Training for a half in the morning only?

[mrsmc08]

Any tips for training for a half only in the morning? I'm still new- and giving myself more than a year to train- given how unpredictable my life has been. I figure if I get up at 4:30- get my run in then, then I should be able to do it. As of now- I get up around 5- head out the door for a 2- 1 mile walks with my dogs- get my mom fed, and set up for her morning. Shower- get ready for work and head out the door by 7:45. As of right now the only running I do is with my dogs at night about 2-3 miles a day since I feel bad about leaving my mom alone.
I need something to look forward to- and I really got excited about the R&R Vegas half the other day, so I feel I can work towards next years- at least its something.
So any advise would be greatly welcomed!

[Wines Not Whines]

I only run in the morning, and I've trained for many halfs and even a full marathon that way. I'm not sure why it's any different than running at any other time of day. It's definitely doable.

The only thing that may make it different is fuel, because you need to be careful to eat enough to give yourself energy for your run, but not so much that it gives you cramps or makes your stomach feel heavy when you're running. For long morning runs, I usually just eat a banana at home, and take some gels with me to eat while I run. Some people are able to handle something heavier, like toast with pb or oatmeal. You can try different things and see what works for you.

[finallykrisb]

I do 95% of my weekday runs before dawn. It's the only time I can get them done.

I would suggest that you do your long runs after daylight on the weekends and practice race day nutrition for those. It can be a shock to have to run and deal with the sun, heat, etc if you aren't used to it. You won't want race day to be the first experience you have with it.

[mrsmc08]

May 31, 2012 11:55:12 GMT -5 finallykrisb said:

I would suggest that you do your long runs after daylight on the weekends and practice race day nutrition for those.

At this point that isn't an option. I feel like without more help (someone staying with my mom while I run), I can only do my runs when my mom is asleep.

[finallykrisb]

May 31, 2012 12:00:50 GMT -5 mrsmc08 said:

May 31, 2012 11:55:12 GMT -5 finallykrisb said:

I would suggest that you do your long runs after daylight on the weekends and practice race day nutrition for those.

At this point that isn't an option. I feel like without more help (someone staying with my mom while I run), I can only do my runs when my mom is asleep.

If you have the dedication to get up early enough to get in a 10 mile long run before 5 a.m. you're a better runner than me! That would mean a 2 a.m. wake up call (1 hour pre-run for breakfast and potty and 2ish hours for the run). I'm a crazy early runner but even I wouldn't be able to do that.

[mrsmc08]

May 31, 2012 12:20:42 GMT -5 finallykrisb said:

May 31, 2012 12:00:50 GMT -5 mrsmc08 said:

At this point that isn't an option. I feel like without more help (someone staying with my mom while I run), I can only do my runs when my mom is asleep.

If you have the dedication to get up early enough to get in a 10 mile long run before 5 a.m. you're a better runner than me! That would mean a 2 a.m. wake up call (1 hour pre-run for breakfast and potty and 2ish hours for the run). I'm a crazy early runner but even I wouldn't be able to do that.

I have a long way to go before 10 miles and at this point- my mom may not last that long so it will be less of a worry then. But at this point I have nothing "good" except running and if I don't have something to look forward to I am actually completely lose it.

[Brit]

I think you can do it. I trained for a marathon doing 5 runs/week before 7AM, including 10 miles before work every Tuesday morning for a few months. Honestly, I think it is kind of better because you get the run out of the way before there is time to make excuses or have life get in the way.

It sounds like running is helping to keep you grounded right now. I think you should just give it a try. The very worst case scenario is that you eat your race entry fee if it doesn't work out and really, that isn't the end of the world. You have nothing to lose except for maybe $100.

I don't know if this is an option or not, but if you can figure out how to get yourself a treadmill (my local Craigslist usually has some great deals on used ones) you might get some more flexibility with timing of your runs.

[mrsmc08]

Thank you girls for the advise and encouragement. Running really is the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. Well that and I'm going with June is going to be SO much better. :-D.

I don't plan to do the Vegas half until 2013 so I have lots of time to not only get my base built but to get a good time since I am so slow now, but I do need something to work towards. I was going to do a 5k at the end of next month, but I can't justify leaving her that long for my own "wants". Something so far out is a good thing because if it comes to it, I will just drop her off at my sister's door step :-D