Half Marathon

JodaNord

Just wanted to hear peoples success with their first marathon! What was your time and how did you train for it?

I have my first Half on May 6th and love being motivated by others success!

tbloor

I am running my first half on April 29th! I hope to finish in around 2:15. Do you have a goal in mind?

HJCsDaddy

Ran my first Half last summer and came in at 1:45:17 on a very hilly course here in Bozeman, MT. I honestly didn't have any particular training regimen, just ran about 6 miles every other day, with the weekend trail runs/races (usually about 7-10 miles). I had energy throughout the entire run and never hit the wall. I have one coming up on St. Patty's Day this year, so I am pretty excited about starting the year off with a half, maybe a full is in my near future! Good luck and be sure to post your results!

JodaNord

At first i just wanted under 3 hours since i have never run before Sept, but as i just completed 9 miles in 90 minutes Monday, i am thinking 2:30 tops i want to finish at... But i don't know if thats realistic.

katcod1522

I have my first half March 18th. Ive been training with two 4 milers on Tues and Thurs..then long run (any where from 6-10) on a weekend day. I have a 10.2 miler this weekend, 8 next weekend, 11 the next (will be the longest I run before the 13.1) then a 5 miler the weekend before. That will start the taper week. Im also strength training 3 days a week. I finished my 9.5 miler 2 weeks ago in 1:46:00. I really want my half done in 2:40:00.

abbygm

I have run a few half marathons and two full marathons and I am currently training to run Boston in April. I have found Hal Higdon's training programs to work well. Google him....

Nads

I'm running my 1st Half Marathon on May 13th I'm following a Clinic with the Running Room! Loving my training so far!

I would like to finish between 2:15 & 2:30

JodaNord

I have been following a Hal higdon plan and seems to be working good for me. The next long run is 10 miles and we'll see how i fare! i am aheaad of the game in terms of training, its only Feb and i am headed in being able to run the 13 miles by mid march at this rate...

jasharp021

At first i just wanted under 3 hours since i have never run before Sept, but as i just completed 9 miles in 90 minutes Monday, i am thinking 2:30 tops i want to finish at... But i don't know if thats realistic.

That's my goal as well! I have my first 1/2 on 4/22. I'm pretty consistent with a 9:30 min mile to a little over 10 min/mile depending on how I feel.. I'm hoping that I can stay strong throughout the whole race. Good luck training and feel free to add :-)

KimertRuns13_1

I ran my first half marathon last year in the spring. My goal was anything under 2:30 but was being realistic and told myself 2:45 with finishing the thing standing being success. I finished in 2:28. I used the training plan on Marathon Rookie.com

I have since ran 3 more half marathons (I'm hooked) finishing better every time. 2:23, 2:19 and last week 2:10.

LesliePierceRN

I began C25K Halloween 2010, finished it in Feb 2011 (my daughter was in the hospital for a month, so it set me back). I was asked to join some other moms like me to raise money by running a half marathon, so I said yes. I trained from March until October, and ran in Columbus in the half in 2 hours, 30 minutes, 6 seconds!! I loved it! I'm kicking around doing it again this year!

bcr1559

I did my first half on October 26, 2011 and came in 2 hrs. 24 mins. My two goals were to run the whole time and finish under 2:30. I felt great to meet my goals! I used marathonrookie.com for my training program. Good luck with your and have fun!

mojonash

I agree Hal Higdon is a great resource. So is the book: "Running Formula" by Jack Daniels PhD. My first 1/2 marathon followed a four month guide to increase mileage gradually and incorporate cross training like swimming, stair climbing, or bicycling one day a week into my routine. Strength training helps. I can't stress the importance of hydration enough also :-)

jclengerich

When I ran my first half I was like you, just wanted to finish under 3 hours. I have used Hal Higdons training and its a great guideline. I just basically ran a lot, even sprained my ankle two weeks before. I surprised myself and finished about 2:18., pretty good considering i weighed about 245lbs at the time. Just do what works for you and remember to rest, yes i said rest.

BobbyDaniel

I ran my first half this past December in 1:57, I have my first full scheduled for 3/4 in NOLA, the day after I turn 41...happy birthday to me!

HRBush

I did my 1st Half Marathon last June with my father. We finished at 2 hrs. 44 mins. My goal was to finish and my 2nd goal was for under 3 hours. We are running another one this May and hope to improve. We did the Hal Higdon training program last year and really liked it. Good luck!

txjulie

I have my first 1/2 marathon on 3/3. I have been using Galloway run / walk intervals of 2:1. Last weekend I had my longest run ever of 12 miles & finished in 2:45 so my goal of finishing under 3 hours looks attainable!!

