Long distance exercise

[yolande]

I recently completed my first half marathon - jogged comfortably for 12 miles then my body just had enough - got very nauseous, legs went to jelly and I had to walk the final mile. It seemed to be at about 2 1/2 hours, which is as long as I had ever trained before. My muscles were fine and mentally I was still feeling really good, I think I was just exhausted. Any tips on how to train to really have stamina over a long period? I'm not sure whether to train long distances or build up my fitness over short periods. I am slightly overweight female but generally fit and healthly (3-4 hour long CV per week) - any tips?

[pterodactyl]

Hi yolande.....congratulations on your first half marathon!!!
Runners World training plans are really good (www.runnersworld.com & click on training & then on 1/2 marathon). There is an english version too but I like the American one better. The discussions are also really good with lots of tips & encouragement available!
I also have the Nike+ shoes linked to my ipod & the spoken feedback is really encouraging. You can also download spoken training plans on itunes & then onto your ipod.
Hope this is of some use....Good luck with your next one!!

[birdwoman]

Yolande - well done on completing your first half marathon! Do you train on your own? I joined a running club last year and it was the best thing I could have done because my running has improved no end. You will also meet like minded people who will train with you and motivate you. I also recently ran my first half marathon but didn't do too well because I got an inury 2 weeks before the race. I found out today that I have an acute stress fracture in my pelvis. No wonder it bl00dy hurt!!!!