Newbie with Half Marathon Questions

[elynne2012]

Hi - I hope it's okay if I post here.  Next week I am starting a half marathon training plan.  For background, I've only been running for just over a year.  Last January, I could barely run a mile.  The past year, I've really gotten into running 3-4 times a week.  I've done a few 5ks (2 under 30 mins) and I did 2 10Ks - one just over an hour and one at 58 mins! I decided to do a half June 1.  I am loosely following the HH half training plan - weekly long run gets up to 12 the week before the race with some cross/strength. 

My longest run ever was 9 miles but that was November and the cold and snow has kept me off the roads.  I have been running 3/4 times per week 3-5 miles each time....I average 9-10 min mile.  I took 4 days off last week from exercise due to a sinus infection which is the longest I've taken of in over a year.

I don't know why but I am really nervous I'm not going to be able to train correctly or do the race.  My husband and I are both running the same half.  I'm nervous and excited.

Any advice? Guidance? Things to be aware of?

[Deleted]

Hi!

I'm running my first half this year as well, though I'm much slower than you

As for training 'correctly' I think there's a few general rules most of the ladies around here would agree on:

1) Don't run your long runs too fast, they are meant to be run more slowly
2) Increase your mileage intelligently, don't go from 15 miles in one week to 25 the next.
3) Listen to your body, and take days off for things like that nasty sinus infection
4) Make sure your shoes are in good shape, don't put more miles on them than you should
5) Hang out here and check in on Wednesdays for Hump Day Half Checkin

[mrshandy]

You can do this! It sounds like you've got a solid base to train from. I started in a similar place when I started training for my first half.

Make sure you have good shoes. Once you get into the longer runs start experimenting with some fueling so that you know which ones you like best.

[Vally]

My experience is almost exactly the same as yours - like scarily similar down to started running last Jan (couldn't run a mile), the two sub30 min 5ks, 2 10k times, avg. pace, following HH, and I even got sick and had to take a whole week off which was the longest since I've started running consistently.

My first half is on 3/23 and my longest run was 11 miles last weekend. I think by June 1 you will be very prepared given your performance so far. Keep it up!

[osulori]

I was at a similar place when I decided to do my first half, and used Hal Higdon's novice training program (with some modifications to the early long runs b/c they were shorter than what I was used to)...I felt like it prepared me well for my race, and finishing wasn't an issue. Definitely listen to your body-when I was training for the aforementioned race, I did an 8 mile long run when I really shouldnt have because I had a nasty cold and ended up down for the count for the next two days with the highest fever I'd had in years. Also once your long runs start taking more than an hour or so, start trying out different types of fuel to see what works the best for you. Gatorade/Powerade, Gu, Shot Bloks/Gu Chomps/Sharkies/Honey Stingers, sport beans, etc are all popular choices but you may find that some work well for you and others do not.

[libbygrl109]

I definitely think you can do it! Are you doing the Novice 2 plan? I used that for my first 1/2, and am following it now for my 2nd. I think it builds you up gradually so that you don't do too much too quickly.

[gt7301b]

I'd use McMillian's calculator to figure out long run training paces. You will want to run you long runs a little slower than your current pace. (As you get more miles under your belt you may increase your overall pace, but start slower as you build that base)

[labbie]

Hi and welcome!
I'm in similar shoes as you. I've just gotten back into running over the last several months after years away, so started at square 1 with couch-to-5K back in the fall and I'm looking to run a half marathon this coming October. I have an 8K and a 15K coming up this mont

This is a great board- stick around and good luck with your training!

[thom]

Hi! You're very welcome to post here.

I think you've already gotten some great advice, so I just want to say again -- "you can absolutely do this!"

I think mentally my first half was really hard because I worried about that same thing. I thought other people were cut out to run 10 + miles but not me.

I just stuck with the training, even took time off to deal with aches & pains, and I finished my first half with a smile. That was in 2009, and I'm still running strong.

Stick around the board here, and if specific problems or questions come up let us know. Good luck to you!

[elynne2012]

Thanks for all the great tips. I am doing the Novice 2 and just switched up the days to better fit my schedule. I'm a working mom of 2 little boys so getting in training is tough but manageable. Luckily my workplace is very focused on fitness, we have an onsite gym and no one bats an eyelash if you go work out in the middle of the day. My biggest focus is learning to stretch properly and slowing down on my long runs - I sometimes go to fast but I run with a friend sometimes who runs slower than me so it helps.