training for a 1/2 marathon

If you google training schedules for a 1/2 marathon, you'll get lots of different advice. If you have an iPod or iPhone there is a great app called Runner's World Smartcoach that I've been using for my 10k training. My best advice is find a program that takes into consideration your current level of running, your goals and how much time you are willing to put into it. There's a million and one "experts" that can help you, but ultimately it's up to you!!!!

Good luck on the 1/2... I'm hoping to do one in September.. assuming the 10k goes well!!!

I am running my first 1/2 marathon in early May and my coworkers have suggested Hal Higdon. I am going by his schedule. Good luck!:happy:

I just used Hal Higdon Half Intermiate...you can google the training plan. I ran my half marathon today and I am super happy with my results

Good luck

Oooh Nikki how did it go?

i'll be doing my second 1/2 in may-go to hal higdons web page-he has a good scedule for training-my sister told me about him and she's run alot of full and 1/2 marathons! it is alot of fun with the crowds and if there will be music along the route! good luck!

I have (for my sins) said that I am going to do the Liverpool marathon in October and have only just started running - luckily hubby does loads of running /marathons and his advice was to start off with deal with TIME rather than milage - get used to actual running for a certain length of time - be aware of the milage you are doing but track your time more than anything - as you find your pace and increase your time on feet (whether it is running or run/walking your milage will increase naturally.

At the moment I go out on a Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and do about 45 min (about 4.5 miles) and then on a weekend whichever day you want go out for a longer time maybe 55-60 minutes - whichever program/plan you read ALL of them say - DONT increase your milage/ time by more than 10% a week - you can cross train on the other days by swimming/aerobics/cycling - zumba / aerobics was recommened to me because when you are running your legs/muscles only work in one direction - I was told to try and incorporate something that makes you go sideways, small fast movements this will get the smaller side muscles fired up

I cant answer the speed work only what I have been told and that if it is your first and you are just 'getting round' is concentrate on putting one foot infront of the other speed work etc comes into play when you are trying to go for PB's saying that it is supposed to increase your aerobic capacity and lactic acid threshold

hope this is some help ? - Im not an expert just what I have been told by hubby who has 20+ years running behind him and what I have picked up in runners world magazine - good luck x

Let me pipe in here. I've run 3 marathons and 5 halves. I believe that the BEST programs out there for training are either the Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon (what I use). These programs are amazing, have a set number of miles, help you with your cross-training, etc. PLEASE remember to include a rest day (or two) each week. Another tidbit, strengthen your core. With my last marathon, I decided to strengthen my core (i.e. stomach/back/obliques) and it made a HUGE difference in my performance.

YOU CAN DO THIS!
Run Strong,
Shan

I am going to run a half this October. I started to train for it last year but had a health issue come up and couldn't complete it. But I trained for the half and used this book: The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer by David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, and Tanjala Kole. It has a great training schedule in it. It is for a full marathon so I just did half of what they suggested. Just another idea for anyone who is interested.

Runnersworld.com has some great plans that include interval and tempo work. I usually use a plan from there, but there are tons available. And many are free.