Half Marathon Training but Want to Lift? Help!

jts10

I'm currently in the beginning stages of training for a half marathon in November. It's my first. I currently weigh about 127lbs (5'4") and don't need to lose much more weight. At this point I really need to tone. I have been weight lifting for a few months which is what brought my weight down to 127 (started at 142) and I feel great. I wanted to run a half marathon as a proof to myself that I can 1. do it and 2. get off my lazy butt and accomplish something.

I've heard, and seen, that cardio at this point will NOT help me to tone my body the way I am hoping. I currently have a schedule like this:

Mon - lift
Tues - insanity 20min abs/ short run
Wed - lift
Thurs -insanity 20 min abs/ short run
Fri - lift
sat - off
Sun - long run

I eat enough (1800 calories or so) and am not worried about gaining weight. My main concern is not toning enough for my eventual goal of having a fit, toned body.

Any suggestions?

CarsonRuns

I'd be more concerned about having a successful Half Marathon experience if you are only going to run 3 days a week. Even the most basic training plans, like Hal Higdon's Novice plan, have you running 4 days a week (or run three, cross train 1). This is really the bear minimum. Personally, I think 5 days a week is more appropriate. The risks are getting injured and not having a great experience when you get to race day.

soccerella

what half are you doing? and do you have a training plan for your half? a litfing program?

Im in the same boat as you, doing a half in November, but want to lift as well. If I were you,I'd cut out the insanity and then just focus on the running those days. as you get more into your training a "short" day is going to be 6 miles and thats alot to do on one day, especially if you are sore from lifting the day before

brandyk77

I run 7 days a week and lift heavy after my long run and do a 30 DS on a recovery day

jts10

Thanks for the advice. Carson, what do you think is a better running schedule for your first half?

I want to keep lifting, at least a little, but I can do that for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week in the morning. It's definitely not as tough on my body as running is.

And it's the Philly half Nov. 18th for those that asked.

Edit: do you think this is a good schedule to follow?
http://www.halhigdon.com/assets/_legacy/halfmarathon/halfnovice.pdf

CarsonRuns

Thanks for the advice. Carson, what do you think is a better running schedule for your first half?

I want to keep lifting, at least a little, but I can do that for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week in the morning. It's definitely not as tough on my body as running is.

And it's the Philly half Nov. 18th for those that asked.

Edit: do you think this is a good schedule to follow?
http://www.halhigdon.com/assets/_legacy/halfmarathon/halfnovice.pdf

Not knowing your running background, it's kind of difficult to answer that question. The plan you posted will work to get you to the starting line and to get through the race, assuming you can handle the mileage in the plan.

soccerella

Carson do you have a program you do recommend? This will be my 5th half and i've never really followed a training program before. It will be about 2 years since my last one and my times tended to be in the 2h30mins frame. I've had isses with going out too fast and then hasving to walk, no matter what length of race it is (even a 5k) so any program suggestions are appreciated

CarsonRuns

Carson do you have a program you do recommend? This will be my 5th half and i've never really followed a training program before. It will be about 2 years since my last one and my times tended to be in the 2h30mins frame. I've had isses with going out too fast and then hasving to walk, no matter what length of race it is (even a 5k) so any program suggestions are appreciated

I have personally never used a pre-packaged plan, but I know of many people that have had success with Hal Higdon's plans. He gives a nice description of who each plan is geared for. Pick the one that closest resembles where you are and go with that. The important thing about the plan is not the plan itself. It's sticking to it and, of course, avoiding injury.

http://www.halhigdon.com/

ETA: As for going out too fast, no plan is going to help you with that. Some things to think about are, maybe running the race with a pace group or, if you have a Garmin, using it in the race. Monitor your pace and make sure you aren't going to fast. If you have done this and you still have the issue of slowing at the end, then your pace was just too aggressive to begin with.