Calling all runners…..is this wise or just plain stupid?

reggie2run
reggie2run Posts: 477 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am training for a half marathon that takes place in 5 weeks from yesterday. I will tell you that I haven’t signed up for the half as of yet. I have until the end of August to do so. It’s my first half and honestly I am nervous about it (thus the hesitation in signing up), afraid that I won’t be able to do it. All my friends and family say that I can, but its 13.1 miles, a greater distance than I have ever run. I have run 10 mile races (5 of them to date – last one was about a month ago) and I have run 16km /10km / 8km/ 5km races, and I have been training for a while now to run a half. The worst that can happen if I don’t sign up for the half is I’ll be in great shape. :smile:

Anyway, my long distance run for this coming weekend is 10-11 miles. My friend suggested that I run the half race course to get a feel for it and to see if I can do it. I have driven it to see it and know what’s involved, but it’s not the same as running it. I was thinking about running the half route (the entire 13.1 miles) this coming weekend as the sign up deadline is fast approaching (less than 2 weeks). But should I? By that time I will still have 4 weeks of training left leading up to the half. Is it too soon to run 13.1 miles where I am only at the 10-11 mile distance for long runs in my training? Or should I try and it will help me decide whether to sign up for the half or not?

I am a very hands on person. Nothing beats hands on experience. But I don’t want to risk injury by pushing past my limits too soon. But then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What do my fellow runners think and suggest I do?

Replies

  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    I think you should run it and see what you think. You'll know how you think you'll feel running it again in 4ish weeks. I think you'll be fine! You've already done 10 miles...what's another 3.1 :wink:
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    I think you should run it and see what you think. You'll know how you think you'll feel running it again in 4ish weeks. I think you'll be fine! You've already done 10 miles...what's another 3.1 :wink:

    This.
  • NikkiSmo
    NikkiSmo Posts: 180 Member
    Run it then sign up! You didn't come this far by not pushing yourself right??? So you might not have the best time or maybe you have to walk a few minutes but the key is to finish. Everyone usualsy does better under presure anyway. JUST DO IT
  • vigilante405
    vigilante405 Posts: 7
    Author and running philosopher George Sheehan once said ... just start the race slowly and then back off from there ... I am paraphrasing, but you will get the idea. If you can do ten, a half-marathon is no big deal.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    If you've run 10, you'll be able to finish a half.
  • 714rah714
    714rah714 Posts: 759 Member
    If you can run 10, you can run 13.1.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If you're hitting 10 or 11 miles already you should be fine. Run the course, slowly, this week to eliminate any surprises.

    If you've already don 10 mile races I''m not going to suggest that it will be a walk in the park but you probably have the fitness to do it.
  • Ejwelton
    Ejwelton Posts: 331 Member
    I did a half a few years ago and my longest training run was 9.5 miles.

    On the day I ran with a colleague who kept me going. It was also quite a big event (Reading - UK) so there were lots of supporters along the route which really made a difference.

    Given your list of recent events and training I think you'll be fine, and the problem is more a mental one that you need to overcome.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    If you can run 10, you can run 13.1.

    Truth

    I bet you can run the course. Especially if you have run 10 miles numerous times. Go for it.
  • zmoreno10
    zmoreno10 Posts: 69 Member
    You should definitely be fine to do the 13 if you are already doing 10 or 11 miles. I know what you're feeling as I did my first half marathon in December (Rock n' Roll Las Vegas) and even though I had done 14 miles a couple weeks earlier, I was still nervous about the race and just wanted to finish. I finished the race with a time I trained for (2:09:22) and was extremely pleased with myself.

    Here are my big recommendations for your first marathon....
    - HAVE FUN!!! This is the most important one! It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun.
    - Don't focus on your finish time, focus on just finishing the race. You can focus on your time during your next event.
    - Run at YOUR pace. When the race starts, there will be a lot of people who let the adrenaline take hold and shoot off from the starting line. Don't worry, you will be seeing them in a couple miles when you are passing them because they are already burned out. If you have a GPS device (smart phone, watch, etc...), use it!
    - Make sure you LISTEN to your body. If you have a heart rate monitor, make sure you wear it and pay attention to what your heart is doing during the race. I train to maintain 160bpm and adjust my speed to make sure my HR doesn't get out of control.
    - Carry at least 1 small bottle of water with you to drink when you get thirsty in-between water stations. I carry at least 2 bottles (1 on my waist) so I can make sure I have enough water throughout the entire race and don't have to rely on aid stations.
    - If you like to use energy supplements (Gels, chews, etc..), make sure you carry them with you and use 'em every couple of miles.
    - Again, Have fun!!!!!!

    Crossing that finish line is a simply wonderful feeling!!

    Have an awesome race! Make sure to let us know how you do.
  • Ejwelton
    Ejwelton Posts: 331 Member
    You should definitely be fine to do the 13 if you are already doing 10 or 11 miles. I know what you're feeling as I did my first half marathon in December (Rock n' Roll Las Vegas) and even though I had done 14 miles a couple weeks earlier, I was still nervous about the race and just wanted to finish. I finished the race with a time I trained for (2:09:22) and was extremely pleased with myself.

