New year, new challenge. Word on the street is the annual Giant Race in 2024 will mark the return of the half-marathon. That race distance has been absent from the event since the pandemic years. I was disappointed in 2023 to see its continued absence, having done the 10K in 2022 and ready for something slightly more challenging. Better late than never: 2024 will be the year I challenge myself to run a half-marathon.
And then that would be it. I have no desire to run a full marathon after that (sorry, SF Marathon). Spending many hours to run 26 miles doesn’t spark any joy in me whatsoever (hashtag Kondo). And the training required would be detrimental to my set schedule. I would have to run almost every single day of the week, at about five miles per run. To prepare for such a long distance, it’s all about getting enough cumulative mileage - you don’t really run marathons to prepare for a marathon. Speed and intensity is secondary.
Training for the half-marathon entails a similar program. I’m going to be running at least 10 miles a week, every week leading up to the event. That is way less onerous of a time commitment, since I already run a little over four miles every weekend. I think I will simply add another day of running to accumulate the necessary mileage.
I am excited to finally tick running a half-marathon off my list. Let’s get it.
Season of protection.