miles of abbie

… to complete a race this year. Before you laugh and just leave Miles of Abbie, hear me out.

Inspired by the comments about some of my running posts (Traveling to Runand Athens Marathon Race Re-Cap), I decided that all of you are totally capable of completing a race, whether you believe it or not. I have seen people who couldn’t run a mile on the first day, complete a whole marathon 4 months later. It can be done

I realize that this is quite a challenge for some of you, and I’m prepared to be your #1 Supporter. Find me on Twitter (@MilesofAbbie), Facebook (Abbie Mood), or e-mail (Use the contact form on this site).

Choosing a Race

1. Running

* 5K – 3.1 miles
* 10K – 6.2 miles
* Half marathon – 21.1K or 13.1 miles
* Marathon – 42.2K or 26.2 miles
* Relay – varying distances
* Mud Run – varying distances

2. Triathlon

* Sprint – 740m swim, 20K/12 miles bike, 5K run (note that this distance can vary)
* Olympic – 1.5K (just under a mile) swim, 40K/25 miles bike, 10K run
* Half Ironman – 1.9K/1.2 miles swim, 90K/56 miles bike, 21.1K/13.1 miles run
* Ironman – 3.8K/2.4 miles swim, 180K/112 miles bike, 42.2K/26.2 miles run

3. Century Ride – 161K/100 miles on the bike

How To Get Started

First, check out Runnersworld.com for training plans, tips, and to find races.  BeginnerTriathlete.com has the same information for triathlons.  If you are interested in learning about the Run/Walk Method (my favorite), go toJeffGalloway.com.  UPDATE – Check out Jeff’s post – Getting Started Running.

Second, consider finding a training group in your area.  Check outmeetup.com, check out a local running specialty store, or simply google search “running” and “your city”.  If you can convince a friend or significant other to train with you, even better!

Third, consider joining one of the many fundraising teams.  I’ve trained for a run two marathons with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, but many organizations are starting to follow the LLS lead and raise money in exchange for training.

With Team in Training, you agree to raise a certain amount of money and in return you become part of a local team that meets at least once per week on the weekends, and sometimes once or twice during the week.  You have a coach and a mentor to support you through the training and the fundraising.

Somewhere near the end of the L.A. Marathon,

My Race Plans for 2010

* 5K – Spring (Possible Races – Newport Beach Spirit Run, Laguna Hills Memorial Run)
* 1/2 Marathon – Summer (Possible races – America’s Finest, Orange County, San Fran)
* Marathon – Marine Corps Marathon on Oct. 31 (Registration opens April 7)

So who’s in????

Photo Credit: L.A. Marathon Photographer