Running half marathon with little training

lbetancourt
lbetancourt Posts: 522 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all - So, I am running the half marathon this Sunday! And, I am freaking out! I am wondering if anyone out there has done this with little training. This is my second. I feel pretty comfortable after running 7.5 miles.. actually pretty damn good. But, last year I got up to 9.5 miles in my training & put so much more mileage in as compared to this year. It's not like I was a complete slug this year, I worked out regularly. But not so much pavement running, the summer heat was just unbearable. I don't need to hear that I am an idiot for doing this, I got that, and I don't want to hear just don't do it.... But, I would like to hear from someone, anyone that has done this & any advice.

Thanks much! Back to freaking out!

Replies

  • runnermel
    runnermel Posts: 278
    I think you will be fine!! probably won't get a PR, but you should be okay. just listen to your body, and if you feel an injury coming on....then take it easy. but, you will be fine! what race are you doing?? I am doing the San Antonio Rock N Roll this Sunday as well is why I ask!
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    Friend of mine ran Savannah with me this weekend. She ran all of about 4-6 training runs over the last 4 months, longest one was 10.5. Was her first race.

    I ran 4 days a week for 14 weeks. Longest run was 11.

    she beat me. you're fine
  • RentThisSpace
    RentThisSpace Posts: 96 Member
    So here is the deal, based on your post about being able to run around 8 miles, you should be able to finish a half. However, because you haven't logged anything more than 10 miles, you will probably not be breaking any records. Don't expect to go out there and PR . Just expect for the last part of the race to be difficult, but not impossible. You may need to slow your pace down significantly on the last few miles, and walking wouldn't be out of the question either. But in terms of finishing, you sound like you've done enough to complete a half.
  • allyfry
    allyfry Posts: 22 Member
    I had the same problem this summer, it was too hot and there was always something else to be doing. I ended up running 2 maybe 3 times a week, 6.5 miles was my max, but I was bike commuting in to work. I did the half anyway, I took walk breaks every mile which was something I'd never let myself do before. I didn't start hurting until the last 2 miles and ended up coming in just 10 minutes slower compared to the half I ran in the spring that I was well prepared for. I was extremely surprised! So I don't think you are an idiot, I know plenty of people that have walked half marathons with no training. Just listen to your body and don't push to the point of injury. Good luck!
  • gbelltx
    gbelltx Posts: 142
    Since you have run it before you probably know what to expect. Sounds like you still have a good foundation and understanding so it’s all about getting through those tough spots without injury. I will be out at the R&R half this weekend in San Antonio!
  • lbetancourt
    lbetancourt Posts: 522 Member
    Yes, San Antonio R&R for me! I am going to have to force myself to walk. That will be the hardest part! Thanks for all the advice & encouragement. I am excited and worried all at the same time. Also, a bit of disappointment for not training as I should. :(
  • calderst
    calderst Posts: 222 Member
    Going into it knowing you likely won't PR, you can relax and just enjoy the run. I did that in January; I did a full in Oct but couldn't run for about a month after bc of an ITBand issue. I did some longish runs in Dec but didn't follow any sort of training plan. I was def not "race ready" but I finished with no problem and had a great time. My time was about a minute slower than my PR.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    You know the situation, and while you might feel crummy when you finish & the next day or two, you should finish as long as you don;t try and run it too fast.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    The good news is you can muscle your way through a half while undertrained (not ideal, but you'll be fine). Go out at a really easy pace.
  • nyy03
    nyy03 Posts: 635 Member
    I did it in May with less then 7 weeks training. Obviously not a personal record by any means but I finished it and there was no aches or pains. Yes it can be done and yes you will and can do it, just pace yourself. Good luck.
  • IronmanPanda
    IronmanPanda Posts: 2,083 Member
    The good news is you can muscle your way through a half while undertrained (not ideal, but you'll be fine). Go out at a really easy pace.

    ^^This. While you can finish, you won't be breaking any records... Nor should you try. Listen to your body and don't push too hard.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    Just do it. I ran a 9 mile race a couple of weeks ago with next to no specific training. I only have time to run at weekends at the moment, so only twice a week. I think I could manage a half marathon, though. Once you can run for one hour, you can run indefinitely, really, as long as you don't push yourself. Just do it slowly, keep hydrated and take some fuel with you. I like sports beans or Yu yoghurt coated raspberry pieces.
  • MassiveDelta
    MassiveDelta Posts: 3,271 Member
    .....Once you can run for one hour, you can run indefinitely, really, as long as you don't push yourself. Just do it slowly, keep hydrated and take some fuel with you. I like sports beans or Yu yoghurt coated raspberry pieces.

    Im not sure I completely agree with being able to run indefinitely but I do think she will be fine on a HM. and if you feed your body and hydrate right you may luck out and get a perfect day. You might PR but dont count on it
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