Half marathon 2 weeks from today...Can I do this?
WhitneySpeicher
Posts: 11 Member
My friend had signed up for a HM, but has to bow out due to an injury and offered me her spot. I've been training for a HM, but hadn't expected to race until later this fall. I started running around the beginning of the year.
Generally, on my long runs I use Galloway's run/walk intervals. I usually do 4 minutes running/1 minute walking. Yesterday I did 6.5 miles while pushing my daughter in our jogging stroller, and felt like I could have done at least another 3 miles easily.
Considering I won't be dealing with the jogging stroller in the HM, and if I reduce my run/walk intervals to 2 minutes running/1 minute walking, does this sound doable? I'm just looking to finish the race without any sort of time goal (except to not get kicked out for being too slow-there's a 4 hour time limit). If it's too risky, I can switch the registration to the 5K race instead.
Generally, on my long runs I use Galloway's run/walk intervals. I usually do 4 minutes running/1 minute walking. Yesterday I did 6.5 miles while pushing my daughter in our jogging stroller, and felt like I could have done at least another 3 miles easily.
Considering I won't be dealing with the jogging stroller in the HM, and if I reduce my run/walk intervals to 2 minutes running/1 minute walking, does this sound doable? I'm just looking to finish the race without any sort of time goal (except to not get kicked out for being too slow-there's a 4 hour time limit). If it's too risky, I can switch the registration to the 5K race instead.
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Replies
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Doable? Sure. The best idea? probably not.0
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ThickMcRunFast wrote: »Doable? Sure. The best idea? probably not.
This.
I've gone into a half marathon underprepared and it was not a fun experience. I finished but it was pretty miserable. I do not recommend.
Is there a 10k option?0 -
No 10k option. Just 5k or HM.0
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LittleWhit wrote: »No 10k option. Just 5k or HM.
Well, I can tell you the smart thing to do, and I can tell you what I would do. Those of course are two different things
I'm sure you could finish a half. I'm uncertain about how pleasant the experience would be.
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You maybe could, but do you really want your first HM to be crazy slow and un-rewarding? Wouldn't you rather your first HM be something you feel really ready for and that you at least can attempt to kick butt at?
The first scenario might put you off wanting to do another HM, the second scenario will probably leave you wanting more.0 -
If you are referring to Pittsburgh, it does have a ton of awesome live music & crowd support on the course. If you can do 9.5 now (try it next weekend), 13 is doable. Worst case, the 6 mile mark of the Pittsburgh course (near the west end bridge) is only about a mile walk from the finish line if you drop out at that point. If you need to do run/walk, just join the last corral, start at the back, try the 2/1, and make sure you get to the side when changing up from running to walking.0
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If you are referring to Pittsburgh, it does have a ton of awesome live music & crowd support on the course. If you can do 9.5 now (try it next weekend), 13 is doable. Worst case, the 6 mile mark of the Pittsburgh course (near the west end bridge) is only about a mile walk from the finish line if you drop out at that point. If you need to do run/walk, just join the last corral, start at the back, try the 2/1, and make sure you get to the side when changing up from running to walking.
I would not advise trying 9.5 miles for the first time a week before an untrained HM.
eta: if you want to do the half, your game is now about survival, not best performance. So this week, go out for 3 runs of 3-5ish miles, then *maybe* try a 7 mile run on Sunday. Even that seems long. to me at this point (unless you are really used to the 6 mile distance as your long run) then you will want to rest up. Just do a few short runs ing the week before. Get used to whatever run/walk interval you will employ. The worst thing you could do is suddenly increase your long run by 33% a week before the race. That will just leave you more tired than you already will be.0 -
I just did my first half two months ago and if you haven't gone beyond a nine mile mark at this point, I would not recommend a hm. It is physically demanding (of course) but mentally as well. And I would encourage your first experience to be one you're well calculated and planned out for so you fully enjoy the experience0
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>I would not advise trying 9.5 miles for the first time a week before an untrained HM
There are definitely some popular novice plans that include just building to a 10 miler the week before (see: http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program for the most popular example novice plan that does that).
If the time limit is 4 hours, and you have been putting in a reasonable amount of mileage weekly (15+), I'd think you could finish in under 4. Just not sure how comfortable you'll be walking the last 3 if you can only run/walk the first 10.0 -
>I would not advise trying 9.5 miles for the first time a week before an untrained HM
There are definitely some popular novice plans that include just building to a 10 miler the week before (see: http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program for the most popular example novice plan that does that).
If the time limit is 4 hours, and you have been putting in a reasonable amount of mileage weekly (15+), I'd think you could finish in under 4. Just not sure how comfortable you'll be walking the last 3 if you can only run/walk the first 10.
There is a difference between building up to something, and jumping to it suddenly. I ran 16 miles the week before my last half. Its not something to suggest to a newbie who doesn't have adequate training.0 -
Do it. The worst that can happen is that you DNF by being too slow, the best that can happen is that you finish. Clearly you're not going for time, so just go for the experience.
