Walking a Half Marathon
 

I used to run 5K fun runs... never very fast, but I could finish in the top half of my age category. I had a total hip replacement four months ago. Running is out, but walking is okay.

Anybody ever train for and walk a half marathon?

Anybody interested in doing so?

Never done so but I am interested in doing so!

Hi There,

Yes, I've trained for and walked 3 different half marathons, the last one was last year. Although I'm proud of the accomplishments, I probably will not do that again because I tend to get huge blisters on my feet even with well-fitted running shoes and good socks. I think going forward I will look for events that are a little shorter and maybe do more of them. That's just me, they're a lot of fun and great people/support along the way!

Hi Tabbycat, I've trained for and ran half marathons before, and I've also hurt myself pretty bad a couple times during my training (stress fractured both of my ankles once). I just wanted to say that the key to training for half marathons is to ease into it, and stay motivated. Get out and walk about 3-4 days a week, and try to do some kind of cross-training another couple days such as swimming or biking. Training for a marathon really is a marathon process! Try not to increase your mileage more than 10% every week. So to work up to the half which is roughly 13 miles plus maybe 5 training miles that week, your finish goal is probably 18 miles in a week. If you increase mileage 10% a week, if you walk 5 miles per week right now, then it will take 3 months of consistent training to get to your half marathon goal. Take it slow, stretch, and don't hurt yourself like I did. Good luck! :)

Fighting. I believe you can finish

Hey Tabbycat,
I never even did 5k's, but wanted to raise money and be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. So I started training with them and have walked one full marathon and 7 half marathons. I lost someone dear to me to a blood cancer, so this cause motivated me to get out there and train. Our t-shirt slogan was "Think training for a marathon is tough? Try chemotherapy!"

With your hip replacement, I'd suggest making sure whatever event you choose has a pretty flat course. I'm sure there are online tips on training, but here's a good resource active.com/running/articles/half-marathon-training-tips-for-beginners[/url]

You can do anything you set your mind to ~ Benjamin Franklin

Best of luck to you!! Keep us posted
Pam