“Really?! Another half marathon?” – that’s been the response from a couple of my non-running friends to the news that I’m running Philly in November.
The truth is I had barely crossed the finish line of the Providence Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon before I knew one thing for sure – I was registering for another!
When I started running in March 2010, I could barely complete a mile. Running a 5k seemed like a major undertaking! But even then I was harboring a secret desire to run a half marathon.
So what is it about the half marathon distance?
- Â 13.1 miles is a significant enough distance that you need to respect it and have to put in the training for it. There is a level of both mental commitment and stamina required.
- On the other hand, you can train for a half and maintain a balance with the rest of your life! As a mom of two active young boys, I just don’t know how I’d fit in 3-4 hour training runs. To all you running moms who do it and my hat’s off to you — I’m just not there yet!
- Recovery time is manageable. I’m comfortably walking the next day and can be back out on the road within a couple days of racing.
- I love a race with bling! (Most 10ks and 5ks don’t offer medals)
- There’s a great sense of accomplishment when I’m done!
So my answer to the question about another half is quite simply – Heck ya! What’s not to love? Yes I will run my third this year and I’m already eyeing a few halfs for next year! I think someone warned me before my first that this distance would be addicting…and they might be right 🙂
Fun! The half is my favorite distance, too. Long enough that it’s a real challenge that you have to train for, short enough that it’s not the only thing in your life for 4 months.
We were just talking about this on our long run yesterday. The half is my most favorite distance! and for all of the reasons you mentioned. I also feel like the training does not take as much out of my body as a marathon does. We already have a couple lined up for next year:) Good luck in Philly!
Great answer!! Good for you – I love halves!
My favorite is the marathon, though the half marathon is a close second. It does take up more time, but I also don’t have children – so don’t have that to balance.
And I’m with you….LOVE the race bling!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the half marathon! It’s pretty much the perfect distance! 🙂
I agree with you on the distance. I love it and it is just enough of a challenge to keep me moving towards a goal bigger than myself. Oh – and of course the bling! 🙂
13.1 is my favorite distance and I can’t wait to aim for a new PR next year. As for non-running friends not getting it … they never will. 🙂
LOL. When I finished my half in June, I wondered if I EVER would run that distance again. The friend I ran with decided that she would NOT. I wasn’t that bad off, but I prefer 10 miles and have a few of those on my calendar. 13.1 is just hard on my body.
I love 13.1 distance. It is a double-digit distance, so I have to put forth the training, dedication, and respect. And I feel a sense of accomplishment.
I do want to do a full sometime though…
I’ve had many conversations like this. Having not even run the first half (1 week away), I am hopeful that it’s going to be my favorite distance. For exactly the reasons you said. You have to train, you get some bling and it doesn’t interfere too much with the life of a mom.
I have been horrible at blogging. But first, thanks for your comment on my blog. Secondly, just went back and read your R&R post. Congrats! I’m excited for your third. I am sure it will be great. I’m trying to do two this fall. We’ll see if it comes together. Best of luck in training!