A Runner's World team of experts - a coach, a physical therapist, and a nutritionist - will examine three runners' preparations for the National Half Marathon and help them to create a 10-week training plan to reach their targets.

The Runners:

Deborah Dyle (33) is a stay-at-home mom and first-timer with finishing the half-marathon as her personal goal. She took up running to stay in shape after her second child was born and keeps running to show both of her kids the importance of exercise and healthy living.

Valdi Sapira (45) is an emergency room physician and former marathoner who's fallen behind and gained some weight over the last few years. He is determined to get back into running and to use the exercise to drop those extra pounds.

Kate Hoof (38) is a high school teacher and veteran racer pushing for a personal record. She has never worked with a coach and anticipates that the training team may help to reduce her half-marathon time.

Official training with Coach Toby Tanser, Physical Therapist David Balsley, and Nutritionist Leslie Bonci (M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N., C.S.S.D.) starts January 19 and ends March 29, 2008, race day of the National Marathon in Washington, DC.

For more information on the Runner's World Half-Marathon Challenge, watch for updates on the Runner's World Web site.

For information regarding this race and how to register, please visit 2008 Wirefly National Marathon