Half Marathon Training Plan
julie_emma1
Posts: 146
Hello everyone! I am planning to run 2 HM's in 2014 (one in May and one in June) and have a question about training and weekly mileage. For the last 6 weeks or so, I've been running about 20 miles per week (and probably 10-15 mpw before that), and was hoping to work up to about 30 mpw for the spring.
What's thrown a wrench in this plan is that I decided to sign up for a HM training program with a local running store, mostly just as a way to meet other runners and have someone to do the long runs with. The program starts first week of January, and so I've been looking through the training plan they've set out for Jan-April. There are 2 group runs per week, plus 3 other running days that are scheduled for participants to do on their own time. The weekly mileage in their program starts at 13mpw, gradually increases by about 1-2 miles each week, and peaks at 30 mpw in mid-April.
So, I'm wondering if I should follow what they've set out in this plan, which would mean significantly cutting back my current weekly mileage? Or should I continue with what I've been doing and just join the group for the group runs 2X per week (i.e. do longer individual runs than are listed in the training program)?
What's thrown a wrench in this plan is that I decided to sign up for a HM training program with a local running store, mostly just as a way to meet other runners and have someone to do the long runs with. The program starts first week of January, and so I've been looking through the training plan they've set out for Jan-April. There are 2 group runs per week, plus 3 other running days that are scheduled for participants to do on their own time. The weekly mileage in their program starts at 13mpw, gradually increases by about 1-2 miles each week, and peaks at 30 mpw in mid-April.
So, I'm wondering if I should follow what they've set out in this plan, which would mean significantly cutting back my current weekly mileage? Or should I continue with what I've been doing and just join the group for the group runs 2X per week (i.e. do longer individual runs than are listed in the training program)?
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Replies
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If you're comfortable with your mileage right now I absolutely would not cut your mileage back. Run with the group when it matches your current training program. :happy:0
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I agree. The most critical thing will be your long runs, making sure you are getting at least one good distance run in per week. The additional mileage will help with your overall conditioning and may help increase your pace. I think you will be fine either way.0
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Agree with the beeblebrox - jump in the plan at the level you are at, or closest to it. Maybe repeat the middle of it until you're at the weeks when it begins to progress.0
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I was running 30-40 mile weeks before I started my marathon plan last September, which actually dropped me down to low 20 mile weeks for the first several weeks.
I actually did end up dropping my mileage down to match the plan, which I think was right for me at the time because I had a pretty intense summer and was feeling a little burnt out anyways.
But if you're feeling good where you're at right now, I would stick with your current mileage.0 -
I vote for..... both! i would keep increasing your weekly mileage (slowly) as planned and start the group runs right away. You have all kinds if ways to keep mileage up. Run longer on one or more of your days without the group. Keep running after the group is done. Start running before the group starts. Split your run (i.e. run say 8 with the group on the AM and another 4 in the evening). Just be sure to keep most if not all of those extra miles at an easy pace0
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Thanks so much for everyone's feedback! I'm comfortable with my current mileage so I am going to continue with that as you've suggested, while still joining the group on their runs
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