Half marathon with no training plan
DX2JX2
Posts: 1,921 Member
I'm running a HM in April but finding time to train will be tough since the first quarter is my busy time at work and we have a brand new baby at home. It's been tough to get out of the house for more than an hour.
Given those time constraints, I've had to limit my runs to 6 or 7 miles max with even that distance something I can only make the time to do one time per week on a Saturday or Sunday. Most of my daily runs are ~4.5 miles since I can get dressed, out the door, and done in only 45 minutes.
Luckily, I can generally get out 4 or 5 mornings per week and average between 20 and 25 miles per week.
Do you think I'll have any problems finishing the half if I just keep doing what I've been doing? I don't have any speed goals with this one and will likely be fine with any finish less than 2 hours (barely faster than my easy training pace).
My main concern is that I've never run 13 miles before. My longest run thus far is about 8.5 miles though that didn't leave me feeling too tired or beat up and I do think I could have gone further if time had allowed.
Would it help if I upped my speed training over the shorter distances?
Given those time constraints, I've had to limit my runs to 6 or 7 miles max with even that distance something I can only make the time to do one time per week on a Saturday or Sunday. Most of my daily runs are ~4.5 miles since I can get dressed, out the door, and done in only 45 minutes.
Luckily, I can generally get out 4 or 5 mornings per week and average between 20 and 25 miles per week.
Do you think I'll have any problems finishing the half if I just keep doing what I've been doing? I don't have any speed goals with this one and will likely be fine with any finish less than 2 hours (barely faster than my easy training pace).
My main concern is that I've never run 13 miles before. My longest run thus far is about 8.5 miles though that didn't leave me feeling too tired or beat up and I do think I could have gone further if time had allowed.
Would it help if I upped my speed training over the shorter distances?
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Replies
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Is the running you describe here you only cardio work?0
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You'll likely be able to finish depending on your mental resolve...but you probably aren't going to feel very good.
My wife ran a half back in October and ran into some training issues training wise. She's run a few before and decided she could just push through it. She never finished and was taken to the hospital in a state of delirium with about 3 miles left. Since then, and given her time restraints running wise, she's sticking to 10Ks for the moment.
I'm kind of the same with my riding...I like doing 1/2 century rides, but they require me to be pretty strict with my training and right now things are just too crazy with kids, school, homework, kids sports, etc for me to commit to a training protocol so I basically get in my 40-50 miles per week and am sticking to 1/4 centuries for the moment as I don't need to be super vigilant with a training protocol for a 1/4...my normal rides work fine for that and I finish and feel good and enjoy the ride.3 -
I regularly ran 10 miles, but had never attempted 13 prior to my first half. Didn’t have any problems running the whole thing.0
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You'll be able to finish, but the last 2-3 miles could be pretty miserable. If at all possible, I'd suggest getting your long runs up to 10 miles. You probably don't need to do them weekly... but one 10-miler per month is probably sufficient.
And FWIW, just under 2 hours isn't as easy as it may seem. Either that, or I'm not as good a runner as you... which is probably more the case. My point - don't take a 2hr half for granted.3 -
You should be fine, but the last couple of miles might not be fun. Plus you won't be able to practice fueling, but that's not necessarily a problem- not everyone feels the need to fuel a half.0
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Like the others have said, you'll be fine. Speed training isn't going to help you much at all, you're lacking in the longer slow runs. Don't go out too fast on race day and the later stages shouldn't be too difficult.0
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You'll be able to finish, but the last 2-3 miles could be pretty miserable. If at all possible, I'd suggest getting your long runs up to 10 miles. You probably don't need to do them weekly... but one 10-miler per month is probably sufficient.
And FWIW, just under 2 hours isn't as easy as it may seem. Either that, or I'm not as good a runner as you... which is probably more the case. My point - don't take a 2hr half for granted.
The two hours is kind of arbitrary and I'm just using that since it's a round number. I figure it's probably not too far off. My best 10K thus far is ~51 minutes and the race predictor on my Garmin says I should be able to run a half in about 1:37 (but it's generally ~15% optimistic based on my actual 5K and 10K times).
I'm really just going to run this one by feel, wherever that lands me. The real goal will be to finish without walking in good form.0 -
You'll be able to finish, but the last 2-3 miles could be pretty miserable. If at all possible, I'd suggest getting your long runs up to 10 miles. You probably don't need to do them weekly... but one 10-miler per month is probably sufficient.
And FWIW, just under 2 hours isn't as easy as it may seem. Either that, or I'm not as good a runner as you... which is probably more the case. My point - don't take a 2hr half for granted.
The two hours is kind of arbitrary and I'm just using that since it's a round number. I figure it's probably not too far off. My best 10K thus far is ~51 minutes and the race predictor on my Garmin says I should be able to run a half in about 1:37 (but it's generally ~15% optimistic based on my actual 5K and 10K times).
