FAQ/FHE
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FAQ
Your training has no days off? Really? That is correct. This training is different, remember, and it is more than just logging the miles. It is about benefiting you long term, and is a lifestyle change. None of the training has you running every day. Your days off from running are days to do a different physical activity, such as yoga. And if you need more days off from running, please do take them. This is supposed to be fun! Replace any running day off taken with an extra day of yoga. The most important element of this training is sweating daily and achieving a daily goal. Go sweat for 30 mins…60 mins…90 minutes. You have the rest of the day off after, and will enjoy it so much better.
I am not much of a runner, but want to run my first half marathon. What’s the first thing I should do? Read this, then pick a race (no sooner than 5 months away), and sign up for it! Then, pick a yoga studio, and go to yoga as much as you can for the next two weeks. After your two weeks of yoga are up, follow this training.
I just can’t afford to get a massage after every long run or go to the chiropractor weekly. I have made my training plan work on a strict budget. I made my insurance plan work for me. Most insurance plans offer chiropractic care, acupuncture, and even massage. Look into what your plan offers, I think you’d be surprised. Don’t have insurance? Sign up for Groupon, Living Social and Tippr. They have amazing deals that can get you through training. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Use your foam roller, tennis balls, epsom salt baths, yoga videos, your spouse/child/pet/friend, anything you can to keep your body feeling good.
What yoga do you practice as part of your training? I practice Bikram Yoga, because it works the best for my body. I have tried many styles of yoga, but I always come back to Bikram, and I am here to stay. Pick a yoga that works best for you; they’re all good. The best yoga for you will be the one you want to continue doing.
I don’t like yoga. Is there something else I can do on my non-run days? Yoga, in my opinion, is the best activity to complement running. But, if you are adamant against yoga, do something else that gets you sweating, stretches your muscles, is meditative, and strength building. If you can find one activity that encompasses all that, then absolutely, do that on your non-run days.
25 weeks of training!? That seems like such a long time! The actual “training” portion for the half-marathon is 12 weeks. The other 13 weeks is preparation for training. Also, this is a lifestyle change, rather than just getting the training “over with.” After you run your first half marathon, and you continue with the maintenance training, your next “training” will only be 12 weeks.
Do you only race marathons and half marathons? Although I prefer to race longer distances, I will occasionally race a “fun run.” I use these as part of my training, and look at them as a sprint.
I am not ready to run a half marathon and want to start with a 5k or 10k. What should I do? Because my current experience is with marathons and half marathons, I don’t want to give you training I don’t have experience with. Run Revolution is a community, and we encourage those who have experience with 5k’s and 10k’s to share their training with us! Run Revolution is less about the actual training and more about the lifestyle change. No matter what “training” you do, it’s the consistency, daily goal setting, and getting your body moving every day that has been beneficial to ME and that is what I want to share with you. Still confused? Ask a Runner, and I can lead you in the right direction. 
Do you run alone or with a group? I have always preferred to run alone, but will occasionally run with a friend or family member. I don’t like to run with a group. It’s definitely for selfish reasons: I want to listen to music, run at my own pace, and be on my own schedule. Do whatever works best for you.
FHE
Frequently Heard Excuses. I’ve heard them all, and I’ve even used them all. We will make up any excuse to try to get out of doing the work. How bad do you want it? What is it? Is it your first half marathon? PR (Personal Record)? Qualifying for Boston? Getting through a breakup/divorce? Quitting a nasty habit? Whatever it is, if you want it bad enough, there will be no excuses. You will make it happen. I did.
I work full time; I don’t think I can fit all the training in. If it is your priority, you’ll find the time. Wake up an hour earlier to run in the morning. Run during lunch. Find a buddy to run with you after work. You can always adapt Run Revolution’s training to fit your schedule, too. Have specific questions on how to alter the schedule to fit your needs? Ask a Runner.
I am sore, I don’t think I can finish the training. Do the self care! Go get a massage. Go to yoga. Do whatever you can to make your body feel better so you can finish the training. If you think you are injured, or if you are in a lot of pain, please do take some time off, and visit your doctor. You will know the difference between overused sore muscles and an injury.
I am a single and/or stay at home mom to young children. I can’t find the time to run. Purchase, or borrow, a jogger, pop your child(ren) in it, give them some toys and snacks, and go running. Read this for tips on how to use your young child(ren) as your training partner(s)!
It’s cold/wet/dark/windy. Run inside on the treadmill or head outside and dress appropriately for the elements. Read this for rainy day tips. Race day might in fact be cold/dark/wet/windy. It’s great training, and it makes you stronger in both body and mind.
Yoga is really expensive. I can’t afford to go twice/week. To take a yoga class at a yoga studio is expensive, yes. If you must go to a studio, there are few options: most studios offer specials for new students ($20 for 10 classes). When that special expires, go check out a new studio. Depending on where you live, you can keep at this for a long, long time. This is also a great way to get to know the different styles of yoga out there, so one day, when you CAN afford it, you will know which style of yoga works best for your body. Sign up for Groupon, Living Social and Tippr in your city. They often offer great specials, but you sometimes have to be patient. If “yoga hopping” doesn’t sound like fun, then do it at home. On Demand, Netflix, buy a video, or for the most money conscious way, rent videos at your local library.
I am sick. How sick? If it’s just a cold, a run will make you feel better, and help you recover faster. If your body is achy, and you have a fever, it really is best to rest. If you don’t have a fever, but just really don’t feel like running, go to yoga instead. Sweat the sickness out of you.
I am tired/had a bad day/depressed. Go for a run. Go to yoga. Do whatever you have scheduled to do. Trust me. You will be so glad you did. It will make you feel better. Go sweat. Do it. GO!
