October 2010, Race for Deep Run Mennonite Church East

Inspired and encouraged by a close friend and avid runner, I signed up for the Bucks County Half Marathon on April 3, 2011 at Tyler State Park in Newtown, Pa.

I became a dedicated runner in college and enjoy running. I have  completed about four 5k races and wanted to kick it up a notch in 2011. As we approach the 9-week mark from race day, it’s time to get serious with regular runs in longer distances! However, I did complete my first six mile run in January which was a major milestone for me. Luckily, I still have time to train effectively and safely.

Fitness Magazine has an 8-week running schedule for beginner/intermediate runners who can run it least 2 miles without stopping. I find this schedule useful as a guide because it includes rest days, interval training and. cross training days.

After consulting some friends with long-distance running experience and family in the fitness industry, I have compiled a few tips that have been working for me thus far.

Go to the gym when you function best. If you’re a morning person like me, get up and out the door before work. If you are more alert and feel energized in the evening, hit the gym at night. You know yourself and your schedule. Make going to the gym
a priority and put the time on your calendar.

Amanda is challenging herself to complete the 2011 Bucks County half-marathon

Get proper running gear. This is important especially when training during the winter months. Running outside fights boredom on the treadmill. I bought some special, wicking clothing at the Bucks County Running Company to prepare me for the cold weather. My personal advice is to invest in some running gloves and hat. They have saved me on some windy, cold runs!

Eat Well and Get Enough Sleep. A diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fruits and veggies is key. This may seem like an obvious tip, but healthy eating and rest really make a difference in your training. Swap the soda for some water, skip the extra helping at dinner and hit the hay 30 minutes earlier than usual.

It’s not easy squeezing training into my day-to-day life when excuses are so easy to come by, but I’m doing my best. Please join me on my progress and offer me YOUR training tips and advice. I’m open to all suggestions as I embark on this 13.1 mile journey!

Amanda Walsh is a local PR professional working at Furia Rubel in Doylestown, Pa. Her daily responsibilities include account management, media relations, event management, strategic planning, and Web 2.0 initiatives. She frequently writes for the corporate blog,
The PR Lawyer. In addition to running, she enjoys learning languages and traveling. Connect with her on LinkedIn!

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