Ten weeks until the half marathon: tips for running and training
Last year's half marathon training class on race day (Photo: Contributed)
Ten weeks from now ' April 30 ' marks the day of the annual St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon & Half Marathon. Lee students have the opportunity to participate for free every spring semester with Friday night dinner, lodging and registration costs all covered by Lee University.
Students can sign up in the Recreation Center by April 21 to reserve their spot.
Bill Estes, dean of the College of Education, is an experienced runner himself, having participated in 15 half marathons and four full marathons thus far. He also teaches a half marathon training elective class each spring. Estes has high hopes every spring semester for students wanting to participate in the half marathon.
'I want to keep wellness at the front of the mind of the folks on campus. Not only spiritual wellness'but physical too,' Estes said.
Estes shared his 10-week training schedule for those who wish to prepare for the half marathon.
Estes stressed the importance of self-discipline and said running a half marathon is not only meant to challenge the body, but the mind simultaneously.
'Be disciplined. Don't take days off. Start with a plan and stick to it. But always remember, it's not a race' it's a run,' Estes said.
As far as race day, Estes provided tips for an overall gratifying half marathon experience:
Get there early.
Don't do anything new ' whatever you did on your last long run, do exactly that; no changes.
Start slow .
Enjoy the event ' don't stress about what to wear. Don't stress about motivation; there will be plenty of people to cheer you on at each mile.
Senior Jennifer Vickman, ran her first half marathon last spring because she thought it was a great opportunity to do something she had never considered doing before.
'I really enjoyed seeing all the locals come out to support us runners. They made some hilarious signs for us to read when we ran by and some even played music,' Vickman said.
Junior Alyssa Dunnchose was surprised by how entertaining the race was last year, after leaving her iPod at home after seeing rain in the forecast.
'There's no need to worry about how to entertain yourself for 13.1 miles,' Dunnchose said. 'I couldn't believe how lively and motivating the environment was, even on such a gloomy day. There was live music playing along the way, which was so encouraging because it always gave me something to look forward to [going] ahead,' Dunn said.
After crossing the finish line from your successful 13.1 mile run, prepare for a rewarding free night headliner concert at the Bridgestone Arena to enjoy lively culture and world class entertainment in the famous 'Music City.'
