Beginner's Guide to Training for a Half Marathon

For me, running is a lifestyle and an art. I'm more interested in the magic of it than the mechanics. ~Lorraine Moller, Olympic marathoner

Training is what makes it possible to enjoy the experience of running. Building up to a distance takes time. For me reaching the two-mile mark without having to slow to a walk was a major breakthrough. A mistake I made when starting out was running every day. I discovered that an occasional off, or active rest, day was better for my performance. My recommended training for someone just starting out:

1) Build up to a 2-3 mile run without slowing to walk
2) Build up to running in a pattern for the week (days 1-7/miles): 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 4/rest, 5/3, 6/4, 7/rest
3) Increase distance. Day 6 becomes long run: 1/4, 2/4, 3/5, 4/rest, 5/4, 6/6, 7/rest

4) Increase distance to full training. Maintain this training for at least 4 weeks leading up to the event (see #5 for the week before): 1/5, 2/5, 3/6, 4/rest, 5/5, 6/10-12 (bring some simple carbs and lots of water), 7/rest

5) Reduce distance for week before event: 1/6, 2/5, 3/4, 4/rest, 5/5, 6/4, 7/rest

I consider my older son who runs high school cross country to be my coach. He gave me some great pointers for training that he learned from his coaches. In addition to distance, two other things to incorporate in your work outs:
- Intervals, or "On-Offs"
- Hills (find a challenging hill; after warming up, run the hill as fast as you are able; after reaching the top, slow pace; return to the starting point and catch your breath, then repeat up to 10 times)

Disclaimer: Check with your doctor before starting any kind of workout.