Ready, set, race

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, July, 2003

There comes a time in a woman's life when she begins to reach deep inside herself, searching for clearer meanings, stronger beliefs and a greater sense of understanding. It's a time when she strives for an experience that can provide a sense of empowerment, growth, independence and self-esteem. A sense of strength ... mind, body and soul.

Ask any woman who runs and she'll tell you that running allows her to be free, to escape daily challenges, to find solitude in her thoughts and, of course, to do something good for herself. It can be done anywhere, at any time. It's easy, convenient and doesn't cost more than the price of a pair of supportive running shoes. If you've ever wanted to be an athlete, if you've ever wanted to open your mind and body to the wonders of your physical being, or if you've never considered running more than a few miles, then this training program is for you. If you're a walker, you can easily substitute walking for running in this training guide.

What you hold in your hands is a comprehensive manual to everything you'll need to take on your first half-marathon. Within these pages you'll find running and resistance-training programs that will allow you to build up to race mileage slowly and safely and get you to the finish line feeling good. You'll also find out what you'll need to get started, what to wear, what to eat and what to expect during training and come race day.

M & F HERS challenges you to make the commitment to train with us as we embark on this exciting challenge. Join us in a journey guaranteed to fulfill your longing for an incredible life experience, one that will give you strength like you've never known.

--The Editors

Run Away With Us!

As editors of this magazine, we'd like to put our money where our mouths are and not only challenge you to train for your first half-marathon, but to come race with us! Carey Rossi Walker, Michelle Basta Boubion, Steve Mazzucchi (yes, he's a dude, but he's still a staffer) and a few others (who don't know it yet) will be at the following races in California. Come run with us, then hang out at the finish line to swap race and training stories.

September

The Race: Camp Pendleton Half-Marathon, San Diego

Date/Time: Saturday, September 13, 2003, 7:30 a.m. PT

Fee: $35

The Skinny: This half-marathon is relatively small, drawing around 1,000 runners. The course is an out and back and includes some hills as well as some flat and fast sections. This is a good one if you don't want to get lost in the crowd.

October

The Race: Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, Long Beach, California

Date/Time: Sunday, October 12, 2003, 8:15 a.m. PT

Fee: $40

The Skinny: This one is relatively huge since it's an international race that offers both the marathon and half-marathon distances. The course is considered flat and fast, winding along the shoreline of Long Beach. This is a good one if you love running with people all around you.

November

The Race: Santa Clarita Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K, Santa Clarita, California

Date/Time: Sunday, November 2, 2003, 7 a.m. PT

Fee: $32

The Skinny: This is a cool medium-sized race. The half-marathon starts at one point and finishes at another (park at the finish and get shuttled to the start), so the whole course is new to you as you go. It's flat and fun.

Get more information on these and other half-marathons by visiting www.active.com, where you can also register online.