Anyone else training for a half marathon?

Hi guys, I'm training for my first half marathon which is on 22nd Feb. I've never entered any races before let alone ran this kind of distance so I'm a little nervous about it. Training is going well so far but would be nice to find some more buddies in a similar position. I did C25K a few years ago and have just followed a few 10K programs and kind of done my own thing since. I'm not particularly quick, but that doesn't bother me. I'd just like to finish the distance and do it without having to walk.

Anyway, add away. I'm a 33 year old female based in the UK.
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Replies

  • acmanna
    acmanna Posts: 200 Member
    Best wishes to you! I'm fairly new to running, my longest time wise run was today for 28 minutes..woohoo! Far from where you are I'm sure. I admire your goal and hope you have a great race.
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    I run my first half on the 15th of February. I was supposed to run one in November, but due to overtraining I got tendonitis in my leg and I had to take it easy. The more mileage you log the easier it gets, but do not overtrain! I have learned the hard way that my body needs rest days! I have done a couple of 10k trail races and I am running regularly 15-18k.
    Best of luck
    Stef.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    As long as you've got up to about 10 miles you'll be fine doing the whole half. I was told to get the distance in before the speed.

    I really enjoyed doing intervals as part of my training, makes a nice change from just running! Good luck!
  • FrustratedYoYoer
    FrustratedYoYoer Posts: 274 Member
    That's what i'm thinking - distance over speed. So I'm just taking my time. I'm up to just over 9 miles at the moment distance wise. I've had issues with tummy cramps once I get to about 8 miles but I'm hoping that will subside once I get a bit more used to the distance

    SKME2013 wrote: »
    I run my first half on the 15th of February. I was supposed to run one in November, but due to overtraining I got tendonitis in my leg and I had to take it easy. The more mileage you log the easier it gets, but do not overtrain! I have learned the hard way that my body needs rest days! I have done a couple of 10k trail races and I am running regularly 15-18k.
    Best of luck
    Stef.

    What did u get tendonitis of?? I'm running 3-4 times a week and have been running 3 times a week for 2 years with no issues so I should be fine. My non-running days i do yoga or pilates and a bit on the ellitical.

  • KGill67
    KGill67 Posts: 87 Member
    I'm doing my second half marathon on February 15th, too. My advice, from my first half back in November, is to work on increasing your distance, not your speed, and try to get up to almost the full 13.1 miles at least a week before race day. I didn't have enough training time before my November race, and I really struggled through the last 3 - 4 km.

    Today is my long run for the week of December 22-28, and it will be 11.25 km. I'm adding about 1.5 km per week to my long run, but keeping my two shorter runs at 5k and 8k (yes, I only run 3 time a week; I like to hike/bike/skate on other days). I hope to finish my Feb.15 race in better shape than I did on Nov. 16th.

    Let us know how it's going for you!
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    2nd half on February. It was supposed to be October but due to my calf/ankle locking up so I couldn't walk, I bailed.

    <3 running
  • KGill67
    KGill67 Posts: 87 Member
    SKME2013 wrote: »
    I run my first half on the 15th of February. I was supposed to run one in November, but due to overtraining I got tendonitis in my leg and I had to take it easy. The more mileage you log the easier it gets, but do not overtrain! I have learned the hard way that my body needs rest days! I have done a couple of 10k trail races and I am running regularly 15-18k.
    Best of luck
    Stef.

    Stef - are you running "The First Half" in Vancouver?

  • texasfarmer
    texasfarmer Posts: 502 Member
    I ran my first half back in September (2:40:01). I'm not the fastest, but I got it done. I recommend that you google Hal Higdon for a training plan if you don't have one. I was over training before I got on one of his plans and was completely exhausted. I knew something had to change or I would just stop running. Once I had a strict plan with rest days I really saw great progress.

    So far for 2015 I have two HM scheduled. One in March (Longview, TX) and the other in April (Nashville, TN). After my first HM in September I didn't keep up with my running as much as I should have, so lots of retraining going on right now! I sometimes think I would like to do a whole marathon, but not sure it's something my body can handle. I'm not old, but I'm no spring chick!

    Good luck.
  • silencioesoro
    silencioesoro Posts: 318 Member
    Signing up for my third one next week! I have to retrain as usual, even more so since I hurt my knee with the last one on the 13th. Add away! :)
  • Training for a HM in February as well (the Hypothermic Half in Victoria, BC). It'll be my 4th HM, but I haven't run one since last June. My longest run in this round of training was today at 13 km / 8.1 miles. Always love to have more running buddies :)
  • FrustratedYoYoer
    FrustratedYoYoer Posts: 274 Member
    KGill67 wrote: »
    I'm doing my second half marathon on February 15th, too. My advice, from my first half back in November, is to work on increasing your distance, not your speed, and try to get up to almost the full 13.1 miles at least a week before race day. I didn't have enough training time before my November race, and I really struggled through the last 3 - 4 km.

