Ah, crystal ball, what does the future hold?

OK. So once we get done with our half marathons this spring what is next?

I had an e-mail from a Half Wit about what us "veteran" halfers do when we are not training for a race... (by the way, for those who are not half "veterans", your title for now is virgin!)

You've covered clothing, stretching, coming back from illness, but I'm also curious about the regimen you veteran half marathoners follow when you're not training specifically for a race. How many times per week do you run? Is there a certain distance you run each day? Do you do a long run each week?

One of the really valuable tools I got from Abe's Army and the Half Wits was the training schedule. I followed the Abe's training guide to the letter and have tried to do the same with the Half Wits. But after Abe's Army I felt a little adrift; I'd like a plan in mind for after the Lincoln Memorial, and any suggestions would be welcome.

I will say this up front because I have gone through this myself...

To those of you who have never run a half marathon before and who have been training, anticipating, thinking about the accomplishment for several months, be prepared for a let down after the race. It's nothing to worry about, it is just a natural reaction, but you should expect it. A week or so after you come down from your high of finishing the race, you might feel like you are in a funk.

So, what to do?

A couple things come to mind.

First of all, find another goal race after your half and get registered for it.

It does not have to be the same or longer distance, just a goal race. Maybe it's your hometown summer festival 5k. Maybe it's Abe's Amble. I have always wanted to run the Bix 7 in the Quad Cities (July) but have never done it. By having another goal to shoot for after the half, you can just keep going. And if you are already registered for that race you are more likely to stay in shape so you can run it.

Second, find some running buddies.

As you all have experienced, the group dynamic does wonders. Find someone who will meet during the week. Find a group that runs on the weekends. There's plenty of Half Wits you can hook up with. And the Panera thing just keeps going on Saturday mornings. We have been doing it every Saturday for several years now. It's not always the same people, it might not be a big group, but there is almost always someone running from Panera on Saturday morning. There are plenty of runners out there. Just ask if they want to run together. Don't worry so much about your "pace". When running with friends you seem to find a group pace.

OK Half Wits, once again, let's hear your advice. Whatcha do to prevent the post-half letdown? How do you hook up with other runners? What are your motivation tips?