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As we approach the last quarter of 2013, it is safe to assume about 99% of the 2013 half marathons are published, with 2014 event dates now starting to roll in. Hence, we have totaled the current number of half marathons listed across the USA to evaluate the half marathon growth from 2012 to 2013.

Last year Fifty States HALF Marathon Club & Halfmarathonsearch.com's CEO Nicole Blomgren, USATF Certified Official, analyzed and provided a count of approximately 2005 half marathons, officially listed on the Halfmarathonsearch.com Half Marathon Calendar, a complete listing of half marathons across the USA with both search by state and search by month features. The new approximate total for half marathons in the USA (total listed on Halfmarathonsearch.com) has now reached a total of approximately 2200 half marathons. This is growth of approximately 200 half marathons added across the USA over the past year.

The most significant half marathon growth over the last year occurred across California, Oregon and Colorado, with over 50 California half marathon additions, 21 Oregon half marathon additions, and 15 new Colorado half marathon additions, followed by Michigan and Virginia with 12 new half marathons.

With no doubt, half marathon events offering an exciting venue with beautiful scenery, or out of the ordinary swag and medals to attract runners, typically sell out year after year. However, we have also seen some events cancel over the past year due to low attendance, observed a few go out of business, and several states with a decrease in half marathons over the past year. This could be evidence of increased competition in some regions, and the importance of planning and a well thought out schedule, a great website, and cool swag and medals to attract runners. Runners will travel from all over to attend a race that has an awesome course or great swag, but it has to be well portrayed on a website to attract runners. Having a race listing on a race calendar registration site alone will not do the job. Additionally, with more races to choose from comes higher expectations from runners and the importance for half marathon events to list their upcoming event dates 8 months to 1 year out in this growing half marathon running era.

The growing half marathon running era shows no slowing trend, and Halfmarathonsearch.com predicts further continuous growth at approximately the same growth rate over the next year. While half marathon events continue to grow, the half marathon runners and clubs such as Fifty States Half Marathon Club, also have seen significant growth over the last 2 years. The half marathon 13.1 mile distance is a fun distance, long enough for a challenge, and short enough to recover quickly and still enjoy an evening out on the town at a weekend destination. Many first timers immediately catch the half marathon addiction once they complete their 1st. We look forward to another exciting year of half marathon growth and are so honored to be a part of this fabulous half marathon running community.

TOP 10 HALF MARATHON GROWTH STATES IN PAST YEAR

California Half Marathons - over 50 half marathons added

Oregon Half Marathons - 21 half marathons added

Colorado Half Marathons - 15 half marathons added

Michigan Half Marathons - 12 half marathons added

Virginia Half Marathons - 12 half marathons added

Missouri Half Marathons - 11 half marathons added

Washington Half Marathons - 10 half marathons added

Tennessee Half Marathons - 6 half marathons added

Nebraska Half Marathons - 5 half marathons added

Arkansas Half Marathons - 5 half marathons added

Runner's Training Quote of the Week ....

2013-07-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

"If you run 100 miles a week, you can eat anything you want -- Why? Because

(a) you'll burn all the calories you consume,

(b) you deserve it, and

(c) you'll be injured soon and back on a restricted diet anyway."

--Don Kardong

More Running and Training Resources

Half Addict™ - Half Marathon Addict™ Bright Yellow Sticker & Purplish - Mauve Sticker Now For Sale

2013-06-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Nice big bright yellow and a purplish mauve Half Addict™ - Half Marathon Addict™ product line of stickers are now available for all of you Half Marathon Addicts out there! The product line plans to roll out more products and apparel later in the year!! They are nice and big for the back of an SUV or truck or vehicle you wish to display the colorful symbol on of your love for the 13.1 distance!

Here are images and links to the online store you can purchase them at!

Half Addict™ - Half Marathon Addict™ Online Store

Have a Half Marathon Race Review? OR are you a Half Marathon Race Director or Event Organizer?

2012-02-28T02:33:00.002-08:00

Feel free to share with us your Half Marathon race reviews.

What to share?

Course description: flat, hilly, rollers, scenic

Best moment of the race?

What could they improve on if anything?

Swag?

Medals?

Food?

Aid Stations?

Post Party entertainment?

CONTACT US

Are you a Race Director or Event Organizer and want to improve your website for athletes?
Read the Article at this site
What do you Include on your Website?:

Do you want to advertise your event on one of our State Pages at
Half Marathon Calendar 2012 ?
We are running a special, advertise 2 consecutive months or longer and we'll give you the ad for only $100/month!!!!
Contact us for availability of the ad spot you'd like.

Cool Video of Ryan Hall's Quest to break Half Marathon Record

2011-11-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

COLD WEATHER TRAINING

2011-11-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

Cold Weather Training
Article By: Paul “Crazy Legs” Stofko RRCA Running Coach
November 3, 2011

Cold weather training requires a little extra planning and protection before you head out the door. Your body loses heat quickly in cold weather due to convection (heat loss due to motion), conduction (transfer of heat due to temperature changes), evaporation of moisture, and radiation (transfer of energy caused by the difference between skin temperature and ambient temperature). The right layers will protect you from the elements without weighing you down. Cold can take it toll on your performance and comfort. And frostbitten skin is always a risk. But if you take some simple precautions, you can maintain your mileage in anything weather winter bring your way.

The challenge in dressing for winter training is not only to keep the winter chill and wetness out, but to manage the heat and moisture your body produces as well. Even in subfreezing temperatures your body produces a lot of heat and sweat. You can produce up to two liters per hour when running. Water conducts heat away from your body 25 times faster than air – great in summer, but dangerous in cold temperatures. Staying dry under your layers is critical and can impact heart rate, as well as comfort, dryness, and warmth.

Here are some tips for dressing in layers:

First Layer

Forget cotton. It holds moisture next to your skin. Choose the new lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that hold a very small percentage of their weight in moisture. Performance microfibers hold less than on percent of their weight in water compared to 17% wool or 8% cotton.

Second Layer

If you running in very cold weather, you may need a middle layer to trap the warmth your muscles generate. Choose a layer that produces maximum warmth with minimum bulk. Synthetic fibers have an advantage of staying drier than natural ones.

Outer Layer

Fibers have been developed that block the elements without trapping too much heat and moisture underneath. Look for waterproof fabrics that vent.

Hands and Head

Up to 40% of your body’s heat loss occurs from the head due to a large blood supply, extra surface area, and the mucus membranes of the nose and mouth. Choose thin microfiber hats and lightweight gloves liners for your hands.

Don’t forget your feet

Cotton is a bad choice for socks. Look for synthetic socks that won’t hold moisture and become packed down when damp.

Great training video on Calorie & Fat Torching Workouts

2011-11-06T20:28:00.000-08:00