    Here are my big recommendations for your first marathon....
    - HAVE FUN!!! This is the most important one! It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun.
    - Don't focus on your finish time, focus on just finishing the race. You can focus on your time during your next event.
    - Run at YOUR pace. When the race starts, there will be a lot of people who let the adrenaline take hold and shoot off from the starting line. Don't worry, you will be seeing them in a couple miles when you are passing them because they are already burned out. If you have a GPS device (smart phone, watch, etc...), use it!
    - Make sure you LISTEN to your body. If you have a heart rate monitor, make sure you wear it and pay attention to what your heart is doing during the race. I train to maintain 160bpm and adjust my speed to make sure my HR doesn't get out of control.
    - Carry at least 1 small bottle of water with you to drink when you get thirsty in-between water stations. I carry at least 2 bottles (1 on my waist) so I can make sure I have enough water throughout the entire race and don't have to rely on aid stations.
    - If you like to use energy supplements (Gels, chews, etc..), make sure you carry them with you and use 'em every couple of miles.
    - Again, Have fun!!!!!!

    Crossing that finish line is a simply wonderful feeling!!

    Have an awesome race! Make sure to let us know how you do.

    Great advice - I'd just add one thing and that is not to try anything new on race day.
    Wear in new shoes and clothes ahead of time during training.
    And for the gel's or snacks try them on training runs just in case they don't agree with you.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    1) Sign up today. Both of the halfs I did this year sold out months in advance
    2) If you can do 10 miles, you can do 13. Even if you have to walk the last 3, at least you finished. Try running some then walking some. It will reduce chance of injury by constantly switching up the muscle groups you use. Your legs will be fresher longer.
  • PinkEnvyx
    PinkEnvyx Posts: 172
    I only got up to 10 miles in my training in time for my first half when someone told me IF you can make it 10 miles you can go 3 more! So I tried it and they were right! :) Good Luck!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Many half-marathon training plans only have you go up to 10 - 11 miles two weeks beforehand so you'll be fine. Go for it!
  • gradrun
    gradrun Posts: 69 Member
    If you can run 10 miles, you can run a half. Without a question. Most beginners training plans don't go beyond 10 miles either way. For your peace of mind, if you want to run part or all of the half marathon course, do it. But seriously, don't doubt that you can run it. If you are going to sign, just let the doubts behind and start getting excited. The first half marathon is an amazing experience. You should be excited and happy all the way from training to crossing that finish line. Don't let your fears cloud this experience. As everybody on this thread has told you, you can do it. The only thing that is left now is for you to enjoy it as well! :-)
  • piesbd
    piesbd Posts: 196 Member
    Author and running philosopher George Sheehan once said ... just start the race slowly and then back off from there ... I am paraphrasing, but you will get the idea. If you can do ten, a half-marathon is no big deal.

    Agreed.... the longest my training program took me before my half was 10.5mi.

    You can do this! :happy:
  • fitfunk
    fitfunk Posts: 119 Member
    Hi friend :smile: I just ran a 10-mile race this weekend and it gave me a lot of confidence for my (first) Half next month. I did run one 12-mile run with my friend because she isn't training as much and wanted the confidence to know she could do 12. But as many have said, here and offline, most people don't go more than 10 miles in training for a Half.

    I am increasingly nervous as my race approaches and I was very nervous the week before the 10-mile race. It feels wonderful to finish! All that training seems worth it and you feel a rush of pride and accomplishment.

    To calm my mind down, here are some things I say to myself to quiet the irrational thoughts:
    - If you *really* couldn't finish for some reason, you can walk part of it
    - No matter what your time is, it will be a personal best for that distance
    - Book a massage for later in the day after the race to look forward to

    You can do it!
  • natalie412
    natalie412 Posts: 1,039 Member
    I think given how many times you have already run 10, you can do it - you can always walk. I am doing my first half in 6 weeks, and have run 10 miles three times in training, but I don't think I am ready for 13.1 yet, based on how my legs feel at the end of 10!! I am thinking about running the half course in a couple week, since it is local.
  • geordiegirl27
    geordiegirl27 Posts: 307 Member
    I think you'll be fine with what you've done and you still have time to increase your miles a little anyway.

    My 1st half I was really poorly and waiting for an operation, this put paid to a lot of my training and I managed to do it and under 2.5hrs. The worst thing you'll need to do is adjust your target (if you have one) accordingly.

    If its any consolation, my mum is 67 and running her 1st half in 4 weeks, due to a knee injury she's only just at 7 miles, we're going to do a longish run tomorrow night, another on Thursday and next Friday I'm going to get her out for a 2hr run, we wont be worrying about distance. I know she'll get round the course even if we have to run/walk it.

    You can do it :-)
  • alexandra0713
    alexandra0713 Posts: 41 Member
    I think you should just do it! If you have a morning to go run the route ahead of time, you'll be extra prepared for race day:-)
  • dane11235813
    dane11235813 Posts: 682 Member
    i ran a half marathon a couple weeks ago and because my life had gotten busy lately i had hardly trained at all. the longest distance i'd run before that was 10 miles (one time)
    the last 5 km of the race really sucked, but it was never a matter of not being able to finish. if it's a bigger race the atmosphere of the other runners will pull you along and your adrenaline will help you as well. if you have run 10 mile races before you should have no problem running an extra 5km. i'd sign up for the race in a heartbeat if i were you. good luck!
  • vigilante405
    vigilante405 Posts: 7
    If you only train by running long, slow distance you'll only be able to compete the same way. Hills and pyramids will make you faster.

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