Discussion Board

I walked a half marathon back in 2006 and have decided to train for one in December again. I'm currently just at the stage of getting my body used to walking again and haven't done much time/distance yet.

The last time, I used a training program based on distance. Prior to the 13.1 mile half-marathon, I actually walked 14 miles, twice, on a hilly trail. The half-marathon was a slightly downhill course the entire way, which led to beat-up toenails! I walked it at a faster pace than I'd trained at because my DH decided to walk with me when my walking partner broke her toe prior to the race. Finishing time was 3:43, of which 10 whole minutes were spent in line at the portapotties (not nearly enough provided for the number of walkers!)

This time, I'm going to use a training program based on time. Instead of walking x number of miles, it has one walk x number of minutes. This will work out really well with my gym membership and the treadmills there, although I plan to get my feet out on asphalt at least once a week within the last few months before the race.

My goal is to beat my previous time. I probably won't have my DH with me to push the pace, though, as I think he wants to run it.

Anyone else training to walk a half (or whole) marathon?

I walked 2 half marathons and 1 full marathon about 5-6 years ago. I did it while I was losing weight the first time. Now of course I have put the entire amount back on and am back at having difficulty walking 1 mile. I did suggest to my sister that we train for a half next fall- her running and me walking. She took me up on it so I'd probably better get training. I walk slowly (even at my fastest) so I use a training program based on distance. I think my best half time was 3:23 and my full time was 7:32. Hey, if I'm successful maybe I'll train for a full marathon for next spring or early summer.

I guess I should probably join the exercise challenge thread and get training.

I was kind of thinking that if I really enjoyed it this winter, maybe I'd look into doing the one in the California Redwoods. It looks like a beautiful course. I think it's in spring so it would give me a goal for 2012.

Oh that would be a beautiful walk wouldn't it.

You go. I'd like to try to do one. Way to go. I have not heard of any around here.

Faith, the Marine Corps Marathon was going on back when I was out there. I know because when I went to the hotel (unexpectedly), I got to hang out outside and watch the people go by. Here's a page with a link to a list of walker-friendly marathons and half-marathons.

Thanks Chile. The Marine Corp. Marathon is a very serious marathon. It's not for the untrained. Remember that is the one Oprah trained for many many years ago.

Just look:

Marine Corps Marathon Arlington, VA
The time restriction is in the time enforced to arrive at the 14th street bridge (20 miles) by a designated time (1:45). Slower walkers/runners unable to make the cutoff time are picked up by the shuttle and may not complete the course.

http://www.marinemarathon.com/

I bet I'd be one who'd get picked up LOL.

Oh, I'd definitely get picked up! I ended up walking the half-marathon I did at a pace that was 1 to 1 1/2 minutes faster per mile than I trained at because my DH walked with me. He's got longer legs and was more fit so I had to push to keep up (and he had to slow down some for me.) LOL

long legged folks don't realize that it takes us shorter leg folks twice as many steps to keep up. All my bosses have done that to me and it's a pain when you don't have walking shoes on too.