I'm really just going to run this one by feel, wherever that lands me. The real goal will be to finish without walking in good form.
Gotcha. Pacing yourself will probably be your biggest key to success. Go out easy, keep it easy, and hold on at the end. You should be ok.1 -
Look at one of the Hal Higdon training programs for halfs (search on Google). It will give you a good idea where you're at and what you need to do to meet your personal goal.0
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There’s a big difference between running 7 miles and running 13.1. If at all possible, I would really encourage trying to work up to at least a 10 miler before your race. That’s where many HM training programs peak. As others have said, you’ll likely be able to finish given your current plan, but those last few miles are probably going to be rough.1
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You'll be able to finish, but the last 2-3 miles could be pretty miserable. If at all possible, I'd suggest getting your long runs up to 10 miles. You probably don't need to do them weekly... but one 10-miler per month is probably sufficient.
And FWIW, just under 2 hours isn't as easy as it may seem. Either that, or I'm not as good a runner as you... which is probably more the case. My point - don't take a 2hr half for granted.
The two hours is kind of arbitrary and I'm just using that since it's a round number. I figure it's probably not too far off. My best 10K thus far is ~51 minutes and the race predictor on my Garmin says I should be able to run a half in about 1:37 (but it's generally ~15% optimistic based on my actual 5K and 10K times).
I'm really just going to run this one by feel, wherever that lands me. The real goal will be to finish without walking in good form.
Wow. I am not sure how Garmin comes up with these numbers, but I would say that is EXTREMELY optimistic. A 1:37 half-marathon would be almost a minute per mile faster than your 10K PR? That doesn't even really make sense. (For comparison, my 10K PR is slightly under 45 minutes and I have just BARELY been able to eek out a sub 1:40 half marathon on two occasions and that was with dedicated training including multiple training runs greater than the HM distance).
As others have advised, I would try to get in at least one, preferably two training runs of 10 miles if you can. If not, you can still probably run the half marathon, but you might want to reserve any expectations with regards to your time.3 -
I'm running a HM in April but finding time to train will be tough since the first quarter is my busy time at work and we have a brand new baby at home. It's been tough to get out of the house for more than an hour.
Given those time constraints, I've had to limit my runs to 6 or 7 miles max with even that distance something I can only make the time to do one time per week on a Saturday or Sunday. Most of my daily runs are ~4.5 miles since I can get dressed, out the door, and done in only 45 minutes.
Luckily, I can generally get out 4 or 5 mornings per week and average between 20 and 25 miles per week.
Do you think I'll have any problems finishing the half if I just keep doing what I've been doing? I don't have any speed goals with this one and will likely be fine with any finish less than 2 hours (barely faster than my easy training pace).
My main concern is that I've never run 13 miles before. My longest run thus far is about 8.5 miles though that didn't leave me feeling too tired or beat up and I do think I could have gone further if time had allowed.
Would it help if I upped my speed training over the shorter distances?
Generally for a first HM I'd be recommending two or three ten milers beforehand, the final 3 miles should be comfortable with that.
Given what you're intending, doubling your longest session on race day, is likely to be pretty challenging. You'll get there but I wouldn't imagine a particularly fun time.
What might help is using ultra training methodology and doing two longs at the weekend. You'll at least get more used to running on tired legs doing two 7s.1 -
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In my experience with runners and running speed is not going to benefit you in lack of distance training. I’m afraid you’re setting yourself up for an injury or a miserable race. Sure you may go out there and be fine, but I don’t think that’s the point of having a goal race. I’d be concerned you’ll burn yourself out trying to go faster instead of pacing yourself and having a high quality run. Also, I work with ultra marathon runners but they all started small at some point too. My true measure of fitness (especially running) is how I feel directly after the run (not totally wasted) and the subsequent days. If the race is in April I’d work on getting to 10 and 11 mike days at least. Best of luck!0
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I'd also say to really pay attention to what your body is telling you and walk if necessary...if my wife had done that instead of trying to power through, she likely wouldn't have been transported to the hospital.3
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lporter229 wrote: »You'll be able to finish, but the last 2-3 miles could be pretty miserable. If at all possible, I'd suggest getting your long runs up to 10 miles. You probably don't need to do them weekly... but one 10-miler per month is probably sufficient.
And FWIW, just under 2 hours isn't as easy as it may seem. Either that, or I'm not as good a runner as you... which is probably more the case. My point - don't take a 2hr half for granted.
The two hours is kind of arbitrary and I'm just using that since it's a round number. I figure it's probably not too far off. My best 10K thus far is ~51 minutes and the race predictor on my Garmin says I should be able to run a half in about 1:37 (but it's generally ~15% optimistic based on my actual 5K and 10K times).
I'm really just going to run this one by feel, wherever that lands me. The real goal will be to finish without walking in good form.
