I'm only half crazy

justrun52
justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I decided to run a half marathon in two months, right now I'm following a 12 week training guide: http://www.halfmarathons.net/training_tips_schedule_beginner_runners.html

I'm at the end of Week 3; I've had some suggestions from my coworkers who've run half marathons that they only train up to 7 or 8 miles max and say that if you can do that, the last 5 or so miles aren't so much of a physical struggle, but that's its then a mental challenge. I'm debating on if I should train up to 8 miles or follow this 12 week program and make my max run 12 miles before the race. Any suggestions from others who've trained for a half marathon? This is my first btw. Thanks

Replies

  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    What's your current running base
  • justrun52
    justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
    I've been running consistently for the past few years, I normally do 3 mile runs a few times a week. I average 10 minute miles. The furthest I've run at one time is 6.5 miles. I've completed Week 3 of the schedule I posted a link to.
  • Zaria_Athena
    Zaria_Athena Posts: 56 Member
    Hi.

    My running coach always had me build up to a distance that was more than the race.
    For example for my first 10k, my training schedule had me doing 2 10k and 1 11k training runs.
    For my first half-marathon, I did something like this 19k, 21k, 23k, 21k (sorry distances are kilometers - I am Canadian!)
    I did 32k as my longest run for a 30k race.


    I liked this approach because on race day there was no doubt that I could do the distance.

    There are many half marathon training programs where the longest run is 18k. I know many people who have had success this way. The adrenalin on race day does push you.

    Best of luck.
  • justrun52
    justrun52 Posts: 74 Member
    Thanks, that is very helpful. I did train about 11k when I did my 10k last year, and I did it that way so (like you said) I had no doubt that I could do it on race day .
  • KristiRTT
    KristiRTT Posts: 346 Member
    I ran 12.5 miles 3 weeks before my first half marathon! I wanted the first time that I ran 13 miles to be race day! Since then I don't run longer than 10 in training as it's not necessary, and I am only running 20 this training session for my first full!
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    I decided to run a half marathon in two months, right now I'm following a 12 week training guide: http://www.halfmarathons.net/training_tips_schedule_beginner_runners.html

    I'm at the end of Week 3; I've had some suggestions from my coworkers who've run half marathons that they only train up to 7 or 8 miles max and say that if you can do that, the last 5 or so miles aren't so much of a physical struggle, but that's its then a mental challenge. I'm debating on if I should train up to 8 miles or follow this 12 week program and make my max run 12 miles before the race. Any suggestions from others who've trained for a half marathon? This is my first btw. Thanks

    Depends on your goal. Is your goal just to finish? Or do you want to knock this thing out of the park?

    The main mistake most make in their first endurance event is to peak with their longest run too close to the main event. Make sure the plan you are following allows for a nice taper into the event so you are not exhausted and don't get sick. I think the Max run of 12 two weeks before (according to that link) with the taper of only 6 miles the week before is pretty well thought out.

    Have fun - no matter what your goal is.

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