Can you recommend a good half training program?

[agrippa]

My long runs are typically 7-8 miles and my mid-week runs are 3-4 miles with an occasional 5 miler thrown in. I only run 3x a week though. I would like to get up to four times, but with DH's work schedule, it's tricky, esp. since he wants workout time too.

This will be my first half, but the beginner programs I have been looking at seem too easy since the long runs start really short. A lot of the intermediate plans require more days a week though.

I haven't actually picked a race yet. It will either be one in early Sept, or in the Outer Banks in early November. I am pushing for the latter, but it is going to take some convincing for DH since it will mean a hotel stay.

So, I either have lots of time or am coming up on the start of training.

[Wines Not Whines]

I really like Hal Higdon's programs. If you think the long runs start out too short, I don't think there's a problem starting with higher mileage. I've never used a training plan 100% verbatim; I always make some tweaks to fit my schedule and abilities. So if Week 1 says to do a 6-mile long run, and that feels like a step back to you, just run 8 miles instead. The only caveat is that you don't want to run so many miles that you injure yourself. Sometimes taking 1 or 2 weeks "easy" is good.

[finallykrisb]

I have used both HH's novice program and the FIRST program. FIRST is only 3 days a week of running.

[osulori]

Check out the SmartCoach program on Runnersworld.com...you can personalize it a little more and adjust things based on your fitness level.

[stingsharkruns]

May 30, 2012 8:38:21 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

I really like Hal Higdon's programs. If you think the long runs start out too short, I don't think there's a problem starting with higher mileage. I've never used a training plan 100% verbatim; I always make some tweaks to fit my schedule and abilities. So if Week 1 says to do a 6-mile long run, and that feels like a step back to you, just run 8 miles instead. The only caveat is that you don't want to run so many miles that you injure yourself. Sometimes taking 1 or 2 weeks "easy" is good.

This. I loosely used one of the Runners World training plans for my first half. I was very new to running, and had no idea what I should be doing.

For all of my half-marathons I've run between 20-28 miles a week and it's worked out fine for me. I run 4 days a week; usually 4's & 5's and then a long run on the weekend.

Last season I ran Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. 4 days a week is plenty for me, I start to get burnt out and overwhelmed if I try to run more than 4 days a week.

If you are already running 8, you can easily move to 9, and progress each weekend. Some people do step back weeks in their plans; I don't, but that's just personal preference.

[agrippa]

Thanks all! finallykrisb, the FIRST program looks perfect. :-)