Half Marathon Club (and training)

Beth720

The plan that's the backbone of my Frankenplan (Jeff Galloway's Train for Time Improvement for the Disney Wine and Dine) takes me to 17 (that one will be my 5th HM and second in a month). I'm using his "To Finish Plan for those running 6 months or more who have finished the Disney Wine and Dine" plan for the Disney Full in January, and that takes me to 26 so I'm only on a wing and a prayer for .2 miles. LOL.

arc918

The plan that's the backbone of my Frankenplan (Jeff Galloway's Train for Time Improvement for the Disney Wine and Dine) takes me to 17 (that one will be my 5th HM and second in a month). I'm using his "To Finish Plan for those running 6 months or more who have finished the Disney Wine and Dine" plan for the Disney Full in January, and that takes me to 26 so I'm only on a wing and a prayer for .2 miles. LOL.

Careful with that 26 mile training run. I find 21-22 to be the proper distance for my longest runs. Any longer than that, I find it can deter my training (too hard to recover, thus messing up my training).

kobzal

@arc918:
The time improvement from your OC half to Fontana half is awesome! Nice work! I wish I could tun that fast. For now I will have to be happy with running under 10 minute miles.

arc918

@arc918:
The time improvement from your OC half to Fontana half is awesome! Nice work! I wish I could tun that fast. For now I will have to be happy with running under 10 minute miles.

Thanks much! Fontana is my favorite race ever (this was my 5th time doing it). I was set to do the full at OC, but the weather was looking sucky, so I wisely decided to run the half (even managed to neg split).

If you're in So Cal, put Fontana on your list for sure. I was there with a bunch of friends, every single person PRed there. The race was only $30 and they gave out lots of swag (shirt, hat, pins, medal).

kobzal

@arc918:
The time improvement from your OC half to Fontana half is awesome! Nice work! I wish I could tun that fast. For now I will have to be happy with running under 10 minute miles.

Thanks much! Fontana is my favorite race ever (this was my 5th time doing it). I was set to do the full at OC, but the weather was looking sucky, so I wisely decided to run the half (even managed to neg split).

If you're in So Cal, put Fontana on your list for sure. I was there with a bunch of friends, every single person PRed there. The race was only $30 and they gave out lots of swag (shirt, hat, pins, medal).

I am in SoCal, so I will look that one up! I think my next one is the Santa Clarita half in Nov. I heard many people PR on that one too becuase it is mostly flat to downhill.

arc918

@arc918:
The time improvement from your OC half to Fontana half is awesome! Nice work! I wish I could tun that fast. For now I will have to be happy with running under 10 minute miles.

Thanks much! Fontana is my favorite race ever (this was my 5th time doing it). I was set to do the full at OC, but the weather was looking sucky, so I wisely decided to run the half (even managed to neg split).

If you're in So Cal, put Fontana on your list for sure. I was there with a bunch of friends, every single person PRed there. The race was only $30 and they gave out lots of swag (shirt, hat, pins, medal).

I am in SoCal, so I will look that one up! I think my next one is the Santa Clarita half in Nov. I heard many people PR on that one too becuase it is mostly flat to downhill.

Cool, good luck there! I've never done Santa Clarita - I've always wanted to, but I usually seem to running something else right before or right after it.

ColoradoCowgirl

Hey everyone! So I officially stated training for my first race, 4 mile Fun Run in Palmer Lake, CO July 4th. I started a weight loss journey about 2 years ago now and found that I love running! I had a major setback last September when I had ACL reconstruction after I tore my ACL, MCL and Hamstring in my left knee. Now that I’m finally back to feeling good and the knee is stronger I feel like I might be able to start accomplishing my goals!
I’m a little intimidated by the idea of running in an organized race but I really think I would love to go on to do some 10K's and Half Marathons in the future! I’m just going to start out with a few shorter races and see how they go before I commit to anything else, though. Any advice and or suggestions are greatly appreciated since I really newbie at this!

pverbarg

Did 8K training run this morning. Besides being hot and humid it was so MUCH better than I would have predicted. I'm a very slow runner at this point and just switched from intervals to running a mile before a walk break this week. My goal speed was 15:45 per mile (which I've hit before), and my sister who is a very serious and fit runner predicted 15 minutes (even though I just broke that time this week). Incredibly, in spite of some decent hills, we finished in less than 14:25 per mile and only a few walk breaks!! WOOHOO! Can't say how thrilled I am at breaking down some of the mental barriers to my ability to shift from walking to running!

