternatives to the team in training deal.