Half Marathon Training Q

[Deleted]

Hi ladies,

I'm training for my second half and it's been a while since my first. I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on running the 12 mile training run. My first go round I ended up doing one, and this training plan recommends it. However, I'm thinking it might make more sense to do several 10s and maybe an 11 and get really strong on those?

What do you all typically do/recommend for the longest run on the half?

[gt7301b]

I think it all depends on what works for you mentally. For me 12 is absolutly necissary. I do 10s pretty regularly so the 12 gets me geared up and ready for a half.

[gnomesweetgnome]

I typically only run up to 10 milers during half training. I have done a 13 miler once before, I think, but I find it unnecessary.

[clseale]

Can you post your schedule? Seeing it might make it easier to suggest a long run break down. How far are you long runs right now? My last 2 halves have been half way through marathon training so I've been into 16+ mile runs. If you can get to 12, I'd do it.

[finallykrisb]

It was important to me when I was training for my first HM. I was more focused on the distance and the 12 mile run reassured me that I could do it.

After that first HM my focus is more on my race time. So I train for my goal race pace and that may or may not include a 12 miler.

[stingsharkruns]

I think it's personal preference--- Last season I ran 10 a few times, 12 once, and 13 once before my half in October. After that I alternated between 10, 12 & 13 mile runs in between halfs (i ran 8 from oct - april) -

Before my 1st or 2nd half, I would not have been comfortable only running 10 miles prior to the race.

[Deleted]

I should add this is my second half and I've ran a marathon before. My training schedule at this point in the game is two fives, a three (intervals) and then progressive long runs going up by about a mile. My long runs are:
8.5
9
10
11
12
race

Mentally I don't have a problem with the distance, but I'm trying to increase my speed and decrease my time.

[clseale]

May 29, 2012 12:57:33 GMT -5 @pdx18 said:

I should add this is my second half and I've ran a marathon before. My training schedule at this point in the game is two fives, a three (intervals) and then progressive long runs going up by about a mile. My long runs are:
8.5
9
10
11
12
race

Mentally I don't have a problem with the distance, but I'm trying to increase my speed and decrease my time.

If you're looking to decrease your time, I would train up to 12. I also wouldn't bother with 8.5 to 9. I'd go from the 8.5 to the 10 and then get in one more in the 10-12 range.

Also, you don't have a taper. It's not always needed for a half, but maybe you could do 8.5, 10, 11, 12, 10, race?

[Deleted]

May 29, 2012 13:26:31 GMT -5 clseale said:

May 29, 2012 12:57:33 GMT -5 @pdx18 said:

I should add this is my second half and I've ran a marathon before. My training schedule at this point in the game is two fives, a three (intervals) and then progressive long runs going up by about a mile. My long runs are:
8.5
9
10
11
12
race

Mentally I don't have a problem with the distance, but I'm trying to increase my speed and decrease my time.

If you're looking to decrease your time, I would train up to 12. I also wouldn't bother with 8.5 to 9. I'd go from the 8.5 to the 10 and then get in one more in the 10-12 range.

Also, you don't have a taper. It's not always needed for a half, but maybe you could do 8.5, 10, 11, 12, 10, race?

I just did a 8, do you think maybe do 9, 10, 11, 12, 10?

[al320]

id personally have a step back week in there, before my peak run.

so 8, 10, 8, 12, 6, race. (i like to taper more than what you have).

[Deleted]

May 29, 2012 14:46:39 GMT -5 al320 said:

id personally have a step back week in there, before my peak run.

so 8, 10, 8, 12, 6, race. (i like to taper more than what you have).

Oooh! This looks perfect. Thanks everyone for all of your help!

[foundmylazybum]

I usually run 2-3 weeks at 12 miles. I did this for my second half.

[jillybean222]

i only run 3x/week so i try to get 11, 12, 13 into my training plan just to increase my mileage a bit. i usually do a step back week once a month and run 8 as my long run the week before the race.

[Wines Not Whines]

For my last half I think I did 8, 10, 10, 12, race. The 12-miler helped me mentally.

[aeroluv327]

I've done seven half marathons and normally only do up to 10 miles prior to the race. The last one I did, I ran 10, 11 and 12 miles then a taper week. I honestly didn't notice a difference, I didn't PR (not bad, but not my best time) and didn't feel any stronger than usual.