Running - need help adjusting a training schedule

k1214
k1214 Posts: 33 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I recently started training for a half marathon in February '14. I am using a 19 week Hal Higdon walk/run beginner training schedule and have been following the times/distances religiously for the past 4 weeks. There is a race that I want to do in October - it's either 8.8k or 8.8 miles (you get to choose mid-race and this year I would like to aim for the 8.8 miles). However, that day happens to fall on a 3 mile day on the training schedule (long run for week before is 12.5 miles and week after is 14 miles). Can I flip flop the weeks? Or should I cut down the distances for the week before and week after? Or should I just increase the miles for that day? Not sure what to do. Thanks for the help!

Replies

  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    You are over thinking it. If you want to adhere to the schedule, then just to the 8.8k. That is about 4 miles. When I train and I have a race, I just run the race and continue on with the schedule. I don't really modify my distance for the week. You will be fine.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I agree, you're overthinking, you dont have to follow the plan to the very letter. Do the 8.8 miles instead of the 3 for that day if you like. I'd make sure the next day was a rest day though.
  • smerkord
    smerkord Posts: 101 Member
    I agree with lawkat. Just run the race at the distance you want and continue with the schedule that you are on.
  • k1214
    k1214 Posts: 33 Member
    I may have a little OCD :) Thanks for your help - much appreciated!
  • smerkord
    smerkord Posts: 101 Member
    I may have a little OCD :) Thanks for your help - much appreciated!

    Oh, something else we have in common. :)
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    You can flop the days if you want. I don't see how that should be a problem. When I trained for a half there were times where I had to change my long run day which was a Sunday to the day before or -- if I missed it for what ever reason -- the day after. I'd then just pick up my training where it left off on the following day. It shouldn't be detrimental if you do the long race on a short run day.
  • dchief30
    dchief30 Posts: 129 Member
    I agree over thinking just run (:

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