Half Marathon next Saturday

careyannal
careyannal Posts: 161
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys,

I will be running the OBX half marathon next Saturday, my first ever. When I started training, my plan was to walk a large portion of it, so I followed the Hal Hingdon's Walking training plan.

Well, I have since decided to run it. Last week was my longest run, 10 miles. I decided to look up the training plans for running, I didn't really think they'd be that different, but they are. Apparently I was supposed to have done 12 miles last week, so that I can "rest" and only do 5 this weekend.

I HAVE to get 11 in this weekend so that I mentally am closer to knowing I'll be able to finish the race.

Do you think this is OK?

What other advice do you have for me, with the race one week away. I am getting nervous, but more and more excited.

THANKS!

Replies

  • runnninginmd
    runnninginmd Posts: 67
    If you have run up to 10 I think you'll be fine. I know what you mean about wanting to mentally know you can do it. Before my first one I did a couple of 14 mile runs just to prove it to myself... but I think running 11 miles for the first time the week before might not be the best idea. I usually don't run any more than 8 or 9 miles at a time the week before because I want to make sure my legs are fresh and I'm used to running 10-14 miles every weekend, so I wouldn't recommend it. If you can do 10 you can definitely push to 13. The atmosphere is exciting, your adrenaline is up, and you'll have tons of people encouraging you!
  • careyannal
    careyannal Posts: 161
    So 8 miles should be my long run this weekend?
  • runnninginmd
    runnninginmd Posts: 67
    I definitely wouldn't do more than that based on your previous training. How do you normally feel after 8 miles? If you can run 8 miles and feel fine after, I would do that. If you run 8 miles and are sore the next day, you might want to take it easier. You aren't going to make major strides in training in a week, so it's not going to hurt you to not do a super long run. You should be more concerned that your body is rested and ready to run the actual race.
  • Suz_w8loss
    Suz_w8loss Posts: 197 Member
    The longest training run I did a week before my half was a 10 miler & had no problems. If you body is conditioned and you have been training weekly up to this point, you should be fine. If you feel like doing a 10 or 11 miler this weekend then go for it. If it were me, I would do my long run on Saturday & an easy run on Monday or Tuesday then rest on Wed, Thur & Friday.
    Good luck on your race - you will do great !
  • careyannal
    careyannal Posts: 161
    I ended up running 6.8. I wanted to get to the halfway point, but didn't want to overly exert myself.

    Anyone have any other week before tips??
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I ended up running 6.8. I wanted to get to the halfway point, but didn't want to overly exert myself.

    Anyone have any other week before tips??

    3 miles on Monday, 2 or so on Wednesday will be a sufficient taper. You will do great! Good luck!

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