Hi everyone,

My father had a bit of a health scare about a year ago and lost 50 lbs through a LOT of cardio and practically no-fat diet. He had really high cholesterol and diabetes. So he was really motivated to get into shape. He lost the weight in just six months and now he looks a bit skeleton-like. Happily, his health is good now, diabetes under control and cholesterol is very normal.

This experience has lit a spark within him and he is now coming with me to Denver to participate in the half-marathon! I am thrilled. He asked me if I would get some recommendations on how he should train, since he doesn't want to lose any more weight and would ideally like to build muscle. I am in weight loss mode, so I didn't want to steer him wrong. He is going to see his doctor soon for a complete check-up since he's never run before.

What is the best method of training - 3 days of weights BFL style and 3 days of walking/jogging?

Open to your suggestions/recommendations...

By the way, I am trying to get him to join the site - keep ya posted!

Cara, check out these sites, hope they help!

http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic...-386-0,00.html

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm

Hey Pensive,

As someone who is also training for the 1/2 marathon I know the cardio training is absolutely essential (I ran 14 miles for the first time this morning). But since cardio training is more conducive to losing weight he will have to do things a little differently.

What I decided to do is cut out the lower body exercises completely, since I am running so much and I don't want to tire my legs out. I run 3x a week and do upper body2x a week, and the result appears to be some muscle gain in my upper body. In addition, in Body-For-Life Bill recommends increasing the carb intake, especially in the mornings, for people who are trying to gain weight/muscle.

Hope this helps . And I'll see both of you in Denver