12 Week Training Plan
Half Marathon Training
I've found that following a 12 week plan is much easier than expected. I thought it would take months before I could run for a solid hour, but I'm already happily and comfortably at that point. It's great to follow a plan like the one above and adapt it to fit into your own schedule. With work, school, and everything else going on, it's hard to predict when exactly I'll be able to fit in a work out or a long distance run. Following a week by week training plan allows you to choose the days you want to run, rest, cross train, etc. I'd also recommend the No Vice: Hal Higdon Half Marathon app. Hal Higdon is a incredibly well known Olympic champion, and author of 36 books including the best-selling book Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide. He's completed over 111 marathons, which is over a casual 2,908 miles - I'd say he know what he's talking about. His app creates a 12 week training plan which allows you to log runs and workouts, and gives a tidbit of advice each day. I'd definitely recommend it!
Strength Training
Strength training is just as important as running. I learned this the hard way from running before my legs were ready and getting shin splits and achy knees as a result. Here are some workouts we do after a run or on strength training day from our favorite workout app POPSUGAR Fitness.
10 Minute Ab and Core Workout: Having a strong core is so important in long distance running, and I think has even helped me run at a faster pace. This 10 minute video does not require any extra equipment, perfect for those days you can't make it to the gym.
5 Minute Arm Workout: Even though this workout is only five minutes, it definitely leaves our arms sore and tired the next day. Like we have mentioned before we are always switching up our arm workouts, but this is my favorite one right now.
5 Inner Thigh Exercises: This video outlines 5 different thigh moves and even includes little pop ups on the screen of tips the trainer on screen my not point out. These 5 thigh burning moves are really great at targeting your inner upper thigh.
Tips For Having a Better Run: Three really helpful tips to be best prepared for a great run.
10 Minute Ab and Core Workout: Having a strong core is so important in long distance running, and I think has even helped me run at a faster pace. This 10 minute video does not require any extra equipment, perfect for those days you can't make it to the gym.
5 Minute Arm Workout: Even though this workout is only five minutes, it definitely leaves our arms sore and tired the next day. Like we have mentioned before we are always switching up our arm workouts, but this is my favorite one right now.
5 Inner Thigh Exercises: This video outlines 5 different thigh moves and even includes little pop ups on the screen of tips the trainer on screen my not point out. These 5 thigh burning moves are really great at targeting your inner upper thigh.
Tips For Having a Better Run: Three really helpful tips to be best prepared for a great run.
It's been amazing to see how setting a goal and sticking to a schedule has helped us run further and longer than we ever have before. We're really starting to feel like runners!
Cheers!
MK
Cheers!
MK