{"id":7597,"date":"2026-07-28T20:12:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T20:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=7597"},"modified":"2026-07-28T20:12:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T20:12:53","slug":"i-trained-for-a-half-marathon-in-four-months-as-a-beginning-runner-at-42-heres-how-it-went","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=7597","title":{"rendered":"I trained for a half-marathon in four months as a beginning runner at 42. Here\u2019s how it went"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nThis article is part of <\/em>CNN Underscored\u2019s Guide to Laidback Living<\/em>, an editorial package focused on screen-free activities to inspire you to go \u201canalog\u201d this year. We\u2019ll be featuring articles and information on our favorite hobbies to help you find new ways to hit pause, connect with others and enjoy your free time.<\/em>\n<\/p>

Read more Blanche nomination uncertain as key GOP senator says DOJ \u2018radio silent\u2019 on demand to spike controversial fund<\/a><\/p>\n

\n I\u2019m not going to sugarcoat it: Picking up running as a 42-year-old is tough. So is training for a half-marathon, especially for someone like me who\u2019s never completed, or even considered, <\/em>one before.\n <\/p>\n

\n I wasn\u2019t a runner. I was your typical hot-yoga-loving, hiking-addicted Los Angeles local who made fun of runners because, honestly, why would you put your body through all that? And my knees \u2014 oh, my weak knees \u2014 made picking it up even harder.\n <\/p>\n

\n On the other hand, I also love a good challenge. So, when I was invited to run the Santa Barbara Half-Marathon, I thought, \u201cWhy the heck not? 13 miles isn\u2019t that bad. I\u2019ve hiked far more than that distance in high altitude.\u201d By the time my brain recalibrated from that mental lapse, however, it would\u2019ve been embarrassing to take my \u201cyes\u201d back.\n <\/p>\n

\n Although the thought of running 13 miles alongside experienced marathoners terrified me, I was also excited at the prospect of tackling a new challenge. Still, seeing as I wasn\u2019t in my 20s anymore, the big question wasn\u2019t so much whether or not I wanted<\/em> to do it but whether or not I physically could<\/em> do it.\n <\/p>\n

\n The only way to find out was to try.\n <\/p>\n

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Joe Bloss\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nRelated article<\/span>\nI\u2019m not a runner, but here\u2019s how I got from the couch to 5K in no time<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n How I planned to train as a beginner\n<\/h2>\n
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Michelle Rae Uy\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n Training for a race is a massive learning experience for a beginner because you\u2019re entering a world that\u2019s much more complex than it seems. Running is a sport, after all, so there\u2019s a correct technique, a right way for your feet to land on the ground and a proper way to move forward without expending so much energy. I heard somewhere that to run more effectively, you have to learn to relax your body while it\u2019s working at a high power output. This is far harder than it sounds.\n <\/p>\n

\n Running is also just one part of the equation. You also have to be consistent with your strength workouts and prioritize recovery, which includes getting a lot of rest and eating the right foods. It\u2019s a massive change in lifestyle for someone who usually goes to sleep at midnight, wakes up at 6 a.m. and eats (and drinks) whatever she feels like.\n <\/p>\n

\n A training plan, therefore, was an absolute must for me. Luckily, Jenna Wrieden, assistant coach at Hoka Northern Arizona (NAZ) Elite, created a plan that suited my running skill level, age and physical limitations, incorporating things I wouldn\u2019t have thought of myself, such as strength training, run-walk intervals and low-intensity cardio workouts.\n <\/p>\n

\n It\u2019s also vital to have the right running apparel and gear. After all, if you wear the wrong pair of shorts, you might be uncomfortable and distracted during your run, and that\u2019s the best-case scenario. Get the wrong type of shoes and your feet could be aching by mile two. And where are you supposed to store your water bottle and your phone?\n <\/p>\n

\n As Sarah Clark, senior director of apparel and accessories at Tracksmith, said, \u201cYou can run in just about anything, but you will probably regret it if what you\u2019re wearing is not comfortable, if it causes chafing or if it bags out with sweat.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

\n Before training started, I conducted my research and consulted experts on which running essentials to try, including marathon training shoes, running apparel, recovery devices and strength workout tools.\n <\/p>\n

\n Finally, training for a half-marathon is also a test of your mental and emotional strength, so I found that having a support system is vital. Wrieden was also instrumental in making running an accessible experience by helping me realize that everything I was going through, including vivid dreams about a disastrous race day, was shared even by experienced runners. I also trained with a friend who was herself a beginner runner.\n <\/p>\n

\n Once I had those elements down pat \u2014 my training plan, my support and my gear \u2014 I was off to the races.\n <\/p>\n

\n My half-marathon training\n<\/h2>\n

\n Month 1: From 0 to 2 miles\n<\/h3>\n
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