If you want to jump-start your walking or running routine, sign up for a race. There's nothing more motivating than having a race date on the calendar and a registration check in the mail.
Think a half-marathon is too tough for you? Think again. Those 13.1 miles may seem daunting, but with a little discipline and a reasonable training plan, it's downright doable. For just about anyone—including you.
First Steps
Before you get started, consult your doctor. Then head to your local running store for advice on good shoes, running routes, training nutrition, and other tips. A good shop should have knowledgeable employees who can examine your feet and watch your stride to recommend the shoes that will fit you best. As a rule, you should plan to replace your shoes every 500 miles or so.
Have a Plan
Before you hit the road, map out a training plan. A smart regimen will prevent overtraining injuries and break down the seemingly daunting distance into manageable increments. For help, see Jeff Galloway's book, Half-Marathon: You Can Do It. This classic lines the shelves of many runners, and will outline a smart training plan to get you from the couch to the finish line.
Find a Running Group
To keep your training on track, find a local running club. Most cities have groups that meet every week for a group run, with sub-groups that run at different speeds. Even if you're a newbie, chances are you'll find a distance and pace that works for you. Joining a group is a great way to meet running buddies, build a support network, and transform your run from an obligation into a fun, anticipated social event. You might even find yourself running in some of the same races.
Fun Race Picks
January: Walt DisneyWorld Marathon and Half-Marathon—Orlando, FL
This race starts in the dark with fireworks and winds through DisneyWorld, where Mickey Mouse and gang cheer you on. (Many racers stop to have their photograph taken with a favorite character.) The finish line promises a shiny gold Donald Duck medal.
February: Mardi Gras Marathon and Half-Marathon—New Orleans, LA
Starting and finishing at the Louisiana Superdome, this course takes you through the French Quarter, down Bourbon Street, and along historic Charles Avenue. It's a flat route and one of the only courses predominantly below sea level. The four-hour time limit for the half-marathon is walker-friendly.
March: Napa Valley Marathon—Calistoga, CA
What could be more inspiring than running through wine country? Most of the course is rural, flanked by dormant vineyards and offset by panoramic valley views throughout the gently rolling hills. Make a long weekend trip, and finish with a day of wine-tasting.
April: Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon—Nashville, TN
Dozens of local bands line this course, offering a new soundtrack—country, jazz, rock, swing—around every corner in Music City. A post race concert awaits at the finish line.
May: Indy Mini Marathon—Indianapolis, IN
The highlight of this half-marathon is a lap around the Indy 500 racetrack. One of the largest half-marathons in the country (if not the largest), this race saw 35,000 runners and walkers in 2007. Some100 bands, thousands of spectators, and hundreds of cheerleaders line the course.
June: Kona Marathon and Half-Marathon—Big Island, HI
Dramatic lava fields and stunning ocean views make this course one of the most memorable. You might recognize parts of the route from the Kona IronMan Triathlon coverage on TV. Not for newbies, this race is notoriously hot and wind-swept. But hey, you're in Hawaii!
August: San Francisco Marathon and Half-Marathon—San Francisco, CA
Think of it as sightseeing—at a faster pace. See the Ferry Building, Coit Tower, Pier 39 and other classic landmarks as you make your way through this unmatchable city. Pass through Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Haight-Ashbury and more, then run across the Golden Gate Bridge. Half-marathoners can even choose which half of the marathon course they'd like to run.
September: Lake Tahoe Marathon and Half-Marathon—Lake Tahoe, NV
Ok, so there's no getting around it—this course is hilly. But it's also 99 percent downhill, ending on a pretty lakeside beach. Just try to find a more gorgeous setting. Plus, you've got options: enter a 5K or 10K run/walk, or a 20-mile power walk.
October: St. George Marathon—St. George, UT
This race begins with a predawn bonfire, then treats you to a spectacular sunrise as you wind through the red-rock canyonlands of Southwest Utah. While running at elevation can pose a challenge for lowlanders, the course is mostly downhill. Make a vacation out of this race, and tack on a trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
November: San Antonio Marathon and Half-Marathon—San Antonio, TX
Begin at the Alamo, finish at the Alamodome. This single-loop course leads past historic missions and along the San Antonio River. Celebrate with a margarita on the Riverwalk. A 5K run is also an option.
December: New Las Vegas Marathon and Half-Marathon—Las Vegas, NV
The race start begins with Elvis' "Viva Las Vegas" and a fireworks show. Pick up speed on the gradual decline, and gawk at the casino lights as you run along The Strip.
See this nationwide race calendar for an event near you.