I did my first half marathon in February and I was underprepared simply because I didn't know what to expect. I twisted my ankle not even half a mile in, but still limped my way through it (I'm very stubborn). The race route closed at 3:30:00, and I finished at 3:21:00. I was dead dead dead last, but do you know what? I didn't give a s**t. I still finished. My time was awful but I set a goal and I achieved it. My next half is in a little over a month and I know that I will do much better this time.
If you want to run it, do it. It's only scary until you start running. You don't have to run the whole way, I sure didn't, so don't feel pressured into going too hard. 2 and 1s sound perfect. Slow and steady, baby.0 -
* Note that I don't know what your training has been like for the last 3 months, though. Have you gone farther than 6.5 miles? You should try to get out and do a couple training runs without your stroller, if at all possible. I find it incredibly difficult to run with a stroller, personally, so you might find that you have better endurance without one.0
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I've done exactly this. Well, sort of worse since I didn't know I was running a half until I was standing in a corral.
....but sort of better because I'd actually run a full 7 miles, not run/walked it. It was pretty miserable. And by pretty, I mean it was REALLY miserable. But you can do it and probably you won't get kicked off the course. I am pretty slow and I scraped in just under the time limit.
It IS miserable. You're going to be plodding along and wishing for death or wishing you could run another half mile just to get the damn thing over with but you will try to run that half mile and fail because that's what happens when you go untrained.
But since your question was "can you finish in 4 hours" I'd say yes, you can.0 -
Will failing miserably motivate you to do better or disgust you with the sport?
How about the risk of injury and the weeks of setback?
I've done dumber things but I also have friends (and a daughter) that have given up on certain types of adventures because failure-too-big happened.
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Here's something no one else has asked...
Does this race allow transfers or would you be running as her? Most races don't allow under the table bib transfers for safety reasons.0 -
I did my first marathon with a half marathon under my belt, and no runs longer than 13 miles because of some calf injuries. I was really nervous about it, but was unable to switch to a shorter event. I finished in just under 5 hours and was incredibly sore for 3 days, but I'm so glad I went through with it. If you REALLY felt like you could do a few more miles after jogging with a stroller for 6.5, I think you're about ready for a half without a stroller. If you can, estimate your finish time from that 6.5 miler (just multiply by 2), and if there are pace groups, join up with one. They are there to help you. Kind of like a mobile support group.0
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If I was in your shoes I wouldn't do it (agree with what an earlier poster said about not being sure you can just show up with her bib and reg number on the day, so please do check). I totally get the temptation, but I think you're asking for injury/an unpleasant experience. I can run a comfy 55 minute 10K (or could before busting my hip) but I wouldn't go straight from that to a half. I'd wait for your event in the autumn if I was you.0
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I recall from training for my first half last year that I always noticed a big difference between 8-9 mile long runs and anything over 10. I could go strong to about mile 9, feeling really good. It was pushing past mile 10 that was really hard for me. It took a few attempts to finally reach 12 miles.
Personally, while I know you will want to do it (I would), and I also know that if it was me I would probably do it (I pushed myself for my first half as well), I don't think it's wise. I did wind up finding myself injured in the first couple weeks doing recovery runs after my first half. Part of the reason (or maybe even all of it) was that my musculoskeletal structures simply hadn't strengthened enough yet to take the pounding of my aggressive training schedule and that first half.
Hope all this advice helps. I suspect you could do it, especially run/walking. You know your body better than anyone here though, so you are the best to make the call, really.0 -
olivia_june wrote: »Do it. The worst that can happen is that you DNF by being too slow, the best that can happen is that you finish. Clearly you're not going for time, so just go for the experience.
This is not the worst thing that can happen. You could also seriously hurt yourself and that would suck.
I ran my first half with a friend. I trained, she didn't. It was a struggle, but I ran negative splits the whole way. She walked 7 miles and was miserable for a week.
I'd recommend the 5K, then running the HM when you're more prepared. You definitely want it to be a pleasant experience.0 -
olivia_june wrote: »Do it. The worst that can happen is that you DNF by being too slow, the best that can happen is that you finish.
Worst thing that can happen is an injury.
It sounds like 6.5 miles is the exception, rather than the routine session.
fwiw I picked up Illiotibial Band Syndrome 12km into my first half, after finishing and having a coffee I could barely walk. The latter part was unpleasant, but at least I understand why it happened; overuse.
Mind you, 3:30 for a half sounds like absolute purgatory to me.0 -
Thanks for all of the replies!
I think I'll do the 5k instead. I would be so mad at myself if I end up injured, which sounds likely. And I found out that my husband works that weekend, so chasing a toddler by myself afterwards sounds like hell.
