Half marathon training

Adforperu
Adforperu Posts: 70 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Firstly, just entered for the London Marathon through a ballot - wish me luck!

Also, I've entered the Great North Run and guaranteed a place. I've been running 10ks for just over a year now, my last one clocking in just under 45 minutes. I've never run more than a 10k at a time, but have now entered this half-marathon. I want to have a good go of it, so have found a 12 week training plan... but given it's not until September, what should I do until then? At the mo I run 3/4 times a week, 3 or 4 miles a time. Should I start the whole "add a mile a week" thing now or is it too early?

Replies

  • Frankii_x
    Frankii_x Posts: 238
    Hey!

    I was the same as you - had never done more then 6 miles before my last half marathon. I slowly started to increase - maybe try with half a mile a week because you have plenty of time. Also, after doing the GNR myself last year - I'd definitely recommend practicing your hill running - the majority of the course was on a slight incline other than the last mile!

    I hope your training goes well - I've got half marathon number 2 in 13 days!!!

    Frankii :)
  • Adforperu
    Adforperu Posts: 70 Member
    Thank you for your reply :)

    Was not aware of the hills, thank you for the advice.. I live in a valley so only usually do flat runs, ha! Will definitely do some hill repeats and what-not in that case...
  • KatManx
    KatManx Posts: 168 Member
    I second the hill training. My other half has done the GNR 6 times and never mentioned that the hills were well hilly :). Even he said last year he forgot how steep some of the hills are so definately get the hill training in.

    But overall once i had finished it it wasn't as bad as i thought it was going to be. When i was running it , it was a different story lol.

    At least this year i know what to expect. I have a training plan somewhere, i can send it to you?

    Kat
  • majope
    majope Posts: 1,325 Member
    I have my 6th half marathon coming up on Saturday--the same race six years in a row, and my training over those years has varied wildly, from not having run for months before starting training to going in with a base of 20-25 miles/week for several months. Guess which training periods and races have gone the best? Yup, the ones where I started training already in some kind of running shape.

    So I recommend slowly building up to 20-25 miles/week before starting training, with a weekly long run that is about 1/3 of your weekly total (so 5 miles when you're at 15 total for the week, up to 8 when you get to 25). Keep your long runs slow and add some speed to one or maybe two of your shorter runs--if you haven't seen it, McMillan gives advice on training paces based on a recent race time: http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/

    And best of luck!
  • FJMilner
    FJMilner Posts: 407
    Im also doing the GNR and the York marathon. Have entered the ballot for VLM too. I did North Lincs half yesterday and have Leeds half in 2 weeks (which is quite hilly too)....I think my training will probably be 5 or 6 miles twice a week plus a long run on a weekend, would like to make it so a 13 mile run is the norm then will start increasing July time. I have a 100km walk to do in June so need to concentrate on walking until then really. I think as long as yr training is consistent and you incorporate plenty of variety (ie hill training, speed training and long slow and steady runs) you'll be absolutely fine. Best of luck xx
  • Adforperu
    Adforperu Posts: 70 Member
    Cheers guys - I think a gradual build up from now until July-ish is a good plan, then stick to a regular plan. I usually run about 8-10 miles in the week, then 3/4 miles at the weekend, so will keep the same and up the weekend milage (and do the hill stuff too!)
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
    Assuming you have the time, it's never to early to add to your base. A good base is the biggest single determining factor in how well a half marathon (or any longer race) will go. The training plan only improves on that base.
  • Jayne19099
    Jayne19099 Posts: 149 Member
    Bump! planning my first half marathon in november
  • NOLA19
    NOLA19 Posts: 31 Member
    I am thinking about doing my second half marathon in October; perhaps as a personal goal as I turn 30 at the end of October this year. Would love some online training buddies; it has been a few years since my first half

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