… to complete a race this year. Before you laugh and just leave Miles of Abbie, hear me out.
Inspired by the comments about some of my running posts (Traveling to Runand Athens Marathon Race Re-Cap), I decided that all of you are totally capable of completing a race, whether you believe it or not. I have seen people who couldn’t run a mile on the first day, complete a whole marathon 4 months later. It can be done 
I realize that this is quite a challenge for some of you, and I’m prepared to be your #1 Supporter. Find me on Twitter (@MilesofAbbie), Facebook (Abbie Mood), or e-mail (Use the contact form on this site).
Choosing a Race
1. Running
- * 5K – 3.1 miles
* 10K – 6.2 miles
* Half marathon – 21.1K or 13.1 miles
* Marathon – 42.2K or 26.2 miles
* Relay – varying distances
* Mud Run – varying distances
2. Triathlon
- * Sprint – 740m swim, 20K/12 miles bike, 5K run (note that this distance can vary)
* Olympic – 1.5K (just under a mile) swim, 40K/25 miles bike, 10K run
* Half Ironman – 1.9K/1.2 miles swim, 90K/56 miles bike, 21.1K/13.1 miles run
* Ironman – 3.8K/2.4 miles swim, 180K/112 miles bike, 42.2K/26.2 miles run
3. Century Ride – 161K/100 miles on the bike
How To Get Started
First, check out Runnersworld.com for training plans, tips, and to find races. BeginnerTriathlete.com has the same information for triathlons. If you are interested in learning about the Run/Walk Method (my favorite), go toJeffGalloway.com. UPDATE – Check out Jeff’s post – Getting Started Running.
Second, consider finding a training group in your area. Check outmeetup.com, check out a local running specialty store, or simply google search “running” and “your city”. If you can convince a friend or significant other to train with you, even better!
Third, consider joining one of the many fundraising teams. I’ve trained for a run two marathons with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, but many organizations are starting to follow the LLS lead and raise money in exchange for training.
With Team in Training, you agree to raise a certain amount of money and in return you become part of a local team that meets at least once per week on the weekends, and sometimes once or twice during the week. You have a coach and a mentor to support you through the training and the fundraising.
Somewhere near the end of the L.A. Marathon,
My Race Plans for 2010
- * 5K – Spring (Possible Races – Newport Beach Spirit Run, Laguna Hills Memorial Run)
* 1/2 Marathon – Summer (Possible races – America’s Finest, Orange County, San Fran)
* Marathon – Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 31 (Registration opens April 7)
So who’s in????
Photo Credit: L.A. Marathon Photographer
6 Comments
I love this idea and you read my mind!! I mentioned this before but I’m going to do a 5K this year in the mindset that I CAN set a goal and finish it–even though I’m a pretty pathetic runner.
I love the commitment to encouragement here
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Abbie Mood Reply:
January 19th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Sweet, Alyssa! Pick a race and commit to it – put it on the calendar
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I agree with you completely Abbie. I was definitely a non-runner the year I decided to run my marathon. I heard so many people say they could “never” do that, but I disagree. My goal was to finish. I didn’t have to be fast. I didn’t even have to run. All I wanted to do was finish, and I did. I wrote an article about training for your first marathon that your readers might find interesting. You can find it here: http://www.copiamagazine.com/adventure/cmadventurefirstmarathon.html
Something else your readers can train for is a Ragnar Relay (http://www.ragnarrelay.com/), which are fun, multi-person relay races that last through the night. I did my first one this year and we had a blast! We had several newbie runners on our team and everyone was stoked to keep running once we finished.
As for me, I have to sit the year out. I messed up my knee somewhere along the line last year and I need to get that taken care of before I pound the pavement again. But best of luck to you and your running ventures this year! I envy you!
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Abbie Mood Reply:
January 19th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Thanks for the resources, JoAnna. I think a relay is a great place for someone to get a taste of the race atmosphere and get to run a shorter distance before going the long way!
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I admire the challenge Abbie! I hoped to do a marathon in 2012 (just seem busy with other travel stuff up ’til then) so I’m going to have to bottle it on your offer for now unfortunately >_>
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Abbie Mood Reply:
January 19th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
2012??? How about Fall of 2011? Come to the U.S. and turn a fall marathon into a sightseeing trip!
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I ran the Marine Corps once! Five years ago. I doubt I’ll run a full marathon again — I find the half to be much more enjoyable. And even more so? 10Ks. That’s my favorite… When I’m in shape, that is. For now, I’m sticking to 5Ks.
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Abbie Reply:
May 11th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
My favorite is the half marathon, yet I keep signing up for fulls… I must be losing it
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I’m going to do a race this Saturday inspired by you to go for it. I was sort of putting it off. But I did a 5K in November for the first time and I don’t want to lose my progress.
I think I can do the 5 mile one Sat, or even the 2 mile will get me back into it! Thx!
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Abbie Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Yay, Cindy – that’s awesome! I find that signing up for races keeps me motivated to train – it’s helpful to have a goal to work towards
Let me know how the race goes!
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Cindy Cummins Reply:
May 16th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Oh, btw, I did 21:30 (for the 2 mile) and I felt like a lead brick the whole way so I was pleased. When I first started running last year it was like 14-15 minute miles
It should mean that next time it be a little easier …
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Abbie Reply:
May 16th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Cindy, that’s awesome – congrats! I like to think that “lead brick” runs build character and yes, it gets easier
I ran the two mile “Fun Run” in my town yesterday to get back into races and running. I appreciated your post so much. It helped me make that tiny bit of effort to get dressed and get in the car and get over to the race rather than procrastinating and I’m so glad I did!
Thanks Abbie!
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