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It Can Be A Good Idea To Do Things Halfway

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@tampatrib.com

Published: November 8, 2008

Here's an intriguing - and sensible - idea: Run a 13.1-mile half-marathon before attempting the longer and more grueling full marathon.

You wouldn't have to meet a certain time or even finish the shorter race to benefit. It's a great way runners can get a little experience under their race belt before tackling a distance that demands respect.

Fifteen years ago marathoners generally had more experience; they'd been running for years and often worked their way up to a 26.2-mile race after competing at shorter distances. But unlike the Boston Marathon, which has qualifying standards, many marathons (such as Tampa's Gasparilla Marathon in February) draw thousands of rookies, many of whom walk or run to raise money for charity.

Here are some advantages to first running a half marathon:

Runners who don't know what a water station is, how it's laid out or what beverages will be provided can cause problems on a crowded marathon course. Group training runs are helpful, but race experience gets you used to running with others when the adrenaline is pumping and teaches you how your body responds to certain conditions and elements.

Do you sweat so much that salt cakes on your face and body? Or do you have a tendency to go out too fast, too early? What happens to your body - and your mind - when you don't drink enough water, or when you drink too much?

But keep in mind that half-marathons aren't a perfect test of readiness; they can give you a false sense of security. Not only are the pacing and mental preparation different, but the body also tends to rebel in unexpected ways when the carbs run out or muscles fatigue after mile 20 of a marathon. And racing can lead to injury and overtraining.

Chicago Tribune

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