Runningirl7284

My first Half Marathon was May/2011. I did not train for it. I typically ran only 5Ks and a week before the race my running bud told me I should do it with her. I ran 10 miles on the treadmill a week before and decided I could so I signed up!

It had a huge mile long bridge in the middle on the race we had to run back and forth on and it killed my knees so I was jogging after that! I was really bummed I would have ran a 2:05 with my friend but slowed down to 2:10 finish time.

Good Luck on your first!!

slb106

I ran my first half last October and finished in 2:17 (I think). My next one was in November with a time of 2:12. I have one coming up in a few weeks and my goal is 2:00. I use Hal Higdon's training program and I like it a lot. Good luck!

arc918

My first half was almost 10 years ago now. I followed Hal Hidgon and ran ~ 1:58 (goal was to break 2 hours). A couple months later I ran a 1:46.

These days I usually run in the 1:37-1:38 range.

kerriBB37

I didn't train for my first one, which was last March and I was able to run the whole time and I finished in 2:28.. I ran another in October and finished in 2:21. I have on this March and I am hoping for 2:15. I think elevation of the course makes a big difference, too. I recently signed up for a full marathon this October and I WILL train for that.. I already printed off Hal Higden's novice 1 training program. I considered 13 miles do-able considering I spend 2-3 hours the gym at a time (mostly on weekends..) I would run, then do a Spin class then do a boxing class, etc... I figured at the time that my endurance was up and that I'd be ok. I played soccer my whole life so I didn't think my joints, muscles would have an issue with the longer distance.

I do recommend some type of training Hal is the best!

alicia2601

I'm doing my first mini marathon May 5! It'll actually be my first race ever. I'm currently involved in a training program at my gym to get me prepared. I do that 3 times a week. My goal is 2:30. Good luck!!!

laurief1212

Great job to you for signing up. I have run 2 1/2's my 1st time being 2:30 very very hilly and then my 2nd was a 2:15 I am running my 3rd on May 6th and running a full marathon on September 29th. Good luck to you.. I have been slowly increasing my long rungs on the weekends and by the time i have my race my longest will be an 11 or 12 miler. I am sure you will do great..

JodaNord

Wow! peoples times are really good for firsts! Maybe i can accomplish 2:30 or under!! way to go everyone!

FAVORED1

Yay for you!!1 Nothing like the first... It all depends onthe course... I ran my first in2:30 give or take, the first 9miles were flat and my time was around 11minute pace. However, there were steep inclines at the end which slows you down on top of already running 10miles. So, look at the course map and train accordingly if you can. The goal is to finish , I wouldnt be too concerned with timing for the first one. Now, go kick some asphalt!!! ;0)

sandybeachez

I have my first half on May 6th, too. I am training and I actually enjoy my time running. My goal is to finish the race. Without the sweep vehicles picking me up. LOL

elainecroft

I ran my first 2 years ago in 2:50, but have been struggling with my stupid Achilles ever since - boo I miss running! Hope to get back into it this year with a 10k!

berv0009

Congrats on deciding to do your first half!!!!!!!!! YAY

I did my first one almost 3 years ago now. I finished at 2:22 -- then I did the same one last year and finished in 2:04 --- This year I am hoping for under 2 hours!!!!!!

This is the trianing schedule I followed - and I loved it !

http://running.about.com/od/racetraining/a/basichalf.htm

jdelot

Just wanted to hear peoples success with their first marathon! What was your time and how did you train for it?

I have my first Half on May 6th and love being motivated by others success!

I have my first Half on May 6th as well. I've been following a training plan I got from "Smartcoach" on www.runnersworld.com. I love it so far.

jdcraik

I did my first marathon (full) in Barcelona, Spain in 4:48 (very, very slow, but I finished). I did the Miami Marathon a year later in 4:00:29, and Marine Corps in Washington last October in 4:02:22 -- I can't quite break that 4 hour mark, but it keeps me trying.

For your first race I would strongly encourage you to "experience" it (races are loads of fun) and not "race" it or even worry about your time. Finish it, enjoy it and recover, and use your first race to set realistic goals for future races.

The "bibles" for training for these things are written by Hal Higdon and Bob Glover.

Three final pieces of advice: (1) Have fun, (2) Have fun, and (3) Have fun. OK - one more - don't neglect the "rest days" that trainers will tell you take; resting is crucial.

Elzecat

I ran my first half marathon last October and my goal was just to finish It took me 2 hrs 49 minutes, but that was with a walk break at every mile marker and/or aid station, a 10 minute potty break at mile 8 (thank god for restrooms at public parks lol) and about 10 minutes of walking between mile 8 and 9 with a friend who hurt their knee...

I am running my next half on May 20 and expect to finish in about 2:15 or 2:30. And I'm still planning walking breaks but not sure how many I will need

Good luck! I have heard half marathons are addicting!