Getting a Head Start on the McDonald's Half Marathon
As a veteran participant of the Sports Backers YMCA 10k Training Team, Amy Foreman decided to step it up and set a new goal of racing in the McDonald’s Half Marathon, part of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, on November 14. “I felt like maybe it was time to take it to the next level,” says Foreman. “I’ve always thought about wanting to do a marathon or half marathon, and actually looked around for some sort of half marathon training program last year, but was unable to find anything.”
The Sports Backers, who have organized training teams for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and the SunTrust Richmond Marathon for the past 8 years, saw that void as an opportunity and began a new program that started earlier this summer – the Half Marathon Training Team. “The half marathon is currently the fastest growing race distance, and we wanted to provide people the opportunity to reach that goal,” says Sports Backers Executive Director, Jon Lugbill.
And provide the opportunity, they did. In its first year, over 620 runners of various experience and speed have signed up to be a part of the Half Marathon Training Team. Foreman thinks this program is the best way to attain that 13.1-mile goal. “Anyone of any level or any shape can do it. It seems like with the help and planning of the Sports Backers, this program can be utilized by all sorts of people.”
Foreman, a working mom, appreciates the camaraderie, structure and organization of the Half Marathon Training Team program. “With two young kids and a full-time job, there is a lot of juggling,” she mentions. “But I have the training book, so I can track what I’m doing. The books are amazing. Chalk full of tons of tips and suggestions and a way to track your plan. It really prepares you and keeps you focused.”
After only three weeks, Foreman still has a few jitters concerning the 13.1 miles she plans to conquer on November 14. “It is worrisome,” she says. “That’s a lot of mileage for me – I’ve never run anything more than a 10k!” But the nerves are all part of it. “It’s a mental thing for me. I really have to push myself every time. But with the Cheetahs’ (Foreman’s specific HMTT Saturday running group) and my friends’ support and accountability, I know I’m really in it.”
Think you might want to join a training team next year? For more information about any of the Sports Backers Training Teams or events, please visit www.sportsbackers.org.
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