getting ready for half, do I need strength training?

I signed up for a half-marathon at the end of October this past weekend... I'd just run a 5k and was still on a high.  Now that I've thought about it, I'm getting worried.  As I tend to overthink anyway, I find more and more to be concerned about.  I've pretty well settled on a schedule that seems doable, but now I'm wondering if I need to incorporate weights or other strength work -- thoughts?

BTW, here's my schedule.  Any advice is welcome and MUCH appreciated!!

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
1	2	off	1	2	off	3	off	8
2	2	1	2	1	off	3	off	9
3	2	off	1	2	off	4	off	9
4	2	1	2	1	off	4	off	10
5	2	off	2	2	off	4	off	10
6	2	off	3	2	off	4	off	11
7	2	off	3	2	off	5	off	12
8	3	off	3	2	off	5	off	13
9	3	off	3	2	off	6	off	14
10	3	off	3	3	off	4	off	13
11	3	off	3	3	off	6	off	15
12	3	off	3	3	off	7	off	16
13	3	off	3	3	off	7	off	16
14	3	off	3	3	off	8	off	17
15	3	off	4	3	off	6	off	16
16	3	off	4	3	off	8	off	18
17	3	off	4	3	off	8	off	18
18	3	off	4	3	off	10	off	20
19	3	off	4	4	off	10	off	21
20	3	off	4	4	off	8	off	19
21	3	off	3	3	off	12	off	21
22	3	off	3	3	off	8	off	17
23	3	off	3	3	off	6	off	15
24	2	2	off	2	off	13.1	off	19.1

You should absolutely include strength training in your program. Strength training will increase running economy, strength, and power.

Do you have any suggestions on where to start?  I have a couple sets of dumbells - 5# and 8# - as well as an exercise ball and some resistance bands somewhere in the closet.  I *really* appreciate any guidance you can offer!

Do you have access to a gym right now?

Unfortunately, no... can't afford it right now.

Everyone should do strength training.

Also, several triathlon coaches have told me that long bike rides and swimming can help you build up your endurance for your run without having to beat your body running long distances.

Cross-training rocks.

A 24 week training plan is great for your first half.  Looks kinda similiar to what I did for my first half.  Dont doubt yourself and you can do it!

You have 3 scheduled off days in the week, so that can be your natural strength training days.  Focusing on a few muscle groups each day will give you balance as you start out.  I would avoid doing a lot of leg wor****il you get see how your legs feel after running regularly for a few weeks, but you could do something like

Tuesday - Quads/calves
Friday- Biceps/Shoulders
Sunday- Chest/Triceps

If you haven't done a lot of weight training, then I'd recommend doing low weight and 8-10 reps.  Also doing 2-3 exercises per muscle group is fine to start out.  Increase weight as you feel getting stronger

Good luck

Brian
~350

I agree that weight training is a great compliment to running; it will make you a stronger runner.  One thing I would add from my experience is don't do legs the day before your long training runs.  My legs felt so "heavy" when I ran after working out my legs with weights.

Looks like you have a great training plan!

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, everyone!!  I'm psyched.