The Half Marathon support Thread

the drifter

ok so here it is...the support thread spawned from my training plan thread. Check in...tell us your aims...give us advice and discuss your training here..


ill start

ill be starting the Hal Higdon half marathon plan on monday

im running 4 months have done a 5k a 10k and a leg of the cork marathon im aiming to come in under the 2 hour mark in the Galway Marathon...

Hal Higdon

gerard65

I'm looking for sub 1:35 in September, the last 2 years I've done 1:38 and 1:39 in the Dublin half. I'm still deciding what program I'll follow, I have a few to choose from (too many). I'll start a 12wk program on 28th June. Up till then I'm 'base' building. Hopefully a good half will set me up for a good XC season.

RacoonQueen

I've been looking for a good half marathon plan and can't find one. I'm not really a fan of the hal higdon plans. Think the major flaw in the half marathon plans I've found for a 90 - 100 minute half is that the mileage tends to peak at 40ish miles a week.

donothoponpop

Very timely thread. I've a feeling that half marathons are going to be the new marathons around here... best of luck!

gerard65

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I've been looking for a good half marathon plan and can't find one. I'm not really a fan of the hal higdon plans. Think the major flaw in the half marathon plans I've found for a 90 - 100 minute half is that the mileage tends to peak at 40ish miles a week.

Yep, noticed this as well. The only one I have which differs is Bob Glover's in his book 'the competitive runners handbook'. He comes from a marathon background so his plans are more quantity. In his advanced plan the milage peaks at 55mpw.

dolliemix

I started the Hal Higdon Novice Half Marathon Plan yesterday.

I only started running in Feb with the C25k. Finished that with a 5k race (31.30) I moved on to Hal Higdons Novice 10k plan. Finished on Monday with 10k at the Dublin Womens Mini Marathon (1.06)

I'll be following this plan up to the 9th July to keep up my fitness. I'm going on holidays then for three weeks. When I come back I'm hoping to start the plan again.

the drifter

dolliemix wrote: »

I started the Hal Higdon Novice Half Marathon Plan yesterday.

I only started running in Feb with the C25k. Finished that with a 5k race (31.30) I moved on to Hal Higdons Novice 10k plan. Finished on Monday with 10k at the Dublin Womens Mini Marathon (1.06)

I'll be following this plan up to the 9th July to keep up my fitness. I'm going on holidays then for three weeks. When I come back I'm hoping to start the plan again.

when are you hoping to complete your first half? your time frame should set you up well for dublin!

RacoonQueen

gerard65 wrote: »

Yep, noticed this as well. The only one I have which differs is Bob Glover's in his book 'the competitive runners handbook'. He comes from a marathon background so his plans are more quantity. In his advanced plan the milage peaks at 55mpw.

I might have a look at that then. I have to break 1:40 first but I'd love to hit 96 minutes in September.

dolliemix

the drifter wrote: »

when are you hoping to complete your first half? your time frame should set you up well for dublin!

I'm not sure. I'll be away most of July and I'm assuming I'll lose some fitness then. I'd only have 6 weeks or so leading up to the Dublin Half 18th September. Seeing as I'm new to all of this I guess I should be doing everything properly. I might go away in August as well depending on funds!

Not sure if there is a Half Marathon around November or December, but if there is one I'll aim for that.

shels4ever

donothoponpop wrote: »

Very timely thread. I've a feeling that half marathons are going to be the new marathons around here... best of luck!

So mini marathons all the way then.

ecoli

Best of luck to everyone. This time last year i was just starting to get my first inclinations of a half marathon and have to say was the best idea i ever had. My advice would be dont rush things and enjoy the miles try run with company keep you motivated and interested and as the half gets close remind yourself of training put in rather than question have you had enough mileage

shels4ever

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I've been looking for a good half marathon plan and can't find one. I'm not really a fan of the hal higdon plans. Think the major flaw in the half marathon plans I've found for a 90 - 100 minute half is that the mileage tends to peak at 40ish miles a week.

I had a custom plan done up, but have move from it as the early part was too much for me coming back from injury. My plan for now is easy miles ....... and then just introduce long tempo runs once a week and take if from there.

target is open and will depend on how training goes.

RacoonQueen

donothoponpop wrote: »

Very timely thread. I've a feeling that half marathons are going to be the new marathons around here... best of luck!

