1/2 Marathon Training for September 2012

WallyGirl358

I am training for my first 1/2 marathon which is in September. Any suggestions on how I begin training? Do I try for distance first or my speed. I am thinking of finishing 6-7 miles at a solid pace of 12 min miles then increasing the distance by 1/2 or full miles until I finish at 2:30 hrs.

Please help!

JustBeckyV

Well its in September so honestly you have a lot of time to prepare. My training schedule I used for my first half started in June. So anything you are doing now you will just be able to build on. Most training schedules have you working on endurance and speed together. It varies by day. You can do Bart Yasso's 800 to check where you are at for your time. Google him and I know Hal Higedon *sp* or Jeff Galloway both have great training programs for 1/2 marathon and full. Actually Runners World has a good one as well! Good luck

WallyGirl358

Thanks! I'll do some google-ing and see what I can find.

cmg2008

I'm running a half in October and I'm using runners world smart coach.

ryno0618

There are a lot of 10 week and 12 week 1/2M training programs out there. But being that you are 9 months away from your half marathon you have lots and lots of training time. I'd be working on both endurance and speed running 4-5 times a week. A couple days of high intensity intervals (sprint/walk), a day of hills, 1 day of a long slow run, 1 day of leisure run. It really depends on your running ability now and how often you are able to run each week. Good luck with your 1/2M!! Its awesome!

WallyGirl358

Thanks for the input. I have heard lots about the interval training so I think I will start that tonight. Normally I just run at a steady pace for an hour or so each time 4x a week. My goal is not to win, but not to finish last either. I think a realistic goal would be to run at a 12 minute mile pace. All the reading I have been doing says the average time is right around 2hr 30 min. If I finish within a 10 minute difference I will have accomplished my goal. I can always improve for my 2nd one! Who knows - I might finish even better!