Show me the money or your Half training plan

[jchokie79]

I'm "shopping" around for a new Half training plan.  

I've tried the HH plans for my last two Halves.  I'm just trying to break 2:30, not asking for much.  I have a Half in Sept. & Dec (Kiawah represent!).

Anyone care to share their plan with me?  Pretty please?  Thanks in advance!!!

[Mushe]

Which HH plans did you do? I've done Novice 2, and had planned to do Intermediate for my next one.

[bostonmichelle]

I'm planning on using HH Intermediate (subbing in one day of cross training) for my Sept and Kiawah halfs. Which did you use?

[jchokie79]

I did Novice 2 twice (more or less) I modified both a little bit each time. The second time around I was more serious about CT which helped.

The intermediate scares me b/c I have no idea what 5x400, etc means... plus I have to do my short runs on the TM and not sure how to do that on the TM...

[bostonmichelle]

May 30, 2014 20:30:51 GMT -5 jchokie79 said:

I did Novice 2 twice (more or less) I modified both a little bit each time. The second time around I was more serious about CT which helped.

The intermediate scares me b/c I have no idea what 5x400, etc means... plus I have to do my short runs on the TM and not sure how to do that on the TM...

Its speed training. That means 5 times 400meters. I had to ask my sister but basically run hard for 400 meters then slow down and repeat 5 times. Usually its done on a track and once around is 400 meters. This is just shy of a 1/4 mile. I'm guessing you could modify it to run faster for a 1/2 mile on the tm and then easy for a bit then switch again.

I just looked it up on HH's site as well and says the following about it.
"Speedwork: If you want to run at a fast pace, you need to train at a fast pace several days a week. This training schedule for intermediate runners alternates interval running with Tempo Runs. (See below). An interval workout usually consists of fast repeats separated by walking or jogging. The program begins with 5 x 400 meters in the first week and adds one more 400 every other week to reach 10 x 400 meters the week before your half marathon. Walk or jog between each repeat. The best place to run 400-meter repeats is on a track, although you can also use an accurately-measured road course. Run the 400s at about your pace for 5-K, or 10-K. For more information on speed training, see my book, Run Fast."

[Mushe]

Do you use a gps watch? I never got to really start the plan, but I set up the intervals as a workout and synced it with my watch. Not sure how you'd do it on a TM.

[gt7301b]

I like Pfitzinger's plans from Road Racing for Serious Runners. I did a bit of a merge from Pfitz and HH for my last half. Basically I used the mileage from Pfitz and the speed work from HH.

[jchokie79]

Mushe, I wear the Garmin 110. I know I only use a fraction of its capabilities. Hmmm....

gt7301b, I'll look into the Pfizinger's plans, thanks!

[spunkypenguin]

May 31, 2014 8:42:28 GMT -5 jchokie79 said:

Mushe, I wear the Garmin 110. I know I only use a fraction of its capabilities. Hmmm....

I have set my Garmin 110 to beep at the .25mi mark in order to do 400s.  I really like interval training.  I'm doing the FIRST training plan for my fall marathon - they also have a half plan.  It's three days per week - One day is Track/Intervals, One Day is Tempo and One long run.  Tempo runs is where I get stuck - I have a really hard time hitting and maintaining the prescribed pace - especially with hills.

Adding intervals did help me pick up speed when I did it consistently during half training last year.

[skwcm80]

I used RW's smartcoach plan. I liked that it incorporated speed work and gave me paces to hit during each run. I'm going to use smartcoach to train for my full too.