Am I ready for a half?

tiny_clanger

I'm training for a marathon next April. I'm following Jeff Galloway run walk run, as it works best around injuries and asthma.

Anyway, I'm at 18 km now. I've signed up for a 10k at the end of august, but there is an option to do a half marathon instead. In my head, I know I should take the challenge and go for the half, just need some outside opinions

ScreeField

I don't know much about the Galloway program (specifically, the length in weeks). So, going from my own experience, Hal Higdon has some great half marathon programs, but I think they are all 12 weeks. However, if your current mileage per week and training levels are similar to the middle weeks of one if his programs or a similar Galloway HM program, and you've been training for more than a month or two already, you may be able to jump into the middle weeks of one of the beginner half marathon programs now (or a run/walk program), timing the last week of the program with your race in August. Better yet, start one of the programs now, do the 5k and 10k in the next 2 months, and then line it up for a half in Fall when the weather is nice and you're fully prepped.

His programs are free online. Just search for his name to find his site.

jeepinshawn

If you keep adding a little mileage to your long runs every week a half marathon by the end of august should be relatively easy.

Will_Run_for_Food

IMO, if you're head is in it, you are 100% ready (barring any injuries). I didn't train as much as I should have for my first half, but because I was mentally ready, I knew I could do it. I am a firm believer that so long as you WANT to do it, you are ready. Good luck!

BrianSharpe

You don't mention what, if any, racing experience you have.

The only reason I'd suggest the 10K over the half if is you need a shorter distance race for mental preparation (some people find their first few races a little intimidating) Personally, I'd rather run a half than 10K just because the pacing is so different (shorter races can be pretty grueling if you're running for a PB) If you're already hitting 18km I'd suggest you're certainly ready for a half from a physical perspective.

tiny_clanger

Done about 5 races, 3 10ks and a couple of 5 ' s. Also parkrun most weeks. Objectively I feel ready, just need to get my deepest, doubting brain to agree

williammuney

Just go run it, who cares if you fail

mkakids

Yup, I think you are! Go for it!

LeanButNotMean44

You could easily do the half, especially since you will have fresh legs (do a slight taper leading up to the race) and the adrenaline will be pumping!

3dogsrunning

tiny_clanger wrote: »

Done about 5 races, 3 10ks and a couple of 5 ' s. Also parkrun most weeks. Objectively I feel ready, just need to get my deepest, doubting brain to agree

Like Brian said, if you are already at 18 km, I think you could do it.

You have a few more weeks. Most beginner half marathon plans have a couple of 18k runs and *maybe* a 20k. You have plenty of time to get another 18k in, even a 20 if you want and still have time to taper.

mellyrunsfar

The fact that you are considering it means you are more than half way there! You sound ready. Have a great time.

pebble4321

Sounds very doable to me... you are only 3k or so short of the distance now, that sounds like good training to me.

KathyApplebaum

tiny_clanger wrote: »

Anyway, I'm at 18 km now.

If your long run is already 18 km, you're more than ready for the half, which is only 21 km.

tiny_clanger

Well I've done it - just emailed in to swap my entry over. Here goes nothing

nathalier71

I you can do 18, you can do a half... Good luck! Stay away from injuries and you are set!

tiny_clanger

Did the run yesterday! 2.31. Super pleased as it turned out not only to be my first half, but my first trail run too! And a pretty challenging one - ĺots of hills, mud and running on grass.