© Oleksandra Pokhodzhay | Dreamstime.com
Summer may just be getting started, but now is the best time to start thinking about a half marathon for fall. It seems like we are ages away from cooling temperatures, falling leaves, and everything pumpkin, but it will be here before we know it.
Need a few reasons to start training now?
Training time
If you begin now, it will be the perfect amount of time to get in a training block for a fall marathon. Many plans range from 12-18 weeks which puts you right in the sweet spot to start NOW.
Heat = strength
Though you will be feeling slower than ever in the summer heat, getting those training runs in while the mercury is high is the best way to feel great this fall. Use effort to dictate your pace and watch yourself slowly chip away time as things start to cool off.
Daylight
With all the extra daylight that summer brings it is the perfect time for both morning and evening runners to get some vitamin D. Ditch the headlamp and enjoy the long days outside while training for your fall race.
Discounts
By registering now, you can score the best prices on fall races. With a race on your calendar, there is no excuse to avoid training!
Stay on schedule
Summer days often become lazy because the kids are out of school and everyone is on a different schedule. With a training plan in place, you can stick to your routine by scheduling runs throughout the week.
Ice cream
Okay, it’s a guilty indulgence, but more running means more calories burned and more calories burned means more ice cream!
Race choices
For popular races, now is the time to register! Some sellout well in advance of the actual race date. Especially if they are big city events or popular series, it is important to register early.
Tune-ups galore
In most moderate-sized cities and larger, there are 5K’s and 10K’s every weekend. If you need a little help in getting your long run done or are looking for a speed workout, summer is a great time to train every weekend with a race.
Carissa Liebowitz has run the Boston Marathon as well as dozens of marathons and half marathons. You can follow her running adventures on Strava, Instagram and her blog.
