First 1/2 ever.....

missy3479 · June 2012

So I have my first half marathon in 19 weeks from tomorrow. When you ran your first one did you do it for time or just to say you completed one? Also if you are a normal 1/2 marathoner do you use Jeff Galloway's program or a different one? Thanks in advance!!!

josiereside · June 2012

I did my first half last October. I basically just wanted to finish, but also wanted to finish in less than 3 hours and I finished in 2:28. I am currently training for another one in September. I do Hal Higdon's training. I am not really into doing the speed work, etc. I run by how I feel. I run every other day and cross train too.

416runner · June 2012

When I ran my first one, I had a time window I wanted to come within (based loosely on my 10k times) but it was a wide range (initially 2:00-2:30, then I was feeling good on race day so I narrowed it to 2:00-2:15, finished in 2:10) and I didn't put a lot of pressure on myself to try to hit the faster end of it. As for training, I just had a loose plan where I added a little more mileage every week. I didn't do speedwork for that one. I'm running my fourth in October and hell bent on a time goal so I've designed a training plan for myself based on that goal - lots of speedwork this time.

Is the Galloway plan a walk-run plan? You might want to experiment a bit to see whether walk-run or straight running works better for you. I personally find that if I take a walk break I have a hard time getting going again, so I prefer straight running - but it's just a matter of personal preference. Hal Higdon's plans are also great.

Congrats on signing up for it! I was just commenting to my husband last night that, although every race is enjoyable and important to me, there was no euphoria quite like finishing my first half!

timboom1 · June 2012

My first half I did with a tme goal in mind, but it was a realistic goal. More importantly, I had a pace goal in mind that helped ensure I didn't go out to fast a blow up at the end.

Galloway is run/walk, Higdon is pretty much run. Both are good.programs depending on what you want to train to do, if you train run/walk you do the race run/walk.

As far as a time goal, you have 19 weeks, don't worry about that part of it just yet. Train for the fitness level you are at, about 3-4 weeks out, you will have a much better idea of a realistic pace and time. Training builds fitness, so you will be faster in 19 weeks then you are now, trianing above your current fitness based on where you want to be in 19 weeks will most likely lead to injury.

BrianSharpe · June 2012

When I ran my first half I had enough shorter ( 5 & 10K ) races to make a reasonable guesstimate for my goal time. (as it turned out I had an IT band issue and ended up walking the last 7km, my 2 half-marathons so far this year have been much more enjoyable)

I do straight running (I don't know anyone who would ever describe me as "normal" anything :happy: ) but I know quite a few people who use a run/walk system in fact at most of the events I've participated in here in Ottawa we've had pace bunnies for both continuous running and run/walk.

Whichever plan you decide on stick with it and have fun!

Sox90716 · June 2012

So I have my first half marathon in 19 weeks from tomorrow. When you ran your first one did you do it for time or just to say you completed one? Also if you are a normal 1/2 marathoner do you use Jeff Galloway's program or a different one? Thanks in advance!!!

I ran my first one last June to prove to myself I could do it. My second is tomorrow morning! I used Jeff's program! Good luck!

missy3479 · June 2012

Thanks everyone for the awesome advise. I am just anxious to do it. My husband is in the Army so he will unfortunately be doing this for time instead of pacing with me. ha. He said he would do it with me along my side but I do not want to slow him down. I am just anxious to do it now. The Jeff Galloway has a plan for walkers-runners and runners for time. I want to do it for time and my goal is to do it under 2.5 hours. This is my goal so we shall see how it goes. My last race which was just a 5k but I pulled my hamstring, tore a ligament and tendon however still managed to cross the finish line. I didn't listen to my body and kept going. Stubborn I am. ha. The big question is do you guys believe that running is 90% mental and 10% physical?

Sox90716 · June 2012

Thanks everyone for the awesome advise. I am just anxious to do it. My husband is in the Army so he will unfortunately be doing this for time instead of pacing with me. ha. He said he would do it with me along my side but I do not want to slow him down. I am just anxious to do it now. The Jeff Galloway has a plan for walkers-runners and runners for time. I want to do it for time and my goal is to do it under 2.5 hours. This is my goal so we shall see how it goes. My last race which was just a 5k but I pulled my hamstring, tore a ligament and tendon however still managed to cross the finish line. I didn't listen to my body and kept going. Stubborn I am. ha. The big question is do you guys believe that running is 90% mental and 10% physical?

I think that long distance running is largely mental.

halaw · June 2012

I'm doing my first Sept 2nd. I am doing the Jeff Galloway program and I also decided to walk the distance of to see how it felt and now working on time and distance and heat here in Virginia Beach. My friend is a marathoner and she works this with me and also recommended the Jeff Galloway program.

tabbydog · June 2012

I had my first half marathon in April. My main goal was to finish, but I really wanted to finish in less than 2 1/2 hours. I finished in 2:26. My next one I would like to take 13 minutes off my time.

I just did my own thing, running 4x/week, 5-6 miles during the week day runs and running a long run on the weekends, adding a mile or two each week, up to 12 miles. I did add in a couple of weeks where the long runs were a little shorter to have a recovery week. Finishing was the greatest! I am doing another in October, and contemplating a full in the spring.

timboom1 · June 2012

The big question is do you guys believe that running is 90% mental and 10% physical?

If the pacing is right for the fitness level, then alot of it is mental to keep pushing and leave it all on the course. However, mental toughness will not overcome unrealistic expectations and lack of preperation as the distance gets longer. Distance can be humbling if not respected.

First 1/2 ever.....

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