There are certainly a lot of mumblings about people wanting to improve their half marathon time. There are bundles of halfs in Ireland now and it's actually a distance I really enjoy. You still need to do your endurance training and long runs and it's just long enough to give me a kick, just long enough to make the legs ache and just short enough that you can go out and do the exact same thing the next day. :pac:

I just have to beat Woddle, I have a vague memory of us shaking on that in Cork...

rainbow kirby

dolliemix wrote: »

Not sure if there is a Half Marathon around November or December, but if there is one I'll aim for that.

As far as I can remember, there's a half in Waterford around then, that seemed to be quite popular around here last year. That might suit?

the drifter

RacoonQueen wrote: »

There are certainly a lot of mumblings about people wanting to improve their half marathon time. There are bundles of halfs in Ireland now and it's actually a distance I really enjoy. You still need to do your endurance training and long runs and it's just long enough to give me a kick, just long enough to make the legs ache and just short enough that you can go out and do the exact same thing the next day. :pac:

I just have to beat Woddle, I have a vague memory of us shaking on that in Cork...

ill run one before i consider doing two days in a row!!!


from the Hal Higdon program what are people planning to use as the cross training...i plan to put some miles up on my road bike..

also if people want to post links to training programs ill edit them into my first post

dolliemix

rainbow kirby wrote: »

As far as I can remember, there's a half in Waterford around then, that seemed to be quite popular around here last year. That might suit?

That would be great. I looked at the runireland website and couldn't see any. But there is a 10 mile in Cork on October 9th.

the drifter wrote: »

i

from the Hal Higdon program what are people planning to use as the cross training...i plan to put some miles up on my road bike..

I've been playing tennis up until now. But we just got knocked out of the league so I'll have to find something else. I used cycling to work as my cross on the 10k plan as well. This time round probably cycling or walking if the legs are tired. This week I'm doing a hike in Glendalough/ Greystones on one of my cross days. Depends on what fits in really....Tomorrow I'm supposed to do either 2 mile run or cross but my legs still need a good stretch after the mini so I think I'll do an hours yoga.

Tipsygypsy

the drifter wrote: »

from the Hal Higdon program what are people planning to use as the cross training...i plan to put some miles up on my road bike..

For me, cross traing days will mostly be swimming or cycling - and once in a blue moon it will be dancing the night away!

rainbow kirby

dolliemix wrote: »

That would be great. I looked at the runireland website and couldn't see any. But there is a 10 mile in Cork on October 9th.

The one in Waterford is on 11 December. If you were aiming for that, then the 10 miler in Cork in October would be a good preparation for that.

dolliemix

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The one in Waterford is on 11 December. If you were aiming for that, then the 10 miler in Cork in October would be a good preparation for that.

Wow you are brilliant! Thanks so much! I feel extra motivated to do them now because you've been so good for spurring me on and I don't want to let you down!

the drifter

any info on the 10 miler in cork is that balincollig? ( spelling)

the drifter

dolliemix wrote: »

That would be great. I looked at the runireland website and couldn't see any. But there is a 10 mile in Cork on October 9th.



I've been playing tennis up until now. But we just got knocked out of the league so I'll have to find something else. I used cycling to work as my cross on the 10k plan as well. This time round probably cycling or walking if the legs are tired. This week I'm doing a hike in Glendalough/ Greystones on one of my cross days. Depends on what fits in really....Tomorrow I'm supposed to do either 2 mile run or cross but my legs still need a good stretch after the mini so I think I'll do an hours yoga.

how far were you cycling? im sure the 2m run/cross doesnt mean a 2 mile cycle

dolliemix

the drifter wrote: »

any info on the 10 miler in cork is that balincollig? ( spelling)

I saw it on the run ireland website here

the drifter

plenty of time to recover after galway!

im sure there is another 10 miler on in cork though...my boss is doing it...ill ask him about it on monday.

dolliemix

the drifter wrote: »

how far were you cycling? im sure the 2m run/cross doesnt mean a 2 mile cycle

Well I wouldn't be too fussy about the cross days. I think its just to keep the fitness levels up and the muscles moving. He does say not to over exert your self with the cross training. My cycle to work takes 25 mins because its a gradual uphill and the way back is 20mins. I'm not sure exactly how far....maybe 6/7k each way. I keep meaning to set the milage in the car and measure exactly but I always forget!

