I feel like a bit of a fraud writing this post. You see, because I possess ZERO natural running talent, I have to train if I’m going to run a race. There’s just no two ways about it for me. So if I wasn’t able to train there would truly be only one choice: don’t run the race.

But whenever we get close to a big race (this time, I’m seeing it for Wine and Dine Half at Disney World) the questions start popping up everywhere:

See that guy? This was the year he ran the DL half on a broken toe. NOT a great choice if you ask me. But what do I know, I’m just his wife;).

If my longest run was only 8 miles, can I still finish the race?

Hey, has anybody every run a half marathon with no training?

I’ve had the flu and haven’t been able to run for almost 3 weeks. Is there time for me to get back on track?

I am NOT judging. Not in  any way. After all, life happens to all of us and the problem, specifically with destination races like Disney, is that you’ve most likely forked out a significant amount of money (some of it non-refundable) and if you can’t get that money back, darn it, you’re gonna run!

I get it. And as in most things with running, the decision to run a race under-trained is very individual. I think you have a few choices if you find yourself unprepared.

1. Are you already running intervals? If not, doing a run/walk ratio is a great way to complete a distance. I don’t remember where I read it, but somewhere Jeff Galloway said you can run up to 30% more than your longest distance comfortably if you run/walk (if you are a straight runner). If you know where this info is, please post it in the comments!
2. Would you consider walking the whole thing? My BRF (best running friend) Sara and I did this for the Princess last year (her IT band was giving her fits!) and honestly, it was very fun and a completely different experience. But a slight warning here: it’s still HARD to walk 13.1 miles so if you’re really undertrained, this may not be the best option.
3. Are you willing to start and go as far as you can and declare a DNF if it doesn’t work out? There are multiple places along the course where you just walk up to a medical tent and say “yeah, I’m done” and they will politely and respectfully drive you to the finish area. 
4. Don’t run the race. Consider volunteering or just cheering on your friends who are going. This is a tough choice but if you are truly unprepared, you are not only making a dangerous choice for yourself but potentially for those around you (having seen more than one person collapse I can tell you it’s scary when it’s a crowded course and someone just goes down).