Although 5K (5-kilometers equal 3.1-miles) races remain the most popular in the U.S. with about 7.6 million finishers in 2015, according to Running USA’s Industry State of the Sport Report, half-marathons (13.1 miles) are the second favorite. That means that there’s no shortage of options for either distance when it comes to picking your first race. Finding a race is as easy as going to a website such as Active.com and putting in the dates and location you want. However, before you take the plunge to register for a race, ask yourself a few key questions to ensure you’re choosing the right one.
What’s Your Goal?
For many first-time race runners, the objective is to just cross the finish line (and it’s a perfectly good goal!) You might also want to achieve a PR, which is runner’s slang for “personal record.” However, some might strive to be competitive, aiming to win the race or at least place in their age group. If that’s the case, consider the size of the event—it might be easier to earn a medal at a smaller race that’s not attracting fast road racers.
What’s the Ideal Terrain?
Let’s face it: Few runners actually enjoy a race full of hills. However, finding one that doesn’t have at least a few ups and downs can be pretty tricky. When you’re considering registering for a race, do a quick check of an elevation map. While a couple of hills here and there aren’t anything to worry about, you don’t want your first race to be constantly on the incline — if it is, make sure you are training on hills, too, so your body is adapted to that particular challenge.
What’s the Best Weather?
No one can predict the weather, but the season of your first race can give you a bit of clue as to what lies ahead. Consider your preference for running in warmer versus colder weather, but default to the fall months if you’re not entirely sure which one to pick. It tends to be the most comfortable for running.
February’s Half-Marathon Training Plan
If you can successfully run or run/walk a 5K (3.1 miles), you can train for a half-marathon. This 16-week training plan, which started in the January issue and will continue through April’s issue of What’s Up? Annapolis/Eastern Shore, is easy to follow and provides alternating days of running, rest, and cross-training exercises, including:
Strength: 20 to 30 minutes of resistance training, such as body weight exercises, weight machine exercises or free weights, such as dumbbells or resistance bands.
Cross: 30 minutes of cross-training such as walking, swimming, elliptical, or cycling.
Stretch: At least 15 minutes of flexibility exercises.
