This is the time of year for those contemplating a winter marathon to get started on the six months of preparation needed to safely complete a 26.2-miler.
Prospective marathoners face plenty of challenges and risks, both in training for and running the event. Marathon workouts demand a time and energy commitment that forces folks to juggle their attention to work, school, and family. At the very least, eating and sleeping patterns must be rearranged. The race itself poses fatigue and injury risks, as does any continuous, moderately intense activity that requires over two hours of effort.
Fortunately, there is an event that can give runners much of the satisfaction gained from marathon-running but with far less toll on their bodies and psyches. Welcome to the half-marathon.
Half-marathon best bet for many