Runners. Advice needed please :)

Sorry, no that's a horrible idea. Just finished my first 1/2 as well this weekend and building up to double digit distances takes time, planning and training. Jumping to 10 miles right away will only give you a high risk of injury. You add mileage slowly each week, most run 3-4 days per week. Also you will need to adjust to adding in hydration as you either get over 60 mins of running or if running in heat. I second the idea of running clubs or you can train yourself like I did. I went from C25K, on to Bridge to 10K then right into my 1/2 program that was 12-16 weeks long. I don't know when either race is for you but make the 1/2 your first goal with plenty of time for training and the full a long term goal. Completing a full is a whole different world and I can assure many will recommend you at least get a 1/2 under your belt first. Good luck!

I believe Hal Higdon has a plan to go from basically a 5 k to a marathon over 6 months or so. Jeff Galloway also has a similar plan. Both will prepare you to finish a marathon. I'm not sure when the london marathon is but if there is there is time consider one of these plans.

+1 Both of these plans are good to work up your distance without injury and help you plan for the speed work you'll need to be comfortable for the whole time.

Increase your mileage by no more than 10% a week...Do not run more than 2 days in a row, your body needs the rest and repair since you are new to all of this.

Mix up your runs, do intervals, speed, long and easy, short and easy, hills, etc. Coss train too, it helps build endurance and speed.

Also, start out running not just for distance, but also time. For longer races you need to be on your feet for hours, you need to get used to that. Instead of worrying about your miles, add in minutes. Speed will come.

There are great training schedules availible online. Tailor them to suit your needs. A year is plenty of time to prepare for a full marathon.

Get yourself a good pair of well fitted running shoes. Replace said shoes as needed ( I need to replace mine every 300 miles or so, I have arch issues).

Try sipping at water as you go along, not drinking it. The day or 2 before a big race, start hydrating. I don't drink much during my long races, but do sip at water and gatorade as I go along. For a 5k, I just run it, no water unless it is really hot out, then I will sip at water.

Listen to your body, don't push through pain or fatigue. Take rest days.

Some days you will feel like you can run forever and some days each mile is torture, that is normal so don't get discouraged if you are having an off day or 2.

If running on a treadmill, set incline to 1% to simulate road running.

Have fun!

I second the Hal Higdon plan. When I first started running, I went from a 5k and then was like...oh next stop Marathon. If you run at a slow pace, eat well, you can do it. Training from 5k to Marathon was 7 months. Just listen to your knees, body etc.

I've used the Higdon Plan for the last two half marathons I have done. Best of luck!

Increase your mileage by no more than 10% a week...Do not run more than 2 days in a row, your body needs the rest and repair since you are new to all of this.

I was going to post the same. Everything I've read says no more than 10% per week.

I can run easily 9 miles buuuut I'm still not ready for a half. I am sure I could run 13.1 miles no prob, but my body isn't ready, my psyche isnt ready. I think you should train more, I always vote for over training

Hello all,

I am somewhat new to the running thing but i fear i am becoming addicted! I did the race for life 5K in September after completing couch to 5K. I want to do the great north run (half marathon) and maybe the London marathon next year. I can run 3.5 miles now but that's as far as i have got pushing myself. How fast can i push myself to run greater distances without knackering or injuring myself. I was going to try and maybe add 1/2 a mile per week onto my usual distance. Or should i just take the plunge and go for 10 miles straight off and see if i survive? I cannot drink while i am running as the sloshing about inside makes me feel sick. This bothers me but i suppose i will have to combat that 1 slowly to prevent dehydration. Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated, Also all friend requests welcome. Thanks in advance xxx

Congrats on getting the running bug!

A half marathon is EASILY doable.. Build your miles gradually and ont over train! Just like you, I started c25k and was running 13.1 a couple of months later, but I learned that running 5 times a week would cause me injury.. and I've been out with an injured knee purely down to over training and not doing any cross training or stretching. I learned the hard way, so don't over train!,,

There are tons of good half marathon program's on line.. I didn't follow any and just went for it. Here's one to get you started..

http://www.halfmarathon.com/

Good luck!!

