Are YOU up for a Half Marathon????

Ever since running the 1/2 marathon in February, it's amazing how many people have told me they are interested in learning more about running one.

"What does it take?"

"How do you train??

Maybe they are just "interested", yet have no intention of actually running a race of this distance, but I'm hoping that once they get a personal invitation, and have a date race set in the future - they will honestly consider it! I believe that ANYONE who truly wants to accomplish running a 1/2 marathon can do it - it is a very attainable goal. And, it will be one of your life's most special accomplishments. I was recently involved in a class where I had to look back over my life and write down 7 of the most meaningful experiences of my life. One of the top 7 memories I have is running my first 1/2 marathon along the Nile River in Jinja Uganda in 2002.

Now I'm talking to YOU. Maybe you think you are not cut out for running long distances. While running in the race in February, I was amazed at all the variety of ages, body types, and even the physique of the competitors. There were many people running that I would not have expected to be in that kind of shape. There was one lady in front of me the entire race - she looked to be in her late 40s and she was quite overweight. However, I could NOT CATCH THIS LADY. She beat me by about a minute. All this to encourage you - if you are interested in running a 1/2 marathon, now is your chance. I won't guarantee that you'll enjoy the process, but I will guarantee that you''ll feel an incredible sense of accomplishment at what you've done. And, your level of fitness will make your body feel great!

If you are a woman reading this, this is your personal invitation to train for, travel to, and compete in the Inaugural Rock 'N' Roll 1/2 Marathon in San Antonion on November 16, 2008. At least 3 of us have already committed, and there are about between 5-10 others who are considering it. This is going to be a FUN event. Check out the website - there will be over 70 bands playing along the course and then a huge concert that night at the Alamodome which you get into free with your race bib. The bands at this even have not yet been announced, but some in the past have been Journey and INXS. You run past the Alamo, the arts district, and the Tower of the Americas.

So, now that you want to run this race, how do you start??

Well, glad you asked.

There are many training plans out there, but I've always used Hal Higdon's Plan. It's for novice runners, and only requires running 4 days a week. Take a look at it! Notice that this 12-week training schedule assumes you have the ability to run 3 miles, three to four times a week. If that seems difficult, consider a shorter distance for your first race, like perhaps a local 5 or 10K race. And, just start where you are. Run a lap, walk a lap, run a lap, walk a lap. Work up slowly. You have 4 full months to get to a point where you can run 3 miles several days a week. Runners World online has lots of great tips and advice.

Training officially starts on September 1st. If you are interested, please let me know!

I'm looking forward to training with some of you, and can't wait to find out who all is on board!

YOU CAN DO IT!