Our half is September 3rd. Her prediction on speed is 12 minute miles by then. For those of you who've run for a while, does this seem like a reasonable pace increase in 12 weeks?

BeckyKSmith

Did 8K training run this morning. Besides being hot and humid it was so MUCH better than I would have predicted. I'm a very slow runner at this point and just switched from intervals to running a mile before a walk break this week. My goal speed was 15:45 per mile (which I've hit before), and my sister who is a very serious and fit runner predicted 15 minutes (even though I just broke that time this week). Incredibly, in spite of some decent hills, we finished in less than 14:25 per mile and only a few walk breaks!! WOOHOO! Can't say how thrilled I am at breaking down some of the mental barriers to my ability to shift from walking to running!

Our half is September 3rd. Her prediction on speed is 12 minute miles by then. For those of you who've run for a while, does this seem like a reasonable pace increase in 12 weeks?

YES! Not many people can say they have run a half marathon, ANY pace is great!

beccalucy

I'm up to 12 miles with 3 weeks to go before a half, this may still be do-able.

For those that have done half's what do you do about refueling in runs? My half is down a canal so water stations are literally floating so i'll take some water but I'm worried about refueling any advice/suggestions?

Elzecat

I'm considering signing up for a half marathon in mid October...I've been running since February and am planning to use a run/walk training method, but I'm really nervous about making the commitment, I'm currently only able to run 2 miles without a walking break so...any running advice, tips, support, etc. is welcome!

beccalucy

I'm considering signing up for a half marathon in mid October...I've been running since February and am planning to use a run/walk training method, but I'm really nervous about making the commitment, I'm currently only able to run 2 miles without a walking break so...any running advice, tips, support, etc. is welcome!

Just do it!

There's nothing wrong with having to walk in a half marathon. 2 miles is great, it'll build up really quickly. I did a run by run method so one run I'd increase distance, then speed, then maintain although ideally that's a target for each week.

evertongirl

Hi, Im training for my first HM in August. I couldnt run longer than 50 metres in January and today did 13km in 90 mins - not the fastest but I ran the whole time and didnt find it too taxing. Im really hoping to finish in 2.5 hrs.

Ive started the Hal Higdon training schedule but I really noticed today that it was my legs that got tired toward the end, not my cardiovascular system so Im thinking of doing some exercises to strengthen my legs. I was thinking of doing planks to improve my core, and lunges and squats but I would love advice form others on other exercises to help strengthem my legs.

I was planning to have me longest training run of 19 km - should I review this and do at least one that covers 21km?

Elzecat

I'm considering signing up for a half marathon in mid October...I've been running since February and am planning to use a run/walk training method, but I'm really nervous about making the commitment, I'm currently only able to run 2 miles without a walking break so...any running advice, tips, support, etc. is welcome!

Just do it!

There's nothing wrong with having to walk in a half marathon. 2 miles is great, it'll build up really quickly. I did a run by run method so one run I'd increase distance, then speed, then maintain although ideally that's a target for each week.

Thanks! I was definitely planning on using walking breaks...it just seems like such a huge thing right now...trying to figure out my training and supports right now

emmaleigh47

I'm considering signing up for a half marathon in mid October...I've been running since February and am planning to use a run/walk training method, but I'm really nervous about making the commitment, I'm currently only able to run 2 miles without a walking break so...any running advice, tips, support, etc. is welcome!

Just do it!

There's nothing wrong with having to walk in a half marathon. 2 miles is great, it'll build up really quickly. I did a run by run method so one run I'd increase distance, then speed, then maintain although ideally that's a target for each week.

Thanks! I was definitely planning on using walking breaks...it just seems like such a huge thing right now...trying to figure out my training and supports right now

You STILL havent signed up ... OMG girl just do it. I will write you a training program if you would like! You can 100% do this!!

LiveThinLiveWell

I prefer to carry nothing, but you almost have to. For long runs I prefer the belt because it holds my car key and phone. If I'm running In the neighborhood or park, it is usually laps of the same route, so I stash water bottles in a spot on the route. That doesn't help during an event. Whatever you try, train with it a lot to decide what you like best.

Nikstergirl

I prefer to carry nothing, but you almost have to. For long runs I prefer the belt because it holds my car key and phone. If I'm running In the neighborhood or park, it is usually laps of the same route, so I stash water bottles in a spot on the route. That doesn't help during an event. Whatever you try, train with it a lot to decide what you like best.

