Do you guys think that if i follow the Athlete's protocol, it would give me enough energy to start training for a half marathon? The race isn't till May 2012. I do better with a can have or cannot have mentality on eating so Phase 1 for me is great but I know come January when I need to up my miles I'll need more carbs. Thanks for any suggestions

There is a whole thread about this, its way down in the threads though. Do a search for it, I'll see if i can find it and bump it when I have a little spare time.

see it now thanks.

Not sure if you are already a runner or not, but you definitely don't need 6 months to train for a half marathon.

I do a lot of running and crossfit and the only thing I have changed in Phase 1is adding an extra packet immediately after exercise. The only time I could see you needing more than that (1) additional packet is on long run days, but not until you start hitting 9-10 miles.

My recommendation to you would be to just add (1) packet after your runs. My schedule looks like this:

8:30- Breakfast (IP Packet)
12:30- Lunch (protein, veggies, salad)
4:00- Snack (IP restricted bar)
5:30- Run or Crossfit
6:30- IP RTD chocolate shake
8:30- Dinner (IP packet, veggies, salad)

I have never not had enough energy to work out or run, and I have had a loss every week.

Thanks for the meal plan. i plan on borrowing it. My coach had suggested not running while in Phase 1. I'm so out of shape, i need to start with 1 mile and work my way back to my daily 3-4 mile jogs before real training starts.

I forgot to add:

Most 1/2 marathon training programs are 12-16 weeks. If your 1/2 is May 1, you would start training in either January or February.

If you are brand new to running, I would spend the next 2 months building a nice base of 3 miles, 3-4 times per week. If you need a program to help you get started, do a google search for "couch to 5k". This will have you running 3 miles, non-stop in roughly 8 weeks.

Again, I don't know what your running level is, so I am just trying to give you a wide range of options

I figured you would chime in Jenny but didn't know if you were around that is why I bumped that one thread because I know you had posted in there

Got myself a few minutes of free time here at work.

I started training last Jan. 1 for the Half I ran on April 30th. I was already able to run 3 when I started so I agree-build up to 3 miles before you even start the true Half-training. I would definately start in Dec or Jan. though to run by May 1st. I LOVE C25K for new runners. Used it several times myself and have recommended it to many friends. I am not currently running. Just finished Week 4 of Phase I. Starting some walking and pilates again this week. I only have 11 pounds left to goal so I definately should be set to start running again in December as I will have to rebuild my base. I am anxious to talk to the medical director at my IP Clinic about how to balance the increase for running. Would you mind if I used you as a Running Resource?

I have just taken up running in the last 3 weeks since starting maintenance. Can I ask a couple questions? I don't know anything about running and I don't know anyone that runs... just seems like the best way to get a good workout in the very small amount of time I have.

Jenny or boyz - do you run outside, or on a treadmill and does it matter? I am running 5.4 miles in my neighborhood 2 days a week and 2 miles or so another day or 2 per week. Is that a good start distance or should it be less? I'm concerned about getting out once daylight savings hits next week, hence the treadmill question.

Boyz- of course you can use me as a resource for running anytime! I have been running for years and have done (2) marathons, (1) half marathon and (2) oly distance triathlons. I am well versed in running I will PM you my email address as I can't always get on this site, but my email goes right to my phone and I can check that any time.

On top of that, I would definitely start running NOW! I have been exercising through my whole journey and it has definitely helped with my inches lost and fat lost. My body is quite toned now that I have dropped the weight, and I attribute that to my continuing to exercise. "Couch to 5K" is an amazing program to get back started, and I have used it several times myself when I have taken time off from running and then started up again.

Pauley- I always run outside. My nickname for the treadmill is the "dreadmill". I cannot stand not going anywhere. However, I am fortunate enough to live in a place where I can run outside all year round very comfortably (SE FL). Running is, by far, the best "bang for your buck" when it comes to exercising and burning calories. It's why I love it so.

The fact that you are running 5.4 miles twice a week is very impressive for someone who just took up running 3 weeks ago! It took me months to be able to run 3 miles non-stop when I first started running. Heck, I just started building back up to 3 mi. not too long ago and I had to take walk breaks.

Are you training or aiming for anything in particular, or running purely for exercise? You are running about 15 miles a week, which is a great base. If you are running purely for exercise, I would try to run 3-4 miles, 4-5 days per week. Instead of doing (2) long runs and (2) short runs, it would be better to do 4-5 equal runs. If you are aiming for a particular distance, race or event, I would suggest something different.

How long does it take you to run the 5.4 miles? The 2 miles? I will definitely try to help you out as much as possible! I will also PM you my email.

Hope this helps!

I would LOVE to run outside but I don't see where I would put my huge bottle of water I have to drink when I Am exercising. I have been thinking about purchasing a camelback so I can drink while running.. but since it is getting so darn cold I might wait till the spring.

Let me introduce you to the fuel belt. Do a google search for "fuel belt". They are awesome.

I never take water on any runs under 5 miles.