Wow. I am not sure how Garmin comes up with these numbers, but I would say that is EXTREMELY optimistic. A 1:37 half-marathon would be almost a minute per mile faster than your 10K PR? That doesn't even really make sense. (For comparison, my 10K PR is slightly under 45 minutes and I have just BARELY been able to eek out a sub 1:40 half marathon on two occasions and that was with dedicated training including multiple training runs greater than the HM distance).
As others have advised, I would try to get in at least one, preferably two training runs of 10 miles if you can. If not, you can still probably run the half marathon, but you might want to reserve any expectations with regards to your time.
I'd need a golf cart to hit Garmin's predictions for my race times! I don't know where they come from either.2 -
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If you look at training programs, you'll find that training programs certainly don't have you run 13 mi every day. You usually have one long run that falls on the weekend. And you have until April. If you regularly get in 6 mi runs and a long run on the weekend, you'll be okay. Take care of yourself, practice fueling, and resting and you'll be okay.1
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LOL based on your 10K time it's guessing your half time?
that's ADORABLE.
You're likely to be able to finish if you just pace yourself (as mentioned) but I was a solid runner- I can do a 5 no problem with no training- I'd be able to yog a 10 around 10-11 min miles if forced. Doing a half with minimal training would have killed me.
I trained for the last one I did- pretty religiously and averaged good times- and just barely broke two hours.
Being said- if you can manage ONE long run on the weekends- you're going to be in great shape. Hal's program costs like 5-7 bucks and is a great app- I would highly recommend it.0 -
Even Hal's plans on the website (free) would give you a guideline. It's not too many miles during the week on individual runs, but there's running at least a little most days.
Thinking you're gonna show up at a HM with nominal training and expecting a certain time is rather flippant.1 -
Yeah, I think it's a big ask to blithely assume you can run a half in under two hours when you haven't even got a ten mile run under your belt yet.0
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I've never used a training plan for any of my races (hm pb 1:33 full 3:33). But I would recommend trying to get your long run a but longer. I know it can be hard to fit in (I have two young kids, and am currently training for my first ultra), but it could really make the difference between a miserable just-finished experience and a really fun run (I love half marathons, I find them a really nice distance and have enjoyed every single one I've done).0
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bendyourkneekatie wrote: »I've never used a training plan for any of my races (hm pb 1:33 full 3:33). But I would recommend trying to get your long run a but longer. I know it can be hard to fit in (I have two young kids, and am currently training for my first ultra), but it could really make the difference between a miserable just-finished experience and a really fun run (I love half marathons, I find them a really nice distance and have enjoyed every single one I've done).
kook.
j/k.
nice work... impressive times.0 -
I trained for my first half using a training schedule and had a great race. Six months later I ran a half after working in a few long runs in addition to my usual running. I'd run the distance before so I could do it again, right? Wrong! I hit a wall at about mile 10 and barely made it to the finish line walking most of the way. I learned that lesson the hard way and would hate for you to experience the same. A half marathon is not a one-day event, the weeks of training leading up to the race are as much a part of the race as the actual event.1
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My first (and only so far) half was done with my longest run being maybe 9 miles before that, and I did 2 shorter runs during the week.
I had my mom with me - she helped a lot with pacing myself - and I felt great at the end.
So....yes, you can probably do it, but be prepared to go slower. Check out Hal's website and look at the Novice 1 training plan so you have an idea of where you're at.
~Lyssa0 -
LOL based on your 10K time it's guessing your half time?
that's ADORABLE.
Re: the race predictor, Garmin assigns a VO2 Max level based on your training data and then uses correlation tables for VO2Max and race times. The predictor is known to be somewhat inaccurate as Garmins tend to overestimate VO2Max but you can get an idea of a ballpark time by triangulating the predictor's estimates for known race results. For example, based on my 5K and 10K times, I know that the race predictor tends to be overly optimistic for me by about 15%.
Also, the race predictor times assume that you have the legs to go the distance and perfect conditions.
It's definitely not perfect but it can serve to get you into the general ballpark of an expected finish time.
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like I said.... adorable.2
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OK - so looking at the HH free novice training plans, it seems that I'm already running at or above the volume/distances recommended through week 8/9 of the program. This means that theoretically, I can keep doing what I'm doing until the back end of March and then just add a 9 miler to my schedule two weeks ahead of the race and a 10 miler one week before.
That might be doable as I'm hoping that we'd be adjusted to life with the baby by then and my work schedule will be tapering down a bit.0 -
OK - so looking at the HH free novice training plans, it seems that I'm already running at or above the volume/distances recommended through week 8/9 of the program. This means that theoretically, I can keep doing what I'm doing until the back end of March and then just add a 9 miler to my schedule two weeks ahead of the race and a 10 miler one week before.
That might be doable as I'm hoping that we'd be adjusted to life with the baby by then and my work schedule will be tapering down a bit.
I wouldn't do the 10 miles a week before the half...1
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