10km or Half-marathon?

RunningFlyer

Hey guys,

I've decided to run in the Wicklow Gaol run on the 22nd May (http://wicklowhalfmarathonand10km.com/) but Im a bit undecided on which to go for - 10km or half marathon?

I've been running for quite a while now and try to average between 30-40km per week. I tend to mix the week with 4km, 6km, 9.5km and 11km runs as much as possible (mostly 6kms with maybe one or two long runs).

Anyway, my dilemma is choosing what race to go for. I dont have much experience in races and have only done a 5km race (20:12mins). If I go for the 10km run I will probably be looking for a good timing because I know I will be able to manage it OK. Whereas Im slightly more swayed towards the half marathon because I havent run that distance before so it would be a good challenge and it would give me a good idea on where I stand for summer training in anticipation for the DCM.

Just looking for advice really.. at the moment Id be more inclined to choose the half as it would be more of a challenge for me (but doable), but do you think it would be better to progress through the various races? eg. 5km -> 10km -> Half -> DCM ?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Krusty_Clown

If you haven't done a 10k before, I'd suggest you do the 10k. In you're training you've covered about 1/2 of the distance of the half marathon, whereas your preparation for the 10k is pretty solid. So based on what you've said above, you're well trained for the 10k, and under-trained for the half marathon. There are plenty more half marathons over the next few months, including the Dublin Half Marathon in the lead up to DCM. If you don't want to wait until September, sign up for a half in July or August, once you have stretched your training runs to 10 miles+.

I'm sure you could manage the 1/2 marathon, but it would be more a case of trying to finish it, rather than running it competently, and you might not enjoy the experience, whch would make training for DCM more difficult.

RunningFlyer

Hey Krusty,

Thanks for the advice.. Ive decided Im going to do the 10km and like you say leave the half marathon for mid-summer or something. I did think - although it would be a more a challenge for the half - it may be better to do the 10km and work my way gradually towards the DCM.

Thanks

Krusty_Clown

Have you got a training plan in mind? with just over 25 weeks to DCM, you could start into week 6 or 7 of the Hal Higdon half marathon program, before starting an 18 week program for DCM around the 20th June. Maybe look for a half marathon around mid June?

kit3

Hi, Achill half is on 3rd July. It's hilly but spectacular - would be a good one to aim for.