Prep for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon | News, Sports, Jobs

Planning is set to begin this week for the return of the News and Sentinel races this August, and that means we’re already talking about it here in the newsroom. I did two half marathons last year (one was at night in a state park, and I highly recommend it). But I, like so many other Mid-Ohio Valley residents, have missed being able to participate in the Parkersburg event.

As happens every year, our race planner began trying to get others in the building to sign up for the race, and nearly everyone said “No way. I can’t do that.”

Here’s the thing: You can. Yes, you.

Training starts now, even if it’s only getting over the mental hurdle that 13.1 miles just seems like such a long way. Well yes, it is. But hey, it’s not a FULL marathon, and this one is along a course through our own rolling hills and communities, where people we know might be staffing water stations or holding signs and cheering us on along the way.

And you can do it.

Maybe you won’t do it in under two hours. I never have. (But some people can.) So what? It doesn’t matter if you finish in two hours or three-and-a-half hours, as long as you finish. Unless I kick training into high gear this year, I’ll be a lot closer to that three-and-a-half-hour mark, but that’s not really the point.

When I finish, I’ll be able to say I did it. So can you.

Start slow and find a training plan that works for you. There are lots of good ones, though I’ve heard plenty of friends tout Jeff Galloway’s half marathon training method.

Oh, and get good shoes that fit. Have a plan to stay hydrated while training; plan your outdoor courses so that you stay safe — both away from traffic and in an area populated enough that you won’t be on your own if there is an emergency; and if you are the kind of person who is motivated by music, compile a killer playlist.

Having a partner to train with is always a plus, and lets you do some of your training on trails or farther away from population centers.

Just don’t think you need to start right in at 13.1 miles on your first try. (Confession: That’s exactly the way I do it each season, because I’m wired all wrong. I don’t recommend it for anyone else).

Most importantly, and I can’t stress this enough: Remember, you can do it.

More details about this summer’s News and Sentinel Half Marathon and Two-Mile Race should be coming soon.

Training is great exercise, race day itself is fun and inspiring, and once you’ve got one under your belt, you might find you want to try others.

One person in the building responded to our race planner’s encouragement by saying she had never done anything athletic, not even back in school. Well, neither had I. I don’t think marching band counts. But working up the courage to try that first one seven years ago has turned me into one of those annoying people who wants everyone to join her out on the course; and here we are.

Give it a shot. I know you can do it.

Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]