Half Marathon...

directorj
directorj Posts: 537 Member
edited December 25 in Chit-Chat
I'm going to need some feedback here and maybe some more inspiration/motivation. I been running for over a year now and there's a half marathon in 2 weeks. My farthest run was 10.30 miles back in early January and have not went that far since. But I'm continuously in the 6-8 miles range and running 22-26 miles a week. I feel that running 8 miles is getting easier than it was before. Right now I feel that I'm in my best shape of my life.

I guess you could say I'm really nervous and lacking confidence on my side. :frown:

Anyone done a half with similar mileage?

Replies

  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    If you ran that 10 miler last week I'd say go for it, If the longest run you've completed in the last 6 months was 8 miles I dunno... It's not the overall mileage that worries me, it's the sheer ability to keep going for another 40-50 more minutes on top of that (not that I know your pace... just guessing). If you're just running it to complete it, you'll probably be fine. Try and hit up another 10 miler... maybe 11 in the next couple of days and see how it feels.
  • gezza299
    gezza299 Posts: 8
    I did 2 half marathons a few years back now, I followed a strict training regime for about 12 weeks prior. I ran a slow 24 kms two weeks prior to the race, Half being 21km.

    Knowing that you have done the training is the best confidence to know that you can finish the race and finish strong. There is no feeling like continually overtaking people as the race prgresses, onlu proper training will allow this to happen, good luck.:smile:
  • directorj
    directorj Posts: 537 Member
    I suppose I could do an 11 miler this weekend and see how I feel...
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I'm going to need some feedback here and maybe some more inspiration/motivation. I been running for over a year now and there's a half marathon in 2 weeks. My farthest run was 10.30 miles back in early January and have not went that far since. But I'm continuously in the 6-8 miles range and running 22-26 miles a week. I feel that running 8 miles is getting easier than it was before. Right now I feel that I'm in my best shape of my life.

    I guess you could say I'm really nervous and lacking confidence on my side. :frown:

    Anyone done a half with similar mileage?

    You can totally do it! 11 miles is usually the longest novice long run incorporated in half training plans, and you're almost there. I've run 5 (I think?) halfs and I've done them very prepared, moderately prepared, and I did one with zero preparation- I decided the night before to do it, just to see if I could with no prep (it wasn't exactly FUN, but I finished!). If you haven't been following a specific plan, you might not get the best possible time for your level of fitness, but I have absolutely no doubt that with your current mileage you can do it in two weeks. Do one long run this weekend- somewhere in your comfort range- don't push the mileage now, and then taper down. Do a couple high-carb days before the race. YOU GOT THIS!
  • Erindipitous
    Erindipitous Posts: 1,234 Member
    How did you feel after the run in January?

    Honestly.. Just pace yourself.. You should be fine. :flowerforyou:
  • directorj
    directorj Posts: 537 Member
    The run in January I felt accomplished but pretty tired, but I was also less fit than today.

    The 10 mile run avg pace was 11'23"

    I ran 8 miles last month and average pace was 9'54"

    I'm thinking if I slowed down a bit I might be able to each 13.1...
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    The run in January I felt accomplished but pretty tired, but I was also less fit than today.

    The 10 mile run avg pace was 11'23"

    I ran 8 miles last month and average pace was 9'54"

    I'm thinking if I slowed down a bit I might be able to each 13.1...

    Yes, slow down for sure. Your race pace should be quite a bit slower than even feels natural. You will see the people that don't slow down stopped off to the side halfway through.
  • meho32
    meho32 Posts: 1
    I think your training has been fine. In fact, I would argue against doing the 11 miles this weekend because it takes your body a couple of weeks to heal. If you notice any of the training programs, the mileages begin to taper off 2-3 weeks before the actual run.

    Once you hit the 8 miles, just think to yourself how many 5 miles run you've done in the past... and that will definitely get you through the last five miles. Or break it into 3 miles! You've done like hundreds of 5ks before!

    You can do it!
  • mmk137
    mmk137 Posts: 833 Member
    I've just finished my 1st half marathon a few days ago.

    I went from 10km end of May to running 13.1km in about 7 weeks. Once I got to 16km (10mi) I knew that a half marathon was possible.

    Things I have found that have worked for me.
    -do long runs at the pace you want (for me it was 6.48min per km)
    -do speed work or hill work
    -do short runs (ie 3km) and a fast speed.

    Other things to consider when training over 10km is hydration, I carried water with me. And if and when you finally do your half, have some jelly beans or other lollies on hand.

    Yes totally understand the nerves, however even if you have to walk part of it, you are one up on the person that never did it.
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