gradually increase your distance to up to 11-12 miles a few days before race day, but don't pass 12 miles, cuz you'll want to achieve 13.1 for the first time during the actual race. be sure to have a day of rest every 2 or 3 days. very important: get shoes that fit properly and break them in well before the race. go to a specialty running store like road runner sports and have your feet fitted and running style analyzed for the best running shoes to fit your needs. if running for long periods of time is a challenge, try alternating running and walking in intervals, such as 5 mins run/1 min walk, and figure out what works best for you. if possible, use a watch that beeps for the intervals, or better yet invest in a runner's watch w/ GPS like a garmin forerunner. try to find a half-marathon training group or pace group to run with and keep you motivated. stretch and loosen your muscles and joints and be warmed up before the race, and stretch and ice after. carbo load 2 days before and the day before. hydrate often, at every point that they hand out water/electrolytes, but don't drink so much that your stomach is full of liquid. eat a light but good complete breakfast. most of all, enjoy and have fun! best of luck to you on your first 13.1! - brian!  254.4 #970 10:04AM

Wow, 3 weeks! That's so soon. I took over 10 weeks to train for the Disneyland Half, but I hadn't run much before that. I recommend trying to run 9 or 10 miles at least a week before the race to make sure you can do the distance. - TamiPoppins  39.7 #4004 12:22PM

My husband is a physical therapist and a distance runner. I asked him and he said without knowing your history, the only advice he can give you is to gradually increase your mileage each week (although 3 weeks isn't much time) and to make sure to ice afterwards to minimize pain. Good luck! - Smackerel  211.9 #1455 12:49PM

Thanks for the input guys, I know I'm asking for a butt kicking but i promised myself I would do a whole marathon once in my life... defiantly bucket list worthy... so as of now im just gonna run and diet till the 6th of Nov. wish me luck. - CptKirk  697.0 #142 1:11PM

Wow, brave man! I'm giving myself until 2013 and starting my training now (of course I'm massively out of shape and can't jog yet). Best wishes for a successful run! - Duchess73  294.1 #644 3:38PM

Brave, and maybe a little crazy!! My advice would be to increase your distance a little each day- cycle between walking and jogging/running- but to listen to your body and if it is telling you it is going to collapse, don't over-do it. It would be better to not finish this 1/2 marathon, but be able to continue to train for one a few more months (at least!) down the road... than to hurt yourself because you overdid it when your body wasn't conditioned for it. That's my opinion, anyway. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck- and am keeping my fingers crossed your training goes MUCH faster than mine! - kitteeohana  4.1 #12898 8:13AM

I have no advice just wish you lots of luck! - Twinklelashes  144.4 #2376 8:45AM

Thanks guys. I'm not too scared, ill just end up walking the rest if my body gives out, crawl even..lol but of course start running as soon as I get near the finish line for a great photo finish..lol - CptKirk  697.0 #142 8:52AM

2 weeks till my Half marathon and I'm getting nervous. Cross your fingers for me. - CptKirk  697.0 #142 9:29PM

good luck! - Madi  204.1 #1575 9:35PM

Wondering how the marathon went? Hope it was great and succeeded! - Jackie211  472.2 #255 7:40PM

Yes! How'd the half go? - Spoonful_O_Sugar  436.2 #285 9:00AM