Runners: Half Marathon followed by marathon Question

[thom]

Let me qualify this by saying I know everyone's body & training is different & I know everything from hydration to weather can affect race performance.

I'm still going to put this question out here because I'm curious & I'm trying to be realistic in formulating my own goals.

So... If you've run a half marathon and then done a marathon shortly after (1-3 months later, let's say) what were your times for each? Do you feel you reached your potential in both races?

What was your peak mileage building up to each race?

TIA for sharing!

[enfuego23]

I ran a half marathon in August 2012 and a marathon in October 2012. I did really well in my half marathon and broke 1:50 (1:49) - I gave credit to my marathon training at that time as I was running 15 and 16 mile runs during for my long runs.

I also broke 4 hours (3:56) for my marathon time - both of these were my first half and full marathons so I was pleased, I felt I did well being a first timer.

[cinco]

Post Baby 2:
Full #2 3:50, Half during training 1:46, Hal Higdon novice plan (mileage topped at 40)
Full #3 3:42, Half during training 1:48 (in the snow), Hal Higdon intermediate plan (mileage topped at 40)
Full#4 3:28, Pfitz 18/55 (topped at 55)
Full#5 3:21, Half during training 1:34, mileage topped at 60
Post Baby 3:
Full #6 3:35, Half during training 1:40, mileage topped at 60. I did get some shorter distance PR's while training for this marathon, but BFing and lack of sleep hurt my endurance, I think.

i think these are all pretty close to McMillan's predictions.

PS. i have a little book where I keep my race times. I don't remember this off the top of my head, hah.

[mrshandy]

I've only done one marathon and I did half #2 during marathon training. I did 2:00 for the half and 4:01 for the marathon.

My best half was my first at 1:54. The one during marathon training didn't work out because it was way too hot and humid that day. My goal was under 4 for the marathon, I almost got it, but I hit a wall around mile 22 that caused me to walk for a little while.

[hannahb]

I was training for a full last fall. Decided that my training was terrible and I wasn't hitting my times so I decided to just do the full for fun. Ended up with a halfway decent time and felt great so then quickly signed up for a half about 3 weeks later. Ended up being my PR half. I think it's completely doable

[thom]

This is all helpful! You ladies are all speedy & awesome BTW. I ran a 1:50 half this April in freezing weather, and I'm just torn about whether to start at about 4:15 pace or go for it with the 4 hour goal. I think it will mostly depend on how the temp & humidity is. (Can't wait until I can see the 10 day forecast in a few days.) 4:15 would still be a big PR, and I would be less likely to crash. But, I don't want to take the "easy" route if I could possibly, possibly hit a sub-4.

Le sigh...

(Edit- my current marathon PR is 4:29. My upcoming marathon is on June 2.)