1st Half-Marathon

TerriB333
TerriB333 Posts: 3 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hello All

I started running more seriously 3 months ago. In June I ran my first 10k which I really enjoyed. I run 5km twice a week and I fit in a 10k on Sundays. I am by no means a fast runner but I surprise myself each week.

I have entered a 21km on the 6th October, any thoughts on training? Do I have to run a few 21k before attempting it on race day?

Thanks

Replies

  • FitbitVanessa
    FitbitVanessa Posts: 37 Member
    You sound like me! I've done a few 5ks and a 10k, and am scheduled to do a half marathon in October. I can't give advice, since I have very little experience, but I am following the Hal Higdon training program that I got free online. Many experienced runners swear by his program.
  • LadyEm06
    LadyEm06 Posts: 27 Member
    Look up the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan. I had only done 5K races and the occasional 5 mile run on my own prior to my first half, which was about 14 months ago. I am signed up for #3, which is also in October. People on lots of other messages boards vouch for Hal Higdon's plans, and that's what I used to get to my first half, and I continue to use it for each subsequent one. A word of advice: don't just jump to the day-by-day plan. Read all of the narrative at the top about rest days, cross training, etc. With the right training and commitment, you'll be surprised to realize how attainable 13.1 miles really is.

    Good luck!!
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    October 6th is coming up pretty fast for a half marathon. Hal Higdon plans are great. I'm pretty sure he recommends that you get in at least one 10 mile run before the half.

    I was surprised at how emotional my training journey was for my first half marathon. I'd get a shin splint and have to take some time off in the middle of my training. Or work was stressful. Or I had bronchitis. Sinus infections... Give yourself permission to take walking breaks and to go slow.

    ETA: Make sure your shoes are in excellent condition!
  • Zomoniac
    Zomoniac Posts: 1,169 Member
    I did a couple of halves in training for my first half race, though consensus seems to be that's a bad idea. Worked ok for me but I'm sure there's good reason as to why it's discouraged. I'm currently in training for my first full marathon and I won't be doing that distance in a training run.
  • TerriB333
    TerriB333 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for all your responses, I will be looking at the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan and taking it easy in training as to avoid any injury.
    Good Luck to you all with your future races

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