Dotcomdolly

Tipsygypsy wrote: »

For me, cross traing days will mostly be swimming or cycling - and once in a blue moon it will be dancing the night away!

I am thinking a weight training circuit followed by a swim, but I'm not a great swimmer so it'll only be 100m or so! But I should be able to add to that if I'm doing it regularly. And I might not be able to move my arms at all after the lifting!

the drifter

So who started there training today? i started Hal Higdon Novice with a 3m run...my first time running since the relay on cork...felt awful :P

dolliemix

Hey Drifter. I did my 3 mile run on Friday and it was tough! I guess my body was recovering from Mini Marathon still! We'd want to toughen up a bit if we think we'll get this half marathon done!:D

the drifter

i know!!! im just looking at the program from week 7 on its like running a 10k once a week :P

folan

Dublin half is going to be my first half.

Did the 5m last year, no real training, wasnt doing any sports or anything, finished in 60 mins. Was when I realised how out of shape I have gotten.

Doing the 5, 10 and Half this year. Have been playing more soccer, handball, tag rugby and cycled to galway and back. So have a base, now need to convert to distance, and hopefully wont be as bad as last year. Im still very out of shape though.

Looking at the OPs plan, i think im going to go for that too.

Dotcomdolly

I started my Hal yesterday with a pilates class. Swapping days and doing the 2 mile run today as I'm just coming back from an injury (pulled calf muscle that healed badly - had to get all the adhesions massaged out - :eek: painful).
I haven't run in 17 days and I can't wait!!

eta (x-post from fitness)


So in the Hal novice plan each Thursday there is a run, from 3 miles up, PLUS strength.

Following from a link in the plan he seems to favour light weights

Go High/Low: If you’re training for a race like the Gate River Run, you don’t want to bulk up. Extra weight will slow you down. To avoid putting on pounds, keep the pounds of the weights you lift low and the repetitions high. Vasto recommends lifting 50 to 60 percent of the maximum weight you can lift in a set of 12 repetitions. Two sets of 12 work well for most of the lifts described later. For maximum benefits, without wasting a lot of time, do your strength training two or three times a week, after you run, not before.

Now this doesn't go with what I've been told at all. I usually go as heavy as I can manage...but maybe I need to change that? Don't fancy prissing about 2kg weights though

So can anyone rec a good efficient workout that won't take me ages? (I rem seeing one EileenG posted last week or so, but can't find it now) If I do go against Hal does that change whether I should do the weights before or after the run?
I can park at the gym & run from there but I imagine I'm going to be pretty hot & sweaty coming back - wouldn't it be bad gym etiquette to start doing weights in that yucky state?

HuntingDrog

am starting a plan (based around HH novice and doing a tempo run/speedwork session on the thursdays) next monday morning. Can't wait.

Hopefully fathers day will have brought a Garmin 305....maybe its wishfull thinking but the amount of hints i've dropped at home lately.........

Only started running this time last year after years of inactivity. In the last year, started out doing the c25k and haven't looked back.

will be doing the adidas race series this summer. Keep up the posts folks

bluestone

aimin to do my 1st half, either the galway bay or cliffs of moher. been runnin on & off for 2 yrs so am thinkin of tryin the hal higdon intermediate plan startin proper next wk! did a 10 mile in 86 earlier this year so hope to last the distance at that kind of pace, below 2 hrs.

peanuthead

After reading this thread I'm going to try the Hal Higdon Novice half training plan

I'm going to start it now and see how I get on


Looking forward to it!

yungwan

Hey all!!

I am also following the novice Hal Higeon half marathon.

"started" yesterday with a few gentle stretches.

I say "started" as it felt really nice and wasnt any effort!!

The real training starts this evening, going doing my three miles this evening on road. Still havent got my new trainers in the post yet so Ill have to go with my worn adidas ones but hopefully Ill get them soon!!

I have the same question with the cross training - how far should I cycle?


I will be switching my training to fit in with my schedule also - I will do my run on Tuesdays, Cross on Wed, run on Thursday, cross on Friday and have my rest day as Sat with plan as normal on Sunday.

This just fits in better with days I like to do train.

I am aiming for Galway half on 27th Sugust and will also be doing a 10k on June 27th. I have previously just completed the Dublin Mini Marathon.

