half marathon and other races....

bobbijodmb
bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Question-- I am running my first half marathon in April. April 6th to be exact.

There is a race on the 29th of March (its 8 days before)-- I would still be training but wondering if doing 8 miles that day would be too much or a good idea?

Anyone have any suggestions??

Right now I can run 5.5 miles and started training 7 weeks ago. I am doing a 5 miler next weekend and want to possibly do a 10 mile run February 22nd.

any help would be great!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    What does your training plan call for a week out from the race?

    I'm going to suggest that if you treat the 8 miler as a training run rather than a race you're probably fine (most training plans will have you cutting your distances a week out, so you're probably not scheduled for a 10 mile run)
  • bobbijodmb
    bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
    The training program that I downloaded said run for an hour and 15 min or 5 miles.......

    I also email the coach for the group. I dont want to set myself up for failure at the half but I dont want to under prepare.

    Definitely would treat it as a training run and not a race. I am a slow runner lol
  • tjfharo
    tjfharo Posts: 9
    Hal Higdeon has a variety of training programs! I used the Novice Half Marathon in 2012 and found it pretty easy to follow.
  • bobbijodmb
    bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
    Thanks-- according to his plan I could do up to 10 on the weekend before the race, but i think I will stick to 8
  • LouSmorals
    LouSmorals Posts: 93 Member
    I think you'd be OK but I don't know if I would push the pace too much on the 8 miler.
  • asilmegan34
    asilmegan34 Posts: 256 Member
    Im a slow runner too so I hear ya!
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    You'd be fine to run it as a training run.
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I've ran 5 marathons and 6 halfs. As long as you give yourself pleant of rest three days before you will be fine.
  • bobbijodmb
    bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
    thanks everyone =)
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    8 miles 8 days before a half isnt a big deal. You'll be fine.
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    My first half is April 13th. My first 10K is March 2nd. It's about a month a part, but take it for whatever it is worth.
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Is there a deadline to sign up for the race? If not, why not do an 8 mile run around 18-20th March and see how that affects you?

    I would say go for it but then I love the race day...
  • rmdaly
    rmdaly Posts: 250 Member
    It sounds like a good thing to do. You can test your pace - do you do okay starting out at pace or starting a little slower and working up to your pace? You can test eating and drinking before and during a race and see how you feel. You can also try the clothes you will be wearing for your goal race and make sure there isn't any funny rubbing spots.

    Just be sure to get good rest after the 8 mile race before the big one the next weekend.
  • bobbijodmb
    bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
    It sounds like a good thing to do. You can test your pace - do you do okay starting out at pace or starting a little slower and working up to your pace? You can test eating and drinking before and during a race and see how you feel. You can also try the clothes you will be wearing for your goal race and make sure there isn't any funny rubbing spots.

    Just be sure to get good rest after the 8 mile race before the big one the next weekend.

    I like those ideas.

    Right now I have just been running at a 12 minute pace. Then I usually have a mile or two where I run 11 and then back to 12. This running stuff is all new to me, so I really appreciate the suggestions!
  • tjfharo
    tjfharo Posts: 9
    To BobbL
    I am so excited for your first half!!! Whatever works for you is the key! I did run 8 miles the two weeks before and was glad I did. It was a mental thing for me since I had never run 13 miles before... much less 8! I was supposed to run 9 miles the week before, and didnt because of life business, and excuses. Anways I am also a 10-12min/mile pace runner for long distances. It is a goal of mine to bring it closer to 9-10min/mile. But that is an insane goal for me!! Some very interesting/educational info on running, I would suggest a few quick google topics that taught me a TON!!!

    "Ball of your foot" running - reduces injuries to ankle//Achilles/ calves/shins
    Alignment for running- reduces joint injuries and fatigue
    Using your Glutes- speed work, reduces knee injuries
    Push with your Toes - speed work
    Ice Bath After to reduce lactic acid build up
    Compression pants/shorts/socks or a combo to reduce lactic acid build up

    Weigh yourself before AND after a run, to evaluate how much water weight you lost, then replenish that weight within 2 hours after your run to reduce lactic acid build up in your muscles. Hydrated muscles are happy muscles!!! IDK if you are into supplements, but BCA can also help replace amino acids after a run/work out to reduce muscle soreness the next day.
  • mlogantra76
    mlogantra76 Posts: 334 Member
    I could have asked the OP question. I ran an eight miler two weekends ago and then a half marathon last weekend. Tomorrow, I'm running another 8 miler and then the next weekend I'm running another half marathon. I treat the 8 miler's as training runs. Its fun to to have others to run with and didn't seem to affect my half.
  • bobbijodmb
    bobbijodmb Posts: 463 Member
    I could have asked the OP question. I ran an eight miler two weekends ago and then a half marathon last weekend. Tomorrow, I'm running another 8 miler and then the next weekend I'm running another half marathon. I treat the 8 miler's as training runs. Its fun to to have others to run with and didn't seem to affect my half.

    That's good to know. I signed up for it- i also signed up for a 10 mile race at the end of February. Scheduled a race run every month until the half

    Thanks tjfharo for the info-- I'll have to look those up!!

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