It's sad to be so close to being ready but not quite there. But it will help keep me motivated for this fall.0 -
LittleWhit wrote: »Thanks for all of the replies!
I think I'll do the 5k instead. I would be so mad at myself if I end up injured, which sounds likely. And I found out that my husband works that weekend, so chasing a toddler by myself afterwards sounds like hell.
It's sad to be so close to being ready but not quite there. But it will help keep me motivated for this fall.
I think that is a wise choice. I think your first HM should be one you chose as your first and one you train for. If you can do 6.5 miles pushing a stroller, I am confident you could train for a HM pretty quickly... but not in two weeks. Lol! Pushing those strollers should be it's own category of exercise and training.0 -
2 weeks out? Do you have time to walk 10 miles now? See if that's possible and see how your body reacts to it (find like a 5 mile circle around your house and do it twice so if you can't finish the 10 at least you're close to home). But don't wait any longer because you could get hurt and not be able to race at all.0
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I see you're going to do the 5k, probably a very wise decision. I would suggest if you can stick around after the 5k that you do, check out the runners crossing the finish line at the HM and you'll see first hand the exhaustion some of them will have and being a part of the finish line excitement might get you to push yourself into your own training for the fall HM you're signed up for.0
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Smart move on the 5k. BTW is this a legitimate bib transfer? IE is the race organization aware that you are running instead of your friend?0
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Smart move on the 5k. BTW is this a legitimate bib transfer? IE is the race organization aware that you are running instead of your friend?
I sincerely doubt it.
Larger races, like Army Ten Miler & Canadian Army Half, the bib transfer is months out from the actual race day. And 2 weeks out, you're SOL0 -
Hi there, I have a half marathon in 7 weeks in Vermont. I am about to make you feel much better about your half marathon, lol. I am 66 years old, overweight, doing the Galloway method and due to pain and injuries not training like I should. The cut off for the half I am doing is basically 3 hours because the beer has shut down and the year I finished there was only one person behind me and the people watching the finish line had gone to get pizza, lol. I finished in 330 which with little training and a lot of aches and pains wasn't bad for my age and lack of preparation. This year I have sciatica, tendonitis, upper back pain and I'm seeing a physical therapist. Basically my doctor told me to try swimming and the elliptical and quit the half. BALONEY. I have two tee shirts, one says run like Channing Tatum is waiting for you at the finish line and the other says if you see me lying on the ground please drag me over the finish line. I am doing this half with a smile, pain or not. First I love visiting Vermont, I live in Flagstaff and secondly I am on a charity team that I have either volunteered with or that one year I finished, Team Alzheimers. I will finish this year. Just remember it may hurt but most of it is mind over matter, young or old. You may become very attached to a heating pad and ibuprophen when you get home but you did it, doesn't matter what time you did it in, you did it!! P.S. I wish we had a four hour cut off, that would be great!!!!0
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lishie_rebooted wrote: »Smart move on the 5k. BTW is this a legitimate bib transfer? IE is the race organization aware that you are running instead of your friend?
I sincerely doubt it.
Larger races, like Army Ten Miler & Canadian Army Half, the bib transfer is months out from the actual race day. And 2 weeks out, you're SOL
Right. Not that it is likely, but don't get caught running under someone else's bib. It's no bueno for all involved
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You can walk a half-marathon in 4 hours. A 4.0 mph walk with no running is 3 hours 17 minutes. The reason why reasonably untrained people die is because they go out too hard at the start, completely exhaust themselves, and struggle the last 3-6 miles.
Walk the first half and then attempt your 2 minute/1 minute pace the last half. I bet you can come close to 3 hours doing that.0 -
wandagailpaxton wrote: »Hi there, I have a half marathon in 7 weeks in Vermont. I am about to make you feel much better about your half marathon, lol. I am 66 years old, overweight, doing the Galloway method and due to pain and injuries not training like I should. The cut off for the half I am doing is basically 3 hours because the beer has shut down and the year I finished there was only one person behind me and the people watching the finish line had gone to get pizza, lol. I finished in 330 which with little training and a lot of aches and pains wasn't bad for my age and lack of preparation. This year I have sciatica, tendonitis, upper back pain and I'm seeing a physical therapist. Basically my doctor told me to try swimming and the elliptical and quit the half. BALONEY. I have two tee shirts, one says run like Channing Tatum is waiting for you at the finish line and the other says if you see me lying on the ground please drag me over the finish line. I am doing this half with a smile, pain or not. First I love visiting Vermont, I live in Flagstaff and secondly I am on a charity team that I have either volunteered with or that one year I finished, Team Alzheimers. I will finish this year. Just remember it may hurt but most of it is mind over matter, young or old. You may become very attached to a heating pad and ibuprophen when you get home but you did it, doesn't matter what time you did it in, you did it!! P.S. I wish we had a four hour cut off, that would be great!!!!
Sounds less like mind over matter and more like self fulfilling fantasy.
No thanks.
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