13 Reasons Why The Half Marathon Is The Best Distance
If you've ever wondered why 13.1 miles is the most popular race distance, let these GIFs describe why.
By The Runner's World Editors
Cheryl Seligman
There are a million half marathons to choose from… actually, there are 2,800 to choose from in the U.S. Still, that's compared to only about 1,100 marathons.
It's a challenge without being overwhelming. Running 13 miles is still a long way to go, so you need to train, and train seriously. But at least your entire Sunday won't be spent recovering on the couch watching Netflix because of a super-long outing. (Looking for a running challenge? Sign up for Women's Health's Run 10 Feed 10 10-K Race!)
Training plans are usually only 10 weeks, not 16. So guess what? You can race with less long-term planning. (Crazy, right?!)
RELATED: Looking for a great way to train? We have our own plans for every distance and every runner.
You don't have to worry about marathon-training weight gain.
If you've run on a treadmill in your life, you'll be able to relate to these thoughts every woman has had on the treadmill:
Less waiting around for your friends and family who want to watch you, but they still have time to see you at different spots or grab a coffee while they await your triumphant finish.
Most people still need to consume some sort of fuel for a half. And let's be honest: Who doesn't think of energy chews as the adult version of Gushers? (Shoot, you could even use Gushers.)
RELATED: Find more great fueling options with these editor picks for best packaged foods
You won't hit the wall, or if you do, it won't derail you like the one marathoners hit around mile 20. (And TBH: This might be the worst feeling ever.)
When spectators yell "You're almost there!" at mile 12, they're not lying.
RELATED: 11 Things a Runner Never Wants to Hear
It doesn't take that long. You can run a half and still get brunch, go to the movies, get a mani/pedi, or visit a goat farm.
You won't feel like death after the race. The recovery time for most people is a day or two, and you won't be waking up feeling awful for a week.
Compared to a marathon, you have only half the chance of getting bloody nipples.
Charged with alerting Athenians about their victory on the battlefield, you'd make it to the outskirts of Pikermi, Greece—a charming little town of just more than 7,000.
It's a brag-worthy distance! People hear you ran 13.1 miles and they are majorly impressed!
The article 13 Reasons the Half Marathon Is the Best Distance originally appeared on Runner's World.
From: Runner's World US
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