Half Marathon in 3 months...
justjenny
Posts: 529 Member
I was running last year with my neighbor...we were running about 11 minute miles...did about 3 miles a day. The leukemia society is having a half marathon at the end of September, and they start training in June. Is this even doable? I really want to take on the challenge...but I also don't want to set myself up to fail. Any advice the avid runners can give me would be greatly appreciated!
0
Replies
-
What are you running NOW is more important to know than last year.0
-
It is completly doable.
Google free 1/2 marathon training schedules, there are many 10 week programs available to get you ready.
Your goal is to complete it, so even if you need to walk some of it, you will not fail.
Most important is to get a good fitting pair of running shoes, and don't push too hard too fast. Increase mileage by 10% each week. Cross train to make yourself stronger. Most of all, just have fun with it!0 -
Quite a number of these training plans are about 16 weeks long so you have plenty of time to find one and start working on it. The sooner you start the better. Don't wait till 16 weeks out to start preparing for it.0
-
It is doable, are you planning on running with the Team in Training/LLS? that is how I train/ran my first half marathon. It is a great organization and I continue to run every once in a while with the coaches and the "new athletes" they will give you a very doable training schedule and the company and support for your long runs. I had run/walked one 5K a year prior (and stopped running after that) to signing up with team in training. They then proceeded to help me get through all my long runs and my coaches were at the race helping us along.
But even if you don't run with the Team in Training, I think it is awesome you are picking a race for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
And yes it is doable! If you don't sign up with the TNT they are a lot of easy/great training schedules online. Just find one that fits your schedule and STICK WITH IT.
Good luck!0 -
You have about 19 weeks; most couch-to-half-marathon plans are 24 weeks. But if you think you are in shape to start a program like the one I like below in week 5, then you shouldn't have a problem doing it. The key is to stick to the plan and watch your body -- if you start feeling a niggling injury then see a trainer / doctor right away, don't let it get worse!
https://www.digitalrunning.com/couch-to-half-marathon-plan/0 -
It is completly doable.
Google free 1/2 marathon training schedules, there are many 10 week programs available to get you ready.
Your goal is to complete it, so even if you need to walk some of it, you will not fail.
Most important is to get a good fitting pair of running shoes, and don't push too hard too fast. Increase mileage by 10% each week. Cross train to make yourself stronger. Most of all, just have fun with it!
Thanks! This is good info to have. I definitely think it's doable. I would like to run the entire time, but as long as I finish I will be happy! 0 -
I am doing my first half marathon in three weeks time. Nervous but also excited! A year ago I was a non-runner and had no thought of doing anything more than a brisk walk. The programme I am following is for 8 weeks and is aimed at novices who are already comfortable running 5km. It would be great to encourage one another if you are interested accept my friend request but won't be upset if you don't!0
-
You can absolutely do this! And not only can you make it, but if you work, you could make a pretty respectable time. And if not, remember walking breaks aren't cheating. I've done 4 half marathons, and I still find it nearly impossible to drink out of those cups they have while running - it's an ugly, choking, spilling mess - so I walk through the walk stations for a little recovery. And even if you sign up and don't train as well as you'd hope, you can still walk the whole thing. I actually had to do that a few months ago when I fractured my knee 2 weeks before my half marathon. I wasn't allowed to run, but they didn't say I couldn't walk!0
-
It is doable, are you planning on running with the Team in Training/LLS? that is how I train/ran my first half marathon. It is a great organization and I continue to run every once in a while with the coaches and the "new athletes" they will give you a very doable training schedule and the company and support for your long runs. I had run/walked one 5K a year prior (and stopped running after that) to signing up with team in training. They then proceeded to help me get through all my long runs and my coaches were at the race helping us along.
But even if you don't run with the Team in Training, I think it is awesome you are picking a race for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
And yes it is doable! If you don't sign up with the TNT they are a lot of easy/great training schedules online. Just find one that fits your schedule and STICK WITH IT.
Good luck!
sammyneb - Yes! I will be joining TNT! I am excited to get going. It's great to hear that they are they for support all along the way.0 -
YES
to tell you the truth, my first half I never ran more than 5 miles in my training....or ever. so, I dont recommend that, but you CAN do it!0 -
Dooooo it!0
-
What are you running NOW is more important to know than last year.
