training for a half-marathon

[eternalbluemoons]

just curious.. has anyone here trained for a half-marathon before? i've been looking at plans and whatnot but i thought getting some personal advice would be great too. any advice would be great!

[NaziJoon]

Re: training for a half-marathon

Why must you make me jealous !

What do you want to know? Do you currently run/train on a regular basis?

This site has some useful info

http://http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/half-marathon-essential-qandampas/3020.html

[LucyMay]

Re: training for a half-marathon

I haven't run a half marathon, but did a 10 mile 2 yrs ago. Try Jeff Galloway'sbook on running. It's tailored towards people who've never run before. his website here

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

[queer]

Re: training for a half-marathon

i has run some half marathons and am currently trying to run a full in spring '12. (i just ran 16 miles last saturday -_-)

half marathons are a good distance coz even a beginner can train for one in 4 months and enjoy the race, but at the same time the distance is long enough to make all the non-runners think you are super-human. if you are already in running shape, you could do a decent race on as little as 6-8 weeks of training.

if you let us know what your current running level is, and when your target race is, and how much time you want to spend a week on it, i could provide you with some input.

[Southie]

Re: training for a half-marathon

^ Dont trust a guy with broken English...

Runners worls obviuously is a great place to look into.

Just some general suggestions:

A good strong house needs a strong foundation - so does a good runner. you build a strong foundation by building up your stamina (aerobic running). You do this by running slow and long distances - of course long being a relative term.

if you are a beginner, start the 1st week as follows:
week 1 4 days a week - say 2 miles a day 3 days rest

week 2 5 days a wek say 2 miles a day 2 days rest
then week 3, 4 5 days a week 3 miles a day
week 4,5 5 days a week 3.5 miles a day

week 6,7 5 days a week 4 miles a day

You dont have to run same miles each day, do less one day and more the other.

By week 8, you are ready to do one long run - say 8 miles.


Week 9-12 - 20-25 miles/week
At least one day a week, do what they call fartlek training - just do what feels good - run hard, jog, run hard, vary your pace - mix it up.

you can scale back per your needs - but you get the picture.

After 4 months, you are ready for some interval training.

[Southie]

Re: training for a half-marathon

the wife chimed in and said it is better to go say 10 12 10 14 12 16 14 18 miles each week rather than progressively increasing weekly miles

[eternalbluemoons]

Re: training for a half-marathon

thanks so much for your help, everyone!

right now i'm running around five miles a day, usually three or four days a week.

another question? do you think it'll be problematic to run inside on a treadmill this winter? i know it's monotonous but now that there's snow on the ground, i cant breathe at all when i run outside!

[lafuriaroja]

Re: training for a half-marathon

I think more than being monotonous a treadmill is not an accurate representation of what it's like to run outside. I use the treadmill pretty much everyday and although I change up the inclines and speeds to push myself, every time I go for a run outside I feel sore the next day. I think this has to do with the fact that a treadmill actually propels you along whereas on the ground you have to provide your own momentum. If you have no other option then training on a treadmill its better than doing nothing at all but I don't think it will prepare you well enough for a real marathon outdoors. Factors such as varied terrain, wind resistance, etc will not be present running on a treadmill. A good compromise might be to train outdoor some of the time and do the rest on a treadmill indoors.

[Nussairee]

Re: training for a half-marathon

U cud also look at doing some time on the static bike to empower ur lower body muscles.....particularly handyb when the weather is bad outside and u wish to train indoors.....