OK Runner Peeps: 3 weeks to first half marathon

omma_to_3
omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
What I have been doing up until now, is 2 short runs during the week (3 to 4 miles) and then a longer run on weekends. Some weekends it is a "medium" run of 6 to 7 miles, and some weekends it's a long run where I try to hit 10+ (but always over 8).

Yesterday, I did my first 11 mile run. I was so glad when it was over LOL. 13.1 still feels nearly impossible. I'm slow, so my 11 miles took me 2 hours and 33 minutes. That's pretty much the pace I'm hoping to hit for the half.

So now, I'm trying to figure out what my next two weeks should look like. I'll be really pressed for time next weekend with Easter and was thinking about not doing another long run before the race.

Would this be OK:

This week: Two short runs during the week (probably 3.5 miles on Wednesday and Friday). Then a 6 mile run on Sunday.
Next week: Two short runs during the week (3 to 3.5 miles) and then maybe a 5 or 6 mile run on the weekend.
Week prior to the race: Two short runs during the week (3 miles and then 2 miles) and at least 2 days off before the race.


Thoughts? I've been feeling a bit beat up from training lately (just tired, not injured). So looking forward to getting this race over with LOL.

Replies

  • stutba
    stutba Posts: 152 Member
    I am in the same boat, except my race is May 19th. I ran 11 miles this weekend, last 2 miles was like OMG, how the heck will I do 13.1 .miles. I am a slow runner too. In fact, I think my finish time for the 11 miles was almost exactly yours. Wish you lived near by so I could have a running buddy. Hard to find someone that runs slow like me.:happy:

    I dont have any answer for you as this is my 1st and Im not sure.

    Best of Luck to you.

    Please post and let me know how it went for you.
  • patticarbjunkie
    patticarbjunkie Posts: 133 Member
    Your training for the next two weeks looks good. I have done alot of half marathons and my longest run is usually 9.5 miles. The day of the race your endurance will kick in and you will be great!! Enjoy!! I always get burnt out from training and think why did I sign up for this, BUT am so proud when I cross that line!!
  • RatherBeInTheShire
    RatherBeInTheShire Posts: 561 Member
    Sounds good. Make sure to taper down the miles over the last two weeks. You might want to do just a small jog the day before just to keep your legs fresh. I've done 9 half marathons.. It's gets easier! =)
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I suppose it depends on your goals. When I did my first half a while back two weeks before I had 3 easy three mile runs; one 8 mile tempo and one long run (11 miles).

    The week before I only had 1 easy and 1 tempo run both short distances and I most certainly didn't run the day before the half. The last thing I wanted was 1) an injury and 2) my legs to be tired for the long road ahead.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Thanks guys! My goal is simply to finish according to plan and have my pace in the ballpark of my goal. I just want to finish LOL.

    Stutba - I never run with others because of my amazing lack of speed LOL. I also do the Gallaway method so no one wants to take walk breaks with me. But, I learned the hard way that my hip can only stand about 4.5 miles of continuous running before I spend my days limping. My current target is run 3 minutes, walk 1. On shorter distances (5K or less) I'll typically run the whole thing, but not for longer. It would be nice to get to a point where I could run 3 minutes, and then just slowly run 1 minute (instead of walking). I do that on some of my short runs now and it's fine.
  • stutba
    stutba Posts: 152 Member
    I am very slowwww as I only take walk breaks when drinking. (I have not figured out how to drink... even with a runners style water bottle without spilling/dribbling on myself. HAHA). I have been able to get to around 11-11:30 m/miles on my shorter runs... But long is 12:30 to 14:00 ish.

    I started running about a year ago and when I first started I was at 14+ minute miles on short runs. So if I go back to then... I am Speedy!!!

    Again, best of Luck to you. I know you will do great!

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