With each others support I am confident we can do this guys!!

dolliemix

Dotcomdolly wrote: »

I started my Hal yesterday with a pilates class. Swapping days and doing the 2 mile run today as I'm just coming back from an injury (pulled calf muscle that healed badly - had to get all the adhesions massaged out - :eek: painful).
I haven't run in 17 days and I can't wait!!

eta (x-post from fitness)


So in the Hal novice plan each Thursday there is a run, from 3 miles up, PLUS strength.

Following from a link in the plan he seems to favour light weights

Go High/Low: If you’re training for a race like the Gate River Run, you don’t want to bulk up. Extra weight will slow you down. To avoid putting on pounds, keep the pounds of the weights you lift low and the repetitions high. Vasto recommends lifting 50 to 60 percent of the maximum weight you can lift in a set of 12 repetitions. Two sets of 12 work well for most of the lifts described later. For maximum benefits, without wasting a lot of time, do your strength training two or three times a week, after you run, not before.

Now this doesn't go with what I've been told at all. I usually go as heavy as I can manage...but maybe I need to change that? Don't fancy prissing about 2kg weights though

So can anyone rec a good efficient workout that won't take me ages? (I rem seeing one EileenG posted last week or so, but can't find it now) If I do go against Hal does that change whether I should do the weights before or after the run?
I can park at the gym & run from there but I imagine I'm going to be pretty hot & sweaty coming back - wouldn't it be bad gym etiquette to start doing weights in that yucky state?

Lol I feel the same! I haven't ventured towards weights yet as I've been using yoga for strength but its the whole time issue and organisation thats freaking me out. I'm a member of a gym but if I were to do 3mile run AND head to the gym after it would take an hour and a half - two hours including shower etc. I like the yoga because I can do it myself at home if I don't have time to go to a class. Maybe if you buy a set of weights for home it could save time. As for being sweaty using the weights, I wouldn't worry too much, plenty of people use the thread mill and work up a sweat and then use the weights. As long as people clean up after them I wouldn't mind!

Good luck with your run today. Its hot out there.

I'm doing my 3 mile and strength today. I'm doing it all backwards though. I went to a tough yoga class this morning that was way too advanced for me!!! I'll do my run later when its cooler. I'm going on holidays in July so I'm going to restart the program and work out how to do it properly like Hal wants us to do it when I come back end of July.

When I was doing the 10k plan, sometimes I found the biggest challenge was just trying to fit the program into my life. But its worth it!

Great to see so many more people coming on board. I look forward to following everyones progress.

Good luck everyone!

the drifter

I generally drive to the gym and then do my run from there....Im a member fo the UL arena so loads of good runs around the area and some decent hills to!

Its great to see the interest in the Half! i didnt think there would be as many on here going for there first Half.

shanagarry

I'm doing my third half marathon in 3.5 weeks - aagh! At least this is the last tough week of training - 16km on Sunday and then start to wind down. My first was this race last year, which I really enjoyed, and then another last October, after which I left things slide a bit.

I was hoping to train a bit more intensely coming up to this one, but sometimes life gets in the way. Anyway, it's not a race for times - it starts on forest tracks so it's always a bottleneck, so it's more about enjoyment.

I'm currently a slow coach, so hoping to move on to an intermediate plan and target a sub-2 initially, probably at that October race again.

Tipsygypsy

yungwan wrote: »

Hey all!!

I I am aiming for Galway half on 27th Sugust and will also be doing a 10k on June 27th. I have previously just completed the Dublin Mini Marathon.

Is your 10k on the 27 June the Galway Womens Mini Marathon? (since you located in the wesh-t!) Im doing that one, really looking forward to it but a bit worried about going up threadneedle - seems really long and steep in my childhood memory!

Im doing my first 3mile of week 1 this evenin too - cant wait, really wanted to do it yesterday but my kids wouldnt let me!

yungwan

Tipsygypsy wrote: »

Is your 10k on the 27 June the Galway Womens Mini Marathon? (since you located in the wesh-t!) Im doing that one, really looking forward to it but a bit worried about going up threadneedle - seems really long and steep in my childhood memory!