What kind of belt do you use? I'm thinking I need to pick one up as my training runs are getting longer. I'm good with 7-8 miles without water, but if I'm going to go longer, it might be good to carry some and some carbs too. Any good brand suggestions????

coronalime

I prefer to carry nothing, but you almost have to. For long runs I prefer the belt because it holds my car key and phone. If I'm running In the neighborhood or park, it is usually laps of the same route, so I stash water bottles in a spot on the route. That doesn't help during an event. Whatever you try, train with it a lot to decide what you like best.

What kind of belt do you use? I'm thinking I need to pick one up as my training runs are getting longer. I'm good with 7-8 miles without water, but if I'm going to go longer, it might be good to carry some and some carbs too. Any good brand suggestions????

Fuel Belt!

MichellMD

Hi Runners,

I have done the Richmond Half twice and the Virginia Santa 10-miler once. I've been running for a while but have just started doing half marathons the last 2-3 years. My husband has done several full marathons. I would love to find some other great runs to do in Virginia. I know about the Virginia Rock n Roll and the Shamrock, but have not done those yet. Is anyone else from Virginia (Newport News area)? Would love to meet other MFP friends.

Nikstergirl

I prefer to carry nothing, but you almost have to. For long runs I prefer the belt because it holds my car key and phone. If I'm running In the neighborhood or park, it is usually laps of the same route, so I stash water bottles in a spot on the route. That doesn't help during an event. Whatever you try, train with it a lot to decide what you like best.

What kind of belt do you use? I'm thinking I need to pick one up as my training runs are getting longer. I'm good with 7-8 miles without water, but if I'm going to go longer, it might be good to carry some and some carbs too. Any good brand suggestions????

Fuel Belt!

Thank you!!!! I will check them out! I love a tried and true endorsement... so thanks!

nuttyfamily

Thanks emmaleigh...great advice.

I haven't been back on the thread until now. I have been down and out with a chest cold...grrr. I am itching to run. I did try two miles the other night thinking I was feeling better but alas, I need to let myself rest and get better.

I love hearing everyone's successes and challenges.

Mamapengu

The temp suddenly went up this week (from 60 to 90) and I've had 2 runs when it was hot. Found a new hydration pack that I really like. I've used the handheld and the bottle waist belt. My friends like the fuel belt but I didn't. A big issue for me is my tummy still sticks out so as I run the belt moves up under my chest or I have to tighten it so much that it's uncomfortable. I ended up with a anadelle camelback. Only 5.6 oz and holds 50oz or 2 water bottles worth. Love not feeling anything around my middle. I'm still getting it adjusted, but so far it's been good and has a small pouch that I can put some items in. Today I'll take it on a longer run and see how it goes.

beccalucy

I may look into a belt because I tend to get cramp in my shoulder carrying a bottle! Thank you.

wewon

Glad I found this thread.

doo1963

Just curious.... Do any of you take any special vitamins or supplements while you are training for a race?

arc918

Just curious.... Do any of you take any special vitamins or supplements while you are training for a race?

I don't take any of that stuff. I stay somewhere between half marathon & marathon shape year round.

scottb81

Just curious.... Do any of you take any special vitamins or supplements while you are training for a race?

I take normal vitamins and use a chocolate protein powder supplement to help me get to my desired protein intake with minimum calories.

I mix the protein with milk, fruit, and oatmeal after runs for a recovery drink and with peanut butter and honey at night as a sandwich treat (It tastes like a giant peanut butter cup)..

emmaleigh47

The temp suddenly went up this week (from 60 to 90) and I've had 2 runs when it was hot. Found a new hydration pack that I really like. I've used the handheld and the bottle waist belt. My friends like the fuel belt but I didn't. A big issue for me is my tummy still sticks out so as I run the belt moves up under my chest or I have to tighten it so much that it's uncomfortable. I ended up with a anadelle camelback. Only 5.6 oz and holds 50oz or 2 water bottles worth. Love not feeling anything around my middle. I'm still getting it adjusted, but so far it's been good and has a small pouch that I can put some items in. Today I'll take it on a longer run and see how it goes.

Can you msg me exactly what you got? I am thinking of a Camelback too but I havent decided ...

doo1963

Thanks for the input on the vitamins/supplements.

rickydeuce

Just curious.... Do any of you take any special vitamins or supplements while you are training for a race?

Funny, I was going to ask the same thing. My daily intake consists of (and am looking for feedback also):

Glaucosimin/Chondroitin
Fish Oil
Vitamin C
B Complex w/ Thiamine
General Daily Vitamin