I have used the Hal Higdon plan and it has worked very well for me. He has plans for every distance designed to minimize risk of injury and maximize success. If you've done the 5k, try a 10k plan. Then start training for your half after you have completed the 10k.

Several of my friends have tried to push themselves to do more too quickly. Every one of them has ended up injured and unable to complete the race for which they were training. Don't fall into the trap. Your body needs time to adjust. It's not just your muscles, it's your joints and bones that need to adjust to the distances. Build mileage and time gradually, take rest days and follow proper nutritional intake and you will have a great time injury free.

I started running last Christmas. Started with a 5k, then 10k, a half marathon in June. My next half is this Saturday and my first full is December 2nd. So far I have only had 1 injury and it was primarily due to overtraining. If running has taught me nothing else it is the importance of patience and consistency.

Good luck!

i also run 5 days a week. sometimes 6 is this bad?

That depends on how well you can recover between workouts. That in turn depends on a combination of genetics, age, overall fitness level, and how hard each workout is. So, it is bad for some and good for others and what may be bad now may be good later.

FWIW - I generally run 7 days a week and twice a day on 5 of those days. For the past two months, getting ready for a marathon, I have averaged around 12 miles a day.

So, it can be done.

i also run 5 days a week. sometimes 6 is this bad?

Honestly?? It's VERY bad. Seriously.

+1 to Carson and Scott. No it is not bad to run 5 or 6 days a week as long as your fitness supports it and you are recovering appropriatly in between. Increase your miles at reasonable rate over time, take some cutback weeks every now and then and you will be fine. If you feel you are not recovering or you are getting odd aches and pains then back off and let your body catch up to you.

Increase your mileage by no more than 10% a week...Do not run more than 2 days in a row, your body needs the rest and repair since you are new to all of this.

Mix up your runs, do intervals, speed, long and easy, short and easy, hills, etc. Coss train too, it helps build endurance and speed.

Also, start out running not just for distance, but also time. For longer races you need to be on your feet for hours, you need to get used to that. Instead of worrying about your miles, add in minutes. Speed will come.

There are great training schedules availible online. Tailor them to suit your needs. A year is plenty of time to prepare for a full marathon.

Get yourself a good pair of well fitted running shoes. Replace said shoes as needed ( I need to replace mine every 300 miles or so, I have arch issues).

Try sipping at water as you go along, not drinking it. The day or 2 before a big race, start hydrating. I don't drink much during my long races, but do sip at water and gatorade as I go along. For a 5k, I just run it, no water unless it is really hot out, then I will sip at water.

Listen to your body, don't push through pain or fatigue. Take rest days.

Some days you will feel like you can run forever and some days each mile is torture, that is normal so don't get discouraged if you are having an off day or 2.

If running on a treadmill, set incline to 1% to simulate road running.

Have fun!

This is the best advice I've seen. Listen to Momof3

I've done 2 half marathons and what works for me is intervals. When I first started running, I'd run for 2 minutes and walk for 1. Now I run for 14 minutes and walk for 1 during my training sessions. On race day, I've found that I tend to skip some of the walking intervals, but I know they're there and I "allow" myself to take the periodic breaks if I feel like I really need them. Distance running (for me) is mostly mental. I've found that if I ask my body to do it, it will. It's all about the courage to ask it of myself for me.

i also run 5 days a week. sometimes 6 is this bad?

Honestly?? It's VERY bad. Seriously.

Please explain?

was running every day , 6-7 days a week, 2x5k, 3x10k 1x10 mile+ long run ( clerarly not a fitness issue)

BOOM....injury to knee and 10 weeks of pain.

Physiotherapist at pro soccer team, hospital physio , 2 qualified osteopaths and an orthopaedic surgeon ALL said unequivocally 6 days a week was too much running.

No offence, but I value the advice of these people more than I do to of the 'internet people'.

For you. How many elites or even sub elites run only 5 days a week? None.

And your 34 miles a week is hardly high volume.