Word. HM's are easy and fun.0 -
Definitely!! I signed up for my first half marathon (several years ago now) mid-June and it took place at the beginning of September. It was pretty awesome :-) And I was training on my own.
DO IT!!!!0 -
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program
I have my first half marathon in the fall and this is what I plan on doing to train. I am going to start it 16 weeks before instead of 12 and I'll take 4 random weeks to do over with the long run on Sunday be whatever 5K/10K/obstacle race I happen to already be signed up for...
That's his "Novice" training plan, he has more advanced training plans as well...0 -
WOO HOO! Thanks for all the encouragement! The decision has been made...I WILL JUST DO IT! :happy:
However long it takes, as long as I finish, that's all that counts.
Training will be a 7:00 am on Saturdays...should I eat before I go? And if so...what should I eat?0 -
The best advise on eating is do what works for you. Start out with something light about 2 hours before; like a bowl of oatmeal or something like that. Also, don't drink too much the morning of the run or you will be stopping a lot. Drink well the day before.0
-
WOO HOO! Thanks for all the encouragement! The decision has been made...I WILL JUST DO IT! :happy:
However long it takes, as long as I finish, that's all that counts.
Training will be a 7:00 am on Saturdays...should I eat before I go? And if so...what should I eat?
Something like a bagel or maybe oatmeal. I have taken to throwing some steelcut oatmeal in the crockpot the night before a morning run and trying to eat the oatmeal about 2-3 hours before my run. Mind you that's for races of 10k or less. I have the oatmeal and some coffee. I used to have just a banana but I seem to have more in the tank if I have the oatmeal.
As your training runs get longer you may need to consume calories while you are running, look into Gu, sport bars and the like, just make sure you know how you react to what ever you eat/drink/etc before race day and don't try anything new on race day.0 -
If you can't run the whole thing, power walk it. There's no reason that you can't train up to that distance in three months. I do five miles every morning--usually 10 on Sundays. I wasn't doing anything due to a health problem up until three months ago--and I have asthma. So if I can do it, anyone can!0
-
WOO HOO! Thanks for all the encouragement! The decision has been made...I WILL JUST DO IT! :happy:
However long it takes, as long as I finish, that's all that counts.
Training will be a 7:00 am on Saturdays...should I eat before I go? And if so...what should I eat?
Something like a bagel or maybe oatmeal. I have taken to throwing some steelcut oatmeal in the crockpot the night before a morning run and trying to eat the oatmeal about 2-3 hours before my run. Mind you that's for races of 10k or less. I have the oatmeal and some coffee. I used to have just a banana but I seem to have more in the tank if I have the oatmeal.
As your training runs get longer you may need to consume calories while you are running, look into Gu, sport bars and the like, just make sure you know how you react to what ever you eat/drink/etc before race day and don't try anything new on race day.
This^
I usually eat oatmeal, 1/2 of bagel or a banana before my runs, and always coffee I need to eat about 2 hours before I run, otherwise I feel like the food is just sitting in my stomach
Find what works for you and stick with it. I like the sport jelly beans best.0 -
Looks like you have a bunch of good reply's already, but I recommend pulling a Hal Higdon half marathon training schedule online. 12 weeks is recommended time for training.0
-
sammyneb - Yes! I will be joining TNT! I am excited to get going. It's great to hear that they are they for support all along the way.
Besides the help they provide their charities, TNT has an excellent support system for their runners. I am sometimes a bit envious of their special water stations, finishing tents, etc. :P
On a serious note, they will do a good job of taking care of you to make sure you are trained as well as possible and don't try and do anything unsafe on race day. You are in good hands.0 -
What are you running NOW is more important to know than last year.
Word. HM's are easy and fun.
Lol!!! After 2 I'm not at the point to consider them easy yet but they are fun!
0 -
What are you running NOW is more important to know than last year.
Word. HM's are easy and fun.
Lol!!! After 2 I'm not at the point to consider them easy yet but they are fun!
After 4 I definitely do not call them easy...But I do enjoy doing them!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 430 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.9K MyFitnessPal Information
- 15 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions