Half Marathon in 6 months,

MNLittleFinn

So, I recently got into running more seriously, I've been doing intervals on and off for the last few years, but in the last month, I've started running for real. I've set a goal of completing a half Marathon that's in September, and am looking for some guidance on training.

I'm currently running 3xweek, 2-3 miles M/W and 3-5 on Sat. The 2-3 mile runs are pretty easy, considering there's tons of ice and snow on the roads/sidewalks. Obviously, I need to up the distance as I go, but could I get some advice on how the progression of my training should go?

JustSomeEm

Google half marathon training plans. I liked Hal Higdon's Novice 2. At 6 months out, you have plenty of time to find a plan you like and train with it, as most plans are 12 week plans. Oddly enough, I'm thinking of doing the Navy/Air Force half in DC this September for the second time, and have decided to go ahead and start training, which means I'll be doing a very long slow build-up of mileage, and not following any real plan. I use races as motivation to keep running more than anything else, though. I'm excited for you - Good luck!

MNLittleFinn

Thanks for the advice! I'm signed up for an 8K in Mid July, so I'm training for that, slowly, but I'm thinking I could just build on that, so I'm running longer than that, at that point, and get going on a dedicated half marathon plan at the end of June so that race gets incorporated into the plan.

RenewedRunner

I love Higdon as well. I am starting back up after a hysterectomy. My goal race is Disney's Wine and Dine in November.

So I am going from C25k to Higdon's 10k to Higdon's Novice 2. I have always used his training plans and feel really confident suggesting them

Aine8046

I thinking about a half this September too! I did some good running last summer but abandoned it for the winter. Just restarted recently and ready to run a 5k in few weeks. Plan to do a 5k in March, 10k in Early June, and then start preparing for a half!

MNLittleFinn

Aine8046 wrote: »

I thinking about a half this September too! I did some good running last summer but abandoned it for the winter. Just restarted recently and ready to run a 5k in few weeks. Plan to do a 5k in March, 10k in Early June, and then start preparing for a half!

Tthat's pretty close to what I'm looking at! 5k later this month, 8k in Mid July, then keep on runninguntil half marathon in September

Aine8046

MNLittleFinn wrote: »

Aine8046 wrote: »

I thinking about a half this September too! I did some good running last summer but abandoned it for the winter. Just restarted recently and ready to run a 5k in few weeks. Plan to do a 5k in March, 10k in Early June, and then start preparing for a half!

Tthat's pretty close to what I'm looking at! 5k later this month, 8k in Mid July, then keep on runninguntil half marathon in September

Awesome! Let's keep in touch!

MobyCarp

MNLittleFinn wrote: »

Thanks for the advice! I'm signed up for an 8K in Mid July, so I'm training for that, slowly, but I'm thinking I could just build on that, so I'm running longer than that, at that point, and get going on a dedicated half marathon plan at the end of June so that race gets incorporated into the plan.

Incorporating the 8K into training for the half is a good way to think about it. You can take whatever half marathon training program you decide on, look at where the 8K falls in the schedule, and adjust the plan for having a race that day.

Between now and the start of your half marathon program, you want to build your base. That means, as you noted, running more miles. It will probably mean running more days per week. While it's not impossible to prepare for a half on a 3 day a week running schedule, it's a lot easier on a 4 or 5 day schedule. If you can get up to a base of 15 to 20 miles per week spread over 4 days, with a longer run on Saturday than your other days, you'll be in good shape to start a formal training program.

By a base, I mean that you can run that many miles per week 3 weeks in a row and you don't feel beat up after the 3rd week. You feel like you could keep running at that level as long as your schedule lets you. Build the base before you start more intense speed work; if you haven't run a half before, training to go the distance is more important than training to go the distance fast.

MNLittleFinn

@MobyCarp Funny you should mention upping my days per week. Just this week, I tried running M,T,W just 2 miles each, and plan to run 4-5 on Sat. So, I am already upping it. Basically I took out 1 of my kettlebell days and replaced it with running. Now I'll be running 4 days a week, and doing Kettlebells 1-2 days a week.

Thanks for the advice, I'm planning on easing into things and just building up as I go, with the time I've got, it shouldn't be too big a struggle to get where I want to be

MNLittleFinn

So, I kind of mapped it out, using the Hal Higdon Novice 1 as a guide, spread weeks 1-3 to 2 weeks each, week 4 3 weeks, weeks5/6 2 weeks each, week 7 4weeks, week 8/8 4 weeks each, though no race days yet, week 10 3weeks, week 11, 2weeks, and then do week 12 the week of the half in September

MNLittleFinn

Training plan for the rest of this month. Assuming weather is agreeable. Supposed to get 2-5 inches of snow tomorrow, so I hope the roads are good for Saturday the ones labeled run workout (2) are 2 mile runs. plan on adding half a mile to the week day runs every 3-4 weeks and a mile to the weekend runs at the same schedule

TavistockToad

I'd do Monday, Tues, Thurs, sat instead of 3 days in a row - but then that's cos I know my knee wouldn't hold up to 3 consecutive runs.

MNLittleFinn

@TavistockToad Thanks for the suggestion. Main reason I scheduled it that way was I did 2 milers M-W this week, and it felt OK. The schedule is pretty open, it's more about getting the right number of days per week in. I might switch to M/T and F/S to go 2 days in a row each time and have a break between

ryblueeyes

I use the Sub-2:30 plan on Runkeeper, but they have several to choose from. Most are 16 weeks long, with four runs a week. Good luck!

MNLittleFinn

ryblueeyes wrote: »

I use the Sub-2:30 plan on Runkeeper, but they have several to choose from. Most are 16 weeks long, with four runs a week. Good luck!

I was looking at that one. How is it doing a short run and the long run one day after the next?

MNLittleFinn

Did 6 miles in 56:27 this morning. That's my farthest run ever. I'm looking at 2 half marathons. If I can run "half a half" (i.e 6.55 Miles) by the end of April, there's a Half I'm thinking about registering for in August. It's a month earlier than planned, but it's also not when I'd be getting a new school year rolling.