Would this be mad? Half marathon in 4 weeks?

annieee

I'm looking for advice from some of the more experienced among you please.

I'm contemplating my first half marathon (Strawberry Half). Last weekend my long run was 12kms. If I ran 14kms next weekend, 16kms the weekend after and then a shorter run the weekend before the half would it be enough preparation?

I also run 2 track sessions a week with a club, though I may not get to all of them this month due to family stuff and bank holiday etc. I'll go out myself instead though on alternative days.

I'd love to experience a half marathon, but would I be crazy to rush into one like this? It's a bit over-ambitious isn't it?

RayCun

Have you raced shorter distances? How long are your track sessions, or what would you run as an alternative? What is your running base?

annieee

RayCun wrote: »

Have you raced shorter distances? How long are your track sessions, or what would you run as an alternative? What is your running base?

I've run 3 10ks, a good few 5ks.


Track sessions are usually an hour - example of a session would be 10 x 300ms @ 70 seconds. 2 mins recovery between each.

I started couch to 5k last Summer, joined club in October and have been very consistent in training, rarely miss track sessions or weekend runs.

The thoughts of a half scares me though, especially if I'm not fully prepared. Probably should just not be so impatient and do one after the Summer.

Oryx

How did you feel after the 12k? I ran my first half without ever running more than 11miles before it, with a 7 month base. You may be ok for this, but you would have to watch your pace carefully, so you dont go off at your 10k pace only to fall apart half way around. Sounds like your not far off it runwise tho.

Im doing that race too btw.

--amadeus--

I'm doing it to, it'll be my race debut at the distance so I can't wait

It really depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want the experience, aren't worried about time and are willing to run very conservativly (possibly with a run 5km, walk a bit strategy) then you will get around the course.

But if you want to do your best, lay down a decent time and feel good during and after the race you are better off waiting and doing some specific training. There are lots of halves around, no need to jump at the first one!

annieee

Oryx wrote: »

How did you feel after the 12k? I ran my first half without ever running more than 11miles before it, with a 7 month base. You may be ok for this, but you would have to watch your pace carefully, so you dont go off at your 10k pace only to fall apart half way around. Sounds like your not far off it runwise tho.

Im doing that race too btw.

I felt good after my 12k! Could have done more I think. Took it fairly easy. I'm conscious of too much too soon and getting injured too, dont want to over-do it.

annieee

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I'm doing it to, it'll be my race debut at the distance so I can't wait

It really depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want the experience, aren't worried about time and are willing to run very conservativly (possibly with a run 5km, walk a bit strategy) then you will get around the course.

But if you want to do your best, lay down a decent time and feel good during and after the race you are better off waiting and doing some specific training. There are lots of halves around, no need to jump at the first one!

I've already missed the Kildare half and the Wickow half! It feels like I'll never get to do one at this stage.

I think if I did one, and had a bench mark, and learned from the experience then I could knuckle down to training properly for the next one iykwim.

Best of luck in your debut!

RayCun

Someone more experienced might chime in, but I'd say you'd be fine. I'd drop the track sessions for the next few weeks, do more 'normal' runs, you should be grand.

RubyK

Sounds like you really want to do it annieee - so why not Like you, I missed two half's I had hoped to do, so it's third time lucky for both of us in getting to Enniscorthy!

As you said, it'll be a bench-mark for future runs (that's what I'm telling myself too).

You have a couple of weeks to up the miles a little. I'd say you'll do it no problem.

annieee

RubyK wrote: »

Sounds like you really want to do it annieee - so why not Like you, I missed two half's I had hoped to do, so it's third time lucky for both of us in getting to Enniscorthy!

As you said, it'll be a bench-mark for future runs (that's what I'm telling myself too).

You have a couple of weeks to up the miles a little. I'd say you'll do it no problem.

There are two weeks left before entries close so I'll push on with my plan and see how I feel then.

Thanks a million for your input and advice!

lipi

You should go for it. I did my first half last summer with about 4 weeks proper training and way less of a base than you. Did 10 miles the week before (in hindsight it was too close to the race:eek:) and was able to get around no bother at a sensible pace.

Also there's a half in Clontarf the first sunday in July if you'd prefer.

Oryx

Clontarf is very flat, enniscorthy is supposed to have a few nice hills.

Dilbert75

There's also the Oylegate half in August, if you're looking to stay around Wexford.

deisecelt

Hey, how did yaget on? Im in the same boat as u this yr? Can do about twelve k, have ran ten k a few times, avg time about 55 mins. Hopin to do the enniscorthy half on 26 June. Gonna give up the beer till then. Did u finish it and if so what trainin did ya do for the last 4 weeks? Im not in a club or not doin fartlek trainin or anything like that, i just head out for a run a few times a week. THanks again

woody1

hi , i ran the ballina half (river moy ) at the weekend , having only run past 10k once before, i had a fair bit of a base in for 10k running ,and adventure races and stuff but nothing amazing, ran 19k about 10 days before as a test with no major hassle, and then ran the 21 and a bit at the weekend.. ran out of juice a bit over the last 3 k, wouldve been happier if i was a tiny bit quicker but its definitely possible,
if your getting out 3 times a week your getting out more than i have at any point this year..

annieee

deisecelt wrote: »

Hey, how did yaget on? Im in the same boat as u this yr? Can do about twelve k, have ran ten k a few times, avg time about 55 mins. Hopin to do the enniscorthy half on 26 June. Gonna give up the beer till then. Did u finish it and if so what trainin did ya do for the last 4 weeks? Im not in a club or not doin fartlek trainin or anything like that, i just head out for a run a few times a week. THanks again

Hiya! I only managed to get to 14kms in training before I got injured. I had to completely stop running for 10 days before the half. Tried to sell my entry but no takers. So......I recovered and just ran it to finish it, not for a time - (really slow - 2 hours 11 minutes)

It's an enjoyable course, lots of supporters out, really friendly. In fact I think in a strange way I enjoyed it more by running it slowly and at a relaxed pace than by busting myself trying to break 2 hours. :cool:

Best of luck!