Half Marathon on an ~8.5 mile base?

lauramblair

Last December I ran my first half marathon, having built up from little to no running experience over about 4-5 months. I got it in my head that it's something I'd like to do every year.

This year has been complicated - I had a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery in July. I wrote off the Dallas Half for 2013, figuring I didn't know how my recovery would go, how soon I'd be running again, etc. My recovery went great, I was cleared for running again 6 weeks out, and got back at it. I've lost 25 pounds from where I was at last year and am feeling great. My natural pace is about a minute per mile faster than I was last year without even trying.

On Saturday I ran 8.6 miles and felt fine. Sure, I was glad for the run to end, but certainly felt like I could have gone a couple more miles.

The Dallas Half Marathon is 3 weeks from yesterday, and I can't get it out of my head. I want to do it. Just because I can. Is it stupid though, with my longest run to date (this year) only 8.5 miles? Most training programs have you starting to taper. If I keep up my 3-5 mile weekday training runs, went out and did 11-12 this Saturday, and then what should/would I do the weekend before the race? 11-12 again? Or back off to 8-9 ish again?

All along I've been planning to run the Cowtown in February. Should I just cool it, get the Dallas Half out of my head, and just keep plodding away for Cowtown? Or is the Dallas Half doable? I just feel like I'm SO close, but also don't want to get in over my head with a lack of training.

TheGymGypsy

is it the Metro PCS half marathon? I am running that too! I think if you can run 8.5 miles and not feel completely exhausted at the end you can probably make the 13. You might have to take some walking breaks, or slow your pace, but you will finish! My losgest training run has only been 10 miles, I'm saving the last 3 for the actual race to test my endurance. You have 3 weeks before the race, that's plenty of time to work up some more endurance.

lauramblair

Yes, it's the Metro PCS Half Marathon!

JTick

I would probably go for it. It's not like you signed in blood that you would run every step...if worse comes to worse, just walk some of it.

3dogsrunning

Most half marathon plans have you taper the week before I believe, so that give you at least one more long run.

Hal Higdon's intermediate training plan has your run 8m, 10k race (the "easier" off week I assume). 9m, 10m then race day.
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

Its not an ideal plan, but if that 8.5 didn't destroy you and you felt you could run more, I think its doable.

mrslcoop

It sounds doable to me. You’ll be able to get in one more long run before you start to taper and if you can try to hit 10 mi. If you can hit 10 mi you can definitely do it.

omma_to_3

I too would say it's doable. I ran my first half this year in April. I then lightened up on my running over the summer. I'm back at it now, training for the same half next April. I'm running 8 miles on my long run right now and I'm fine. I think I could go out right now and do a half - probably not as quickly as if I continue my training schedule, or as easily, but I think I could do it.

If your Dr. is on board, you're well healed from your surgeries, and you want to - then do it! I would possibly plan in walking breaks - maybe 4 walk breaks through the half, and add more if needed. You don't want to stress your body too much while you're still healing. And congrats on successfully completing your treatments! I just started a team today for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for next year :-)

lauramblair

Thanks everyone! I think I'll do 10-11 miles on Saturday and see how it feels. If it's good, I think I'll go for it!

ShibaEars

Only one way to find out! :bigsmile:

KristiRTT

Go for it!! And congrats on getting through your cancer treatments! You are an inspiration!