Half marathon in 12-weeks: who's ready?

I am running my first on September 12! I need all of the help I can get. The money goes to a great cause, and I'll just be happy to finish- even if last! Good luck :-)

I just signed up to run a half-marathon on October 24. This will be my 7th half, but I definitely don't keep up the training in between races...

I'm starting a 13 week training program on July 26 (the same program I've followed for each race I've done). I'd love to join this little "group" for some running motivation!

What races are everyone doing? I live in Indiana (I did the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in May) and I'm doing the inaugral Home of Purdue Half-Marathon in Lafayette/West Lafayette.

Me too! September 25th!

When are you all starting your training? Are you following a training plan?

When are you all starting your training? Are you following a training plan?

I started my training plan, but I haven't been sticking to it 100% because of the extreme heat here lately. I am following a plan that someone on here recommended to me- it can be found at www.teamworldvision.org/training if anyone is interested

How important do you think it is to actually run 13 miles before the race (at some point)? I know most of the plans only have you going up to 10 or 12 miles. I'm tempted to go up to 12 miles instead of 10 like most plans have.

Hi Amy, I hope you don't mind me butting in here, but honestly, i don't think it's that important to run 13 prior to the race. I know some people like to do it so that they know that they can, but I have never done 13 miles outside of a race. i think i did between 11 and 12 each time, and may have even only done 10.5 one time. If you can run 10 (or 11 or 12 miles) in a training run, you will physically be able to do 13.1. Adrenalin will carry you VERY far in a race.

Lisa

I'm in my 2nd of 16 weeks of training for the Detroit 1/2 Marathon on Oct 17th. I'm keeping simple and using the guide from Runner's World website. It worked well to get me from 5K to 10K. Count me in.

I'm in! I'm using the Hal Higdon novice plan as well. I'm in my first week of training, but am already comfortable at the 3-5 mile range. My goal is the October 17th's Detroit half. Would love the extra support. I'm in!

Thanks for the insight on how far to run. I think I'm going to get one of those running belts that holds a water bottle. The belt I have now is too small for that.

How often do you replace your running shoes? Do you have shoes that you train in and different shoes for races? I wouldn't think you'd want that, but it seems like I've heard people doing that.

I'm going to start the Hal Higdon's half training on Monday.

Great work Jacqueline! I don't run terribly fast, but have already improved my speed since I first started running at the beginning of the year (did couch to 5k). I run at an average of 5mph. But, I imagine as I increase my distance, my speed with lessen, at least in the short term.

Did a nice long walk today with my work's walking group. Tomorrow on the schedule: 4 mile run. I'm going to have to get up early again to do it. While it's not as hot as it was earlier this week, if it's above 80, I can't do it outside.

How often do you replace your running shoes? Do you have shoes that you train in and different shoes for races? I wouldn't think you'd want that, but it seems like I've heard people doing that.

No! Wear good shoes that you're used to running in on race day. I think having about 75 miles on them is ideal--enough that you know you won't have new issues with rubbing or chafing, but still with plenty of spring in them. The only people who usually wear specific shoes in a race are people trying to win, who wear racing flats (or crazy people willing to spend a lot of money to save 8 seconds).

Lisa and I posted to another thread on this yesterday--she says she gets 400-500 miles on her shoes, but I have to replace mine after 250-300 miles max. Alas, I am a lot fatter than Lisa. The heavier you are, the more quickly your shoes will wear out.

I am 13 weeks out from a full marathon but haven't seen any threads for that. Can I hang with you guys? I am excited for all of you--I love the half marathon distance. It is a great accomplishment!

I try to replace my shoes every 3-4 months, but they are so expensive!!

Had my mom's family reunion today, so of course I ate like a pig... I'm going out for a run with a friend tomorrow morning, and hope to eat better too.

Sounds like everyone is doing great on their training runs so far! Keep it up!

I have another question or two.

1. What's your pace right now per mile?

2. Have you ever gotten fitted for running shoes before?