Here we go

Dear J and A,
It's almost 2009, and that means it's time to get serious about the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis. I hope you're signed up, because the race is full and registration is closed.

By the middle of January, training for the half marathon will begin. The training schedule assumes you can run a 5k. Between now and Jan. 18, you need to do everything in your power to meet that 5k goal. This week, each workout should begin with 5 min. of brisk walking, and 25 min. of jogging. Sorry, we don't call it jogging anymore. You're training to be runners, so it's running. The next week, add a couple more minutes of running. The week of Jan. 11, run for 30 minutes each time out.

Try hard to find a way to run outdoors at least once a week. Look for a high school or college track; a secure trail, or a safe neighborhood. Find someone else to run with. Consider joining a running club if the budget allows.

It can't be stressed enough how important it is to be ready for your half marathon training. If you're ready, you will slide right into the main event in comfort. If not, it could be a struggle. Training ramps up quickly, and it won't be long before you're racking up 20-plus miles a week. So, you need to be ready going in, and once in, you need to stick with the schedule. You don't want to get to Indy in May doubting your fitness.

I've selected a training schedule that's a notch above the minimum. Not only do I think you are capable of doing it, I think you'll want that extra bit of challenge.

The beauty is, the schedule gives you wiggle room. Feeling too challenged? Cut the next workout down. Feeling good? Run the full workout.

On May 2, you'll be standing in a crowd of 35,000 runners. You'll be nervous, anxious, excited, exhilarated. You'll be wondering if you can really run 13 miles. You'll worry about your pace and if the hills will take too much energy.

You're going to experience all those sensations and more no matter how your training goes. There are no guarantees in such a long race, but I promise that if you are committed and faithful, you WILL be capable and ready.