Question/advice from runners

mateo57505
mateo57505 Posts: 83 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am going to start training for a half maraton on Monday, and the program/schedule I have has me running between 15-20 miles total a week starting and it works its way up. I currently run 3 times a week, and have run several 5k's and 10k's, but my total miles a week of actual outdoor running is between 10-12 miles (two short runs 3miles and 1 long run between 4-6 miles).

My question is this, not only do I run outdoors 3 times a week, I also play basketball everyday (6 days a week) for about an hour, to an hour and a half. I am able to track my workouts while playing basketball and when Im done the total miles ran from playing basketball is between 2 and 3 miles per day. I dont know if I should count this towards my total miles per week as I currently dont because its alot of starting stoping, sprinting in shorts bursts up and down the court during the games.

Do I need to increase my outdoor runs so that my total miles ran per week is between 15-20 miles or should I count the miles I run playing basketball?

Any advice information is greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • dorothytd
    dorothytd Posts: 1,138 Member
    I ran my first half last year, without a specific program. I was doing a lot of other exercise as well as running. When you start training, you can decide if you need to run more, but you probably will be fine increasing your mileage gradually and getting used to those long runs. One thing I would highly recommend if it isn't in your program, is strength training 2-3 times a week. I found that by getting stronger, I ran better.

    There is a 1/2 marathon group on MFP. You may get more responses there.

    Good luck!!!
  • Faeriegirl74
    Faeriegirl74 Posts: 187 Member
    I'm a running coach at my local running club on the side and have run 10 half's and 1 full marathon - congrats on your new endeavor!
    Speaking from experience... I do not count any of my cross training as a part of the mileage I need to run weekly... I focus on the running plan as prescribed - which is designed to prevent injury as well as increase mileage no more than 10% each week. Any good plan will have built into it many drills from hills to sprints, base building, and tapering... if I particpate in other activities (weight lifting for my core, aerobics, swimming, bike) - I do not count this towards my running mileage... I consider this extra that makes me a well rounded athlete.

    Best wishes on your journey!

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