    Today is my long run for the week of December 22-28, and it will be 11.25 km. I'm adding about 1.5 km per week to my long run, but keeping my two shorter runs at 5k and 8k (yes, I only run 3 time a week; I like to hike/bike/skate on other days). I hope to finish my Feb.15 race in better shape than I did on Nov. 16th.

    Let us know how it's going for you!

    That's what I figured. I'm having a step back week this week having ran 8.4, 8.4 and 9.3 miles on my last 3 long runs. Time to ease off a bit before pushing on again. I've got 8 weeks to go so i'm hoping to run at least 12 miles once by then. If i can run 13 miles before then even better! I don't think there's anything wrong with just running 3 times a week at all. You've gotta do what works for you :-)
    I ran my first half back in September (2:40:01). I'm not the fastest, but I got it done. I recommend that you google Hal Higdon for a training plan if you don't have one. I was over training before I got on one of his plans and was completely exhausted. I knew something had to change or I would just stop running. Once I had a strict plan with rest days I really saw great progress.

    So far for 2015 I have two HM scheduled. One in March (Longview, TX) and the other in April (Nashville, TN). After my first HM in September I didn't keep up with my running as much as I should have, so lots of retraining going on right now! I sometimes think I would like to do a whole marathon, but not sure it's something my body can handle. I'm not old, but I'm no spring chick!

    Good luck.

    I know what you mean. I would like to do a full marathon one day but I'll see how i get on with this first ;-)
  • jeffininer
    jeffininer Posts: 204 Member
    I start training for my second HM today! It will be on March 15th. My first was in November. I didn't really stick to any sort of training schedule for that one. I have 11 weeks this time and I've made up a training plan to stick to. I'm not the best at committing to a schedule, but I'm going to try. Good luck to you!!
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    That's what I figured. I'm having a step back week this week having ran 8.4, 8.4 and 9.3 miles on my last 3 long runs. Time to ease off a bit before pushing on again. I've got 8 weeks to go so i'm hoping to run at least 12 miles once by then. If i can run 13 miles before then even better! I don't think there's anything wrong with just running 3 times a week at all. You've gotta do what works for you :-)
    Sounds good. 4 runs would be better. Miles per week is a factor of how many days a week you run but 3 will work just fine for you I'm sure. Just don't skip the long runs. While it's true that many training plans stop at 10 miles there's nothing wrong with doing a 13 - 16 mile run as your longest provided you have the mid-week miles to support that length of running. The more times you hit that distance the easier it gets.

    I know what you mean. I would like to do a full marathon one day but I'll see how i get on with this first ;-)
    I think the 13.1 distance is perfect for a casual runner like myself. It's a good challenging distance that doesn't totally wipe you out. Do a few of these half-marathons and if you still have the itch then go for it.
  • gabbo34
    gabbo34 Posts: 289 Member
    There always seems to be good feedback for Hal Higdon. I'd take a look at his 1/2 Novice 2 training plan. It's 12 weeks, but if you're already running 2-3 days a week, you could probably start at week 4 or 5 and be fine.

    I'm going through his program as well for race in April.

    Good luck!

  • imgoingforarun
    imgoingforarun Posts: 5 Member
    Congrats to all of the runners! I just completed my goal of running 14 half marathons in 2014. Be warned... They can be addicting!
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    Congrats to all of the runners! I just completed my goal of running 14 half marathons in 2014. Be warned... They can be addicting!
    Did you actually race these? How do you afford all the entry fees? I mean I do a 13+ run nearly every weekend but I'm not paying for all of them. I just go out and do them on my own.

    Where do you hang all those half marathon medals?
    #richpeopleproblems
  • imgoingforarun
    imgoingforarun Posts: 5 Member
    I don't "race", I complete them though.. I run intervals and am not a "fast" runner, but I enjoy each and every one of them. I start planning my year early, I have a separate savings account that I put money into monthly and use for races and I ask for race entry for birthday and Christmas presents. My medals and bibs are hanging in my garage.
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    I don't "race", I complete them though.. I run intervals and am not a "fast" runner, but I enjoy each and every one of them. I start planning my year early, I have a separate savings account that I put money into monthly and use for races and I ask for race entry for birthday and Christmas presents. My medals and bibs are hanging in my garage.
    I hear you. I just compete with myself. It's a fun personal challenge. Time doesn't matter.

    That's a pretty sweet deal if you can set aside the money to do that many races. I do like medals. I just don't like forking over all the money for them.
  • WhatMeRunning
    WhatMeRunning Posts: 3,538 Member
    I finished my first half on November 15th. I'm wrapping up a break from running due to a light case of cuboid syndrome. On New Years Day I will begin training for a 3 half marathon series set for 4/11, 4/18 and 5/9. Once done and rested from these, provided all goes well, I'll start training for my first marathon on October 17th.
    Definitely follow a program like Higdons or similar so you schedule in some recovery weeks.
    Looking forward to hearing about everyone's progress!
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    That's what i'm thinking - distance over speed. So I'm just taking my time. I'm up to just over 9 miles at the moment distance wise. I've had issues with tummy cramps once I get to about 8 miles but I'm hoping that will subside once I get a bit more used to the distance

    SKME2013 wrote: »
    I run my first half on the 15th of February. I was supposed to run one in November, but due to overtraining I got tendonitis in my leg and I had to take it easy. The more mileage you log the easier it gets, but do not overtrain! I have learned the hard way that my body needs rest days! I have done a couple of 10k trail races and I am running regularly 15-18k.
    Best of luck
    Stef.