It is surely! I really want to support it, it being only its 2nd year. You havent done it yet either obviously? To be honest I didnt even look at the route yet, Ill look at it closer to the time. The weather is so beautiful it really makes you want to get out and about doesnt it? I really wanted to go yesterday too but i told myself id be long enuf looking for a break in it once I start so I should just enjoy the weather and sit out. Its full steam ahead from this evening though!!

jcsmum

I've signed up to do the adidas race series, and I'm also going to do the Dunshaughlin 10k at the end of the month.
I think the half marathon will be my 2010 goal and next year I will aim to do the full marathon (not sure I could do it this year). I find the more I run and the more races I compete in, the more I enjoy running and the more easier it is. I don't follow any plan, I just run different routes, 4 times a week and I walk a few times a week too. I probably need to work on my 'strength' and follow some kind of training plan. Will check out the Hal Higdon one.
Did the mini marathon last weekend in 53.11, so that is a huge encouragement to me.
This time last year the though of running one mile would have seemed impossible!

Tipsygypsy

yungwan wrote: »

It is surely! I really want to support it, it being only its 2nd year. You havent done it yet either obviously? To be honest I didnt even look at the route yet, Ill look at it closer to the time. The weather is so beautiful it really makes you want to get out and about doesnt it? I really wanted to go yesterday too but i told myself id be long enuf looking for a break in it once I start so I should just enjoy the weather and sit out. Its full steam ahead from this evening though!!

Well I'll see you there!

I was the exact same yesterday, and this morning - couldnt wait to get out there running - really enjoyed it when I finally got out even if I did nearly melt away.

But did my 3 miles. Tomorrow and Thursday might be tough, its the first time Im running 3 days in a row (2 miles tomorrow and 3 again on Thursday). Its going to be an interesting week.

Dotcomdolly

Tipsygypsy wrote: »

Well I'll see you there!

I was the exact same yesterday, and this morning - couldnt wait to get out there running - really enjoyed it when I finally got out even if I did nearly melt away.

But did my 3 miles. Tomorrow and Thursday might be tough, its the first time Im running 3 days in a row (2 miles tomorrow and 3 again on Thursday). Its going to be an interesting week.

Exactly my feelings....felt great today, but am thinking how hard is it going to do 3 miles on Thursday PLUS weights? after running the prev 2 days in a row? I tell ya, the rest day on Friday will be hard earned and much appreciated

the drifter

i too am looking forward to friday

i had jujitsu tonight
2m/cross tomorrow
3m and jujitsu thursday
and REST friday :P

i have to look at sorting out my nutrition now...

dolliemix

I had to google jujitsu!!

I'm going to Japan in July. I wonder is it really popular there because google says that's where it originates from.

Great idea for cross training/ strength. It looks pretty intense!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suXxYE3LFr0

yungwan

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

peanuthead

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

yungwan

peanuthead wrote: »

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

i think its fine to go on the treadmill, I heard somewhere you should set your incline to +1 though but im not sure.

Yes its fine to change the days around as long as you are consistent and get in all your training in the week.

dolliemix

yungwan wrote: »

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

I found it extremely hot yesterday as well. I waited until 6.30 to do my three mile run but it was hard! For the first time in ages I felt like I wasn't going to finish it. Only that my route ended up in shade, I probably would have had to walk too. You were obviously coming down with something as well, so don't feel bad. Everyone has to have a bad night every now and then. Very good going managing to get it done in 35 mins with walking as well! My 3 miles took me 33 mins 47 secs!

Drink loads of fluids today and try and flush that cold out of you. Hope you're feeling better later.

ecoli

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

Here is a little trick for motivating you with the gym:

compare full membership price to day pass, first time you go to the gym remember how much it cost (X euro) despite feeling like exhausted you are motivated to go back. Next time you hit the gym the price is (X euro divided by two) This should motivate you in times of recession to keep going until you get to a stage where you have gone so much that you have saved money paying for full membership over day passes.

tisnotover

Hi,

Just an idea to bounce of ye (robbed of DCM '10 thread). Why don't ye add a table here with following headings:

Time Goal
Target Race
Name
Comments

It may be useful to give yourselves a time-goal, even if its just your first one and you just want to finish it. The time-goal can be revised closer to the race itself.

Adding a target race (+entering it) will give an added bit of motivation to get out on those runs !

From the table, you might see other posters time-goals with similar goals to yourself and maybe even in the same race. Maybe ye could pace each other around when it comes to it In any case ye'll be able to discuss what training their doing as well.

dolliemix

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

Its fine to swap around. The main thing is to get your long runs in and keep your milage up. I don't think it really matters when you do it. I think most of us posting here are on Week 1. I am anyway. And most of us have to change the plan around to fit in with life.

Sounds like you're doing really well!