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According to Running USA, since 2003 the 13.1 mile half-marathon has been the fastest growing road race distance in the US (and from 2008 to 2009 it grew 24%!). I’ve now done two and I love this distance because it fits into my life as a career and kiddo-juggling mom who still wants to push my health and fitness levels. The time commitment involved in training for a half-marathon is much more reasonable than a full (my longest long training runs are 1-2 hours versus 3-4 hours for a full marathon, leading to better negotiation success with the hubby).
Are you doing one? It’s such a lovely distance and there are a ton of fall races to choose from (with still time to train, even if you’re a beginner.) Please let me know and we can hold hands and ‘train’ together. I’ll be doing the Haunted Hustle in my neck of the woods.
Here’s one more thing I dig about the half (this comment applies more to experienced runners)… I love that I can let myself fly a bit more than during a full marathon. I don’t have to worry so much about pacing or holding back so that I don’t hit a brick wall at mile 20. There’s something so much fun about letting things rip a bit and just…going.
Still not convinced? For some kick in the pants inspiration, listen or relisten to my interview with ultra-running guru Scott Jurek:
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