In Need of Expert Running Advice!

run4u
run4u Posts: 3
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
My Background:
I am an avid runner preparing for my second half-marathon. I have set my finishing goal at 1hr 30min. I have a PR of 8 miles in one hour, although on average I seem to come up short by a quarter mile. I vary my training through long, speed work and hill runs Also, I am 27yr old and weigh 169-171 but have a goal weight of 160 before race day by building my mileage up every week by one mile. Currently I am running 22 miles a week. Finally, I over pronate and have flat feet which makes it almost impossible to find decent shoes.

My Question:
I would like know if anyone has advice which will get me to my set race time goal? Does it look as though I will make it by continuing my current training? Also, any suggestions on what shoes are the best for me based on my features? I feel like I am almost there but need to really refine my training and mechanics to get there. Any advice will be helpful.

Replies

  • NoExcuseTina
    NoExcuseTina Posts: 506 Member
    I am not a runner, but I have one suggestion about the shoes...get custom insoles made for whatever shoe you purchase. I got my insoles made at a chiropractic office and it was paid for by my health insurance. Just a suggestions.
  • flicker1991
    flicker1991 Posts: 11
    Run,

    How long until this half? What was your time in the previous half and how long ago was it? Have you run any recent races, and if so what was distance and time?

    Personally I ran all through high school, then took about 15 years off, returning to running 2 years ago and losing over 70 pounds. I have a 1:34 half PR and have run 7 of them. I train at about 60-70 miles a week now and hope to get my half time down to 1:30 as well. I still weigh in at about 213 and have 15-20 more pounds to lose.

    Your 8 mile PR is at 7:30/mile pace. To get down to 1:30 for a half, you need to run 6:52/mile. I think it would be hard to cut 30+ seconds/mile off your time at 22 miles a week. You are hitting the 3 major runs (long, speed, threshold), but I think you need more mileage in them and just some more aerobic easy miles.

    Shoe wise, I would suggest going somewhere that help fit you in the right shoe. Here in Columbia SC we have a Fleet Feet that will take the time to get you in the right shoe. They measure your foot, watch you on a treadmill, and then get you to try running in a few different shoes. It worked great for me.

    Let me know if you have any more questions, as I would love to help you work towards your goal.

    Just keep getting out the door and putting the miles in.

    Scott
  • run4u
    run4u Posts: 3
    Thanks for the advice. I figured I would need to pack on more miles a week. The race is on May 1st and if my math is correct I should be at or around 30 miles a week by the week of race day. I will look for a store here in OKC that is similar to the one you wrote about and inquire about their services. At the end of the day I may need to realize that accomplishing my goal will take longer than expected.
  • flicker1991
    flicker1991 Posts: 11
    It is probably a more long term goal.

    You can set a more achievable goal for your May 1st race and then get a half on your calendar for the fall and train over the summer to go for the 1:30.

    Scott
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