Half-Marathon Training

Sammi503

Hi all, I've been lurking on Boards for quite a while now but I could use some help/advice from everyone here so finally come out of hiding

I started running in February as training for the Women's Mini Marathon. Well it's over and even though I was a bit disappointed with my time (10min slower than in training), I know it'll be better next year as I'll be in with the fast joggers. In order to keep me motivated/running I entered the Dublin City 5 mile, 10 mile and half-marathon races. I've always wanted to run a marathon but have never had the discipline to keep going. I'm not aiming to run the marathon this year, but perhaps in 2013. Right now I'm focusing on training for the half.

I printed off Hal Higdon's Novice 1 training plan, but here's where my real problem is: it seems too easy. I'm currently running 6.6 miles (in about 1hr) 3 mornings per week to a total of about 18-20mi. Week 1 of the programme starts off with a total of 12 mi. I don't want to lose fitness so am considering starting at week 5 (total of 16 mi) since it's closer to what I'm running now. Is that a good idea? Or am I setting myself up for an injury? Also a bit worried as the farthest you run is 10 miles and I've run the hill that starts at mile 10 in Phoenix Park and I'd be worried about having to make it an extra 3 mi plus the hill. I also took a look at the Novice 2 training plan and it seems harder but at least I'd get in a 12 mi. run before the race! I'm also wavering a bit as I'll be gone from the 15-30 July on holiday (lots of walking/cycling/swimming and even a running tour for 2 days), I know I'll probably lose a bit of fitness and the Novice 1 training plan has only a 2 mi run scheduled for the day after I get back while the Novice 2 plan has a 6 mi. run which might be a bit difficult!

I honestly have no idea which plan to go with or if I should just make up my own plan as I go along! If anyone could give me some suggestions as to which plan, that would be fantastic!

ecoli

Regarding running faster in training than you did in race by the sounds of it you are racing your workouts. This is not a good idea. Believe it or not you will find that slowing down this runs will actually make you a bit faster (Ironic I know!) Its okay to do a shorter run at pace maybe once a week (perhaps a 3 miler @ 10k pace or something)

In terms of the plans its okay to skip ahead to match your current level the only time you shouldnt do this is when you are not at that level of mileage (i.e ramping up your mileage too quickly)

There are a few threads in the training logs which are aimed at developing (perhaps a marathon training plan with a shorter long run at the weekends would suit well)

Regardless what plan you do the main key elements need to apply

1) training must be consistent - there are no shortcuts you will see improvements the more regular you run (providing you let your body adapt as you increase workload)

2) training must be progressive - as your training goes on you should see increase in volume or intensity. It is never a good idea to do these at the same time as will result in injury or illness 9 times out of 10


Best of luck with the training

Sammi503

Thanks for your reply, very helpful!

ecoli wrote: »

Regarding running faster in training than you did in race by the sounds of it you are racing your workouts. This is not a good idea. Believe it or not you will find that slowing down this runs will actually make you a bit faster (Ironic I know!) Its okay to do a shorter run at pace maybe once a week (perhaps a 3 miler @ 10k pace or something)

You're right, I have definitely been pushing myself in training to not only run farther, but to run faster as well. I hadn't realised that it was a bad idea. I know I could've done the race in under an hour if I hadn't spent the first 4km weaving in and out of walkers. It was a fab atmosphere anyway and I knew it wouldn't be my best time. I'll start on week 5 of the programme then and hopefully will be able to use the extra 5 weeks to build up the last 3 mi. Thanks again!