Half Marathon

Ran my first Half last summer and came in at 1:45:17 on a very hilly course here in Bozeman, MT. I honestly didn't have any particular training regimen, just ran about 6 miles every other day, with the weekend trail runs/races (usually about 7-10 miles). I had energy throughout the entire run and never hit the wall. I have one coming up on St. Patty's Day this year, so I am pretty excited about starting the year off with a half, maybe a full is in my near future! Good luck and be sure to post your results!

I have my first half March 18th. Ive been training with two 4 milers on Tues and Thurs..then long run (any where from 6-10) on a weekend day. I have a 10.2 miler this weekend, 8 next weekend, 11 the next (will be the longest I run before the 13.1) then a 5 miler the weekend before. That will start the taper week. Im also strength training 3 days a week. I finished my 9.5 miler 2 weeks ago in 1:46:00. I really want my half done in 2:40:00.

I'm running my 1st Half Marathon on May 13th I'm following a Clinic with the Running Room! Loving my training so far!

I would like to finish between 2:15 & 2:30

At first i just wanted under 3 hours since i have never run before Sept, but as i just completed 9 miles in 90 minutes Monday, i am thinking 2:30 tops i want to finish at... But i don't know if thats realistic.

That's my goal as well! I have my first 1/2 on 4/22. I'm pretty consistent with a 9:30 min mile to a little over 10 min/mile depending on how I feel.. I'm hoping that I can stay strong throughout the whole race. Good luck training and feel free to add :-)

I began C25K Halloween 2010, finished it in Feb 2011 (my daughter was in the hospital for a month, so it set me back). I was asked to join some other moms like me to raise money by running a half marathon, so I said yes. I trained from March until October, and ran in Columbus in the half in 2 hours, 30 minutes, 6 seconds!! I loved it! I'm kicking around doing it again this year!

I agree Hal Higdon is a great resource. So is the book: "Running Formula" by Jack Daniels PhD. My first 1/2 marathon followed a four month guide to increase mileage gradually and incorporate cross training like swimming, stair climbing, or bicycling one day a week into my routine. Strength training helps. I can't stress the importance of hydration enough also :-)

I ran my first half this past December in 1:57, I have my first full scheduled for 3/4 in NOLA, the day after I turn 41...happy birthday to me!

I have my first 1/2 marathon on 3/3. I have been using Galloway run / walk intervals of 2:1. Last weekend I had my longest run ever of 12 miles & finished in 2:45 so my goal of finishing under 3 hours looks attainable!!

I ran my first half last October and finished in 2:17 (I think). My next one was in November with a time of 2:12. I have one coming up in a few weeks and my goal is 2:00. I use Hal Higdon's training program and I like it a lot. Good luck!

I didn't train for my first one, which was last March and I was able to run the whole time and I finished in 2:28.. I ran another in October and finished in 2:21. I have on this March and I am hoping for 2:15. I think elevation of the course makes a big difference, too. I recently signed up for a full marathon this October and I WILL train for that.. I already printed off Hal Higden's novice 1 training program. I considered 13 miles do-able considering I spend 2-3 hours the gym at a time (mostly on weekends..) I would run, then do a Spin class then do a boxing class, etc... I figured at the time that my endurance was up and that I'd be ok. I played soccer my whole life so I didn't think my joints, muscles would have an issue with the longer distance.

I do recommend some type of training Hal is the best!

Great job to you for signing up. I have run 2 1/2's my 1st time being 2:30 very very hilly and then my 2nd was a 2:15 I am running my 3rd on May 6th and running a full marathon on September 29th. Good luck to you.. I have been slowly increasing my long rungs on the weekends and by the time i have my race my longest will be an 11 or 12 miler. I am sure you will do great..

Yay for you!!1 Nothing like the first... It all depends onthe course... I ran my first in2:30 give or take, the first 9miles were flat and my time was around 11minute pace. However, there were steep inclines at the end which slows you down on top of already running 10miles. So, look at the course map and train accordingly if you can. The goal is to finish , I wouldnt be too concerned with timing for the first one. Now, go kick some asphalt!!! ;0)

I ran my first 2 years ago in 2:50, but have been struggling with my stupid Achilles ever since - boo I miss running! Hope to get back into it this year with a 10k!

Just wanted to hear peoples success with their first marathon! What was your time and how did you train for it?

I have my first Half on May 6th and love being motivated by others success!

I have my first Half on May 6th as well. I've been following a training plan I got from "Smartcoach" on www.runnersworld.com. I love it so far.

I ran my first half marathon last October and my goal was just to finish It took me 2 hrs 49 minutes, but that was with a walk break at every mile marker and/or aid station, a 10 minute potty break at mile 8 (thank god for restrooms at public parks lol) and about 10 minutes of walking between mile 8 and 9 with a friend who hurt their knee...

I am running my next half on May 20 and expect to finish in about 2:15 or 2:30. And I'm still planning walking breaks but not sure how many I will need

Good luck! I have heard half marathons are addicting!