    What did u get tendonitis of?? I'm running 3-4 times a week and have been running 3 times a week for 2 years with no issues so I should be fine. My non-running days i do yoga or pilates and a bit on the ellitical.

    I overdid it! I did a trail race over 10km uphill (half of it) and then downhill. It went superbly well and gave me a hype. Three days later I ran 18.4 km, one day after that 8 km, a day after that 6km and finally on the next day another 8 km. After that it started. I shoudld have had more rest inbetween and I was stupid to run that much after the race. At first I did not want to give in and I kept on running. Stupid mistake...took me eight long weeks to finally get over it.

    Now I take my rest days seriously!

    Stef.
  • Pucks_and_Balls
    Pucks_and_Balls Posts: 95 Member
    I'm starting Couch25K next week as my base to get ready for a half marathon in eight months. Once I'm through that I'll work on the half. I want to do the Rock 'n' Roll Half in Philly or Brooklyn next year.
  • sixtyinchesoffury
    sixtyinchesoffury Posts: 321 Member
    I just signed up for my first today! i'm excited but nervous. start training next week! friend me for support!
  • sixtyinchesoffury
    sixtyinchesoffury Posts: 321 Member
    Hal Higdon Novice 1/2 marathon training is posted on the fridge now!
  • ybodwen
    ybodwen Posts: 340 Member
    Hi! I am training for my first half too! I've done some 5ks and a 10k and this is something I've been really wanting to do so I'm really pumped! I'm up to 4.5 miles on my long runs- doing a program that incorporates a lot of strength/stretching and cross training to prevent injuries and I'm not beating myself up about my slow pace- so far so good :smile:
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    KGill67 wrote: »
    SKME2013 wrote: »
    I run my first half on the 15th of February. I was supposed to run one in November, but due to overtraining I got tendonitis in my leg and I had to take it easy. The more mileage you log the easier it gets, but do not overtrain! I have learned the hard way that my body needs rest days! I have done a couple of 10k trail races and I am running regularly 15-18k.
    Best of luck
    Stef.

    Stef - are you running "The First Half" in Vancouver?

    It is the one on the 15th of February "26th Annual First Half Marathon 2015".
    Are you participating?
    Stef.
  • hermann341
    hermann341 Posts: 443 Member
    Since you've been running 3 times a week for a couple years, and you've done long runs in the 8 to 9 mile range with 8 weeks to go, I'd have to say you are right about where you need to be. My recommendation on your long runs would be to back off on your next one to about 5 or 6 miles, then do 10, 6, 11, 6, 12, and 6. For a half marathon you need about 2 weeks of tapering before the event.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Hi guys, I'm training for my first half marathon which is on 22nd Feb.

    I did my first half in October, trail race between Salisbury and Winchester. The snag was I'd overtrained and gave myself ITB syndrome about 12km into the race so could barely walk at the end. Still managed in just over two hours though.

    Eight weeks of not much running later I'm working on a 10Km performance improvement plan to bring my mileage back up, with the intent to enter either a full or half trail race in May, down in Dorset.

  • I just signed up for my first today! i'm excited but nervous. start training next week! friend me for support!

  • I'm getting back to running after about two months off and aiming for a half in June. I did a 10k last July and was running 3-4 miles 3 days per week before I took my long break.

    I know I should have stuck with cardio during my break, but in general I think it was good. I felt pretty banged up and unmotivated when I stopped. Hopefully my motivation is back.
  • FrustratedYoYoer
    FrustratedYoYoer Posts: 274 Member
    hermann341 wrote: »
    Since you've been running 3 times a week for a couple years, and you've done long runs in the 8 to 9 mile range with 8 weeks to go, I'd have to say you are right about where you need to be. My recommendation on your long runs would be to back off on your next one to about 5 or 6 miles, then do 10, 6, 11, 6, 12, and 6. For a half marathon you need about 2 weeks of tapering before the event.

    Thanks for your post, that has cheered me up and helped my confidence reading that. I haven't ran for 3 days due to 16 hour working days and icy weather. I'd usually still go out anyway but when the gyms are closed before and after i finish work and there's black ice outside it's just not worth the risk of injury. So I went out today for my planned short run after days of pigging out and I just was not feeling it. I just did 3 miles and am planning on another 3 miles tomorrow. On Saturday I will maybe do 5 or 6. When you say do 10, 6, 11, 6, 12, and 6 do you mean each week on the day where I do my long runs? So next Sat do 10, the following Sat do 6, then a week after 11 etc?

    Thanks