What Do You Think About Walking Half Marathon Races?

As many of you know, I have been struggling with running since January. It hasn’t been easy but I keep trying however I don’t feel that I’ll be able to run at all with breathing and now knee issues.  I am pretty sure OK, OK, hubby and I WILL walk the entire Reggae Half Marathon but at this point it is a HUGE stretch for me.  A few weeks ago we started walking to see how it would go and walked a total of 11.48 miles over a 3 day period and have done more since.  I was wiped out at first but we are going to keep walking every weekend to see how far we can go.  Went over 6 miles one day and I felt really good.   I will probably have to change around some of my other workouts to fit in more long walks but I’m OK with that.  We only have about 8 weeks to go until the race and I would like for Kev to be able to get his wish of doing the half marathon even if it is walking it.  My goal is to get a medal and certificate so I worry about being disqualified if I don’t complete the half marathon and what a total bummer that would be…but I know I have to be positive and just BELIEVE that I CAN do it.

As for staying positive, I was sent the book, The Ultimate Runner to review and it’s such an uplifting book with a bunch of different stories and advice from runners both beginners and long time runners.  As I was reading each story, it got me more excited about the overall race I’ll be participating in and I won’t lie, there were some tears shed as I read the book.  The book was easy to read and so inspirational.  I imagine that you can find some of the advice offered in the book at various running sites online but a lot of it was very helpful to me.  The step by step stretching section was good and they chose awesome colored photos to use in the book.  Two of my favorite stories were, “It’s All In Your Head” and “My Secret Weapon”.  Great stuff!

Now I know nothing about walking a half marathon. I have researched training schedules but they just don’t fit in to OUR life so we are making up our own ha ha. I’m going to get a new pair of running shoes at the beginning of November so I can break them in before the race and will probably stick with the brand I currently have but I have also been looking at the ASICS GEL-DS Racer shoe.  I always go New Balance for walking shoes but haven’t tried their running shoes yet.  I have heard that there are race walker shoes too but I don’t know anything about those.  So many shoes, so little time!

I have been looking online for various tips and I’m just keeping a log of things to remember.  Here are some things I learned.

*Get good walking socks, COOLMAX is a good brand.  I have running socks and love them so I bet these are great.

*Drink water and stay hydrated through the entire race.  I’m really good at staying hydrated AND they said that there will be water/Gatorade at every mile and possibly Coconut water too.

*Big potential for chafing, A & D diaper rash ointment and Body Glide recommended (I have already experienced this and it was NO fun, must be prepared!)

*No cotton fabric, wear something that breathes (must buy new clothes for the race soon so I can wear it on one of our long walks before the race)

*Snacks to carry in fanny pack during race:  jelly beans & raisins were recommended (hubby wants a Snickers bar LOL)

*Rain gear, extra dry socks in baggies (good one!)

*Garmin Heart rate Monitor and strap check

*iPod, head phones, case check

Other various items include headbands, Chapstick, camera, cell phone, sunglasses and ID.  I was looking at these waist packs but I’m not sure if I really need to carry a water bottle if there is going to be water at every mile marker.

Since we are doing this race in Jamaica (some call it “the best race ever”), we need to make sure we test and pack everything well in advance.  And you know it’s all going in my carry on!

You can go to marathonwalking.com for more tips.

Have you ever walked a 1/2 or full marathon?  Do you have any tips to share whether you have run or walked one?