Half Marathon beginner question

jiggawigga

Hi guys,

I am planning on running the Dublin Marathon in October. I wanted to start training early (last week) and do a few half-marathons along the way. To kick things off I just registered for Dundalk Half Marathon in early May (gives me 5 months to train).

Question is, how soon after Dundalk could I run another one and what races are available around that time? Also how many halfs would be advisable to run between May and October? I know there's probably no set answers, but any help would be great.

My background is not in running, but I play a bit of ball and I'm reasonably fit.

Krusty_Clown

There is an often quoted rule of thumb, that says you shouldn't do any hard sessions (e.g. races, tempo, intervals) for the same number of days, as miles there were in the race. So for example, if you race a half marathon at your race pace (as fast as you can go over the distance), then you shouldn't do any very hard sessions for at least two weeks (but easier sessions should be fine). It's only a rule of thumb, and really depends on the individual (and there recovery rates).

You can run as many as you like! On a standard marathon training program, after the first few weeks, you'll be running at least that distance in a single run every week. Have a look at http://www.halhigdon.com/ which has training programs for half and full marathons.

As someone new'ish to running, you have to be careful to avoid increasing your weekly mileage at too great a rate, as it can lead to many problems (shin splints, calf strains, etc).

ecoli

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

There is an often quoted rule of thumb, that says you shouldn't do any hard sessions (e.g. races, tempo, intervals) for the same number of days, as miles there were in the race. So for example, if you race a half marathon at your race pace (as fast as you can go over the distance), then you shouldn't do any very hard sessions for at least two weeks (but easier sessions should be fine). It's only a rule of thumb, and really depends on the individual (and there recovery rates).

You can run as many as you like! On a standard marathon training program, after the first few weeks, you'll be running at least that distance in a single run every week. Have a look at http://www.halhigdon.com/ which has training programs for half and full marathons.

As someone new'ish to running, you have to be careful to avoid increasing your weekly mileage at too great a rate, as it can lead to many problems (shin splints, calf strains, etc).

I would be a bit more weary about how many you are doing given you are new to the sport i would be more inclined to do Dundalk and wouldnt do another one till the Adidas Half in the park in the build up to DCM. There is a big difference in the demand between training runs of half marathon distance and actually raceing it. If you can maintain training between them and keep gradually building you will have no problem but i would be more inclined to do few 5 and ten km and mile races in between which will show similar improvements. If you are worried about trying to get you endurance to a high level for the full as long as you manage your long runs and gradually build and maintain your mileage you will have no problem

jiggawigga

Thanks for the advice, think I'll see how the first one goes but at most do 2 in between Dundalk Half and the Dublin Marathon.

Krusty_Clown

Sorry, I should have qualified that to say that you can do as many as you like, but running them as training runs, rather than racing them all is advisable. As ecoli pointed out, you should try and get a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon race under your belt before taking on the marathon.

BrokenMan

You should have a look at Longford on August 29th or Dublin on September 18th, either would fit in nicely between Dundalk and Dublin.
You probably should try to get in a few 10K or 10 mile runs over the summer as well as they will stand to you on the longer distances.

henryporter

Definitely the Dublin 1/2 in September as it fits in Hal Higdons novice training plan for the distance that particular week. Another one that you could do before starting on your 18 week training plan for Dublin is the Achill Half which is on the 3rd July. Its a nice run, but hilly in parts. Best of luck with whatever ones you pick

topofthecat

if iwere you id enter a few short races like 5k,5 miler,10k,10 miler races as these races give u a feel for competitive running....running a hlf marathon in ur first race can be very tough and it could put u off running for a period of time just like a bad marathon would....i started running bout 3 years ago and my first competitive run was a 5 mile race and it felt like a full marathon....dont say you will just tip along easy during a race cos you wont...if there is any competitive streak in you it will surface in a race...and 1 other thing,on the day of your race,whatever distance ..run ur own race at ur own pace and not somebody elses race at their pace

keep in contact