Starting to train for a half marathon... !
10-07-2009, 10:58 PM
#1
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
Starting to train for a half marathon... !
Wow, pretty excited but im getting ready to start training for a half marathon. 13mi.
A friend of mine is running it too, so i got a training buddy.
Any tips from experienced Marathon-ers on the board? Thanks.
-Alex
A friend of mine is running it too, so i got a training buddy.
Any tips from experienced Marathon-ers on the board? Thanks.
-Alex
10-08-2009, 10:28 AM
#4
on to the next one...
I just ran my first 10-Mile on Sunday and I'll be running a half Marathon in the spring followed by a full Marathon next fall.
When I trained for my 10-mile, I followed this training schedule: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/inter.htm
Hal Higdon is regarded by many as the marathon training guru and his training schedule worked very well for me and I will continue to follow the rest of his training guides as I continue up to my first marathon. And best of all, all of his "general" training schedules and information is free and readily available at his website. There's also a lot to learn about your diet before the race and during the race as well, so brush up on that.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!
10-08-2009, 05:00 PM
#6
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
well i went ahead and did a little over 4mi (approx.4.3/4.4) yesterday, and I felt great after finishing up. Knees were a little sore, but aside from that I wasn't gasping for air at any time, and i finished strong.
However, overnight I guess someone @home left the AC really low, and I got sick overnight. Fuck me. Looks like I might have to wait until sunday/monday, possibly tuesday to get back to running (depending on how long I stay like this.)
However, overnight I guess someone @home left the AC really low, and I got sick overnight. Fuck me. Looks like I might have to wait until sunday/monday, possibly tuesday to get back to running (depending on how long I stay like this.)
10-08-2009, 05:00 PM
#7
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
well i went ahead and did a little over 4mi (approx.4.3/4.4) yesterday, and I felt great after finishing up. Knees were a little sore, but aside from that I wasn't gasping for air at any time, and i finished strong.
However, overnight I guess someone @home left the AC really low, and I got sick overnight. Fuck me. Looks like I might have to wait until sunday/monday, possibly tuesday to get back to running (depending on how long I stay like this.)
However, overnight I guess someone @home left the AC really low, and I got sick overnight. Fuck me. Looks like I might have to wait until sunday/monday, possibly tuesday to get back to running (depending on how long I stay like this.)
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10-08-2009, 05:09 PM
#8
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
Congrats!
I just ran my first 10-Mile on Sunday and I'll be running a half Marathon in the spring followed by a full Marathon next fall.
When I trained for my 10-mile, I followed this training schedule: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/inter.htm
Hal Higdon is regarded by many as the marathon training guru and his training schedule worked very well for me and I will continue to follow the rest of his training guides as I continue up to my first marathon. And best of all, all of his "general" training schedules and information is free and readily available at his website. There's also a lot to learn about your diet before the race and during the race as well, so brush up on that.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!
I just ran my first 10-Mile on Sunday and I'll be running a half Marathon in the spring followed by a full Marathon next fall.
When I trained for my 10-mile, I followed this training schedule: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/inter.htm
Hal Higdon is regarded by many as the marathon training guru and his training schedule worked very well for me and I will continue to follow the rest of his training guides as I continue up to my first marathon. And best of all, all of his "general" training schedules and information is free and readily available at his website. There's also a lot to learn about your diet before the race and during the race as well, so brush up on that.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!
10-10-2009, 06:38 AM
#9
Everyday Joe
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Here are some thoughts from a guy who ran competitively in college and has completed 6-8 half marathons (no fulls...that is CRAZY to run 26 miles 
- Work your way up to at least a 10 mile run. The logic is that if you can run 10 miles, you can easily make it 13. Same thing for a marathon- most training programs want you to have a long run of 20 miles before the race.
- On the flip side, I'm a big fan of trying to get a 13 mile training run in. Mentally, it just feels better "knowing" that you can complete the distance.
- This long run should be 3-4 weeks before the race. You'll want to taper (wind down) your mileage as you get closer to the race. You want to feel fresh and ready for the race and not still be recovering from a tough run.
- You may want to look into getting lighter racing shoes for the race. Just make sure that you wear them some before the race. You don't want to run your race griping about your new shoes!!!
- Figure out your intended pace for the race and go out 30-60 seconds slower for the first mile. This is way tougher than it sounds b/c race day excitement may carry you out faster than you intend to go. I also felt that mentally it was better to feel stronger and go faster as the race progressed than to "hang on" and just finish the race.
- I'll bet that you'll want to do more races after the first. There is such a thing as a runner's high, but I believe more in the overall positive health impact of running and staying in shape. My runs are just as much mental health as physical health.
Good luck!
- Work your way up to at least a 10 mile run. The logic is that if you can run 10 miles, you can easily make it 13. Same thing for a marathon- most training programs want you to have a long run of 20 miles before the race.
- On the flip side, I'm a big fan of trying to get a 13 mile training run in. Mentally, it just feels better "knowing" that you can complete the distance.
- This long run should be 3-4 weeks before the race. You'll want to taper (wind down) your mileage as you get closer to the race. You want to feel fresh and ready for the race and not still be recovering from a tough run.
- You may want to look into getting lighter racing shoes for the race. Just make sure that you wear them some before the race. You don't want to run your race griping about your new shoes!!!
- Figure out your intended pace for the race and go out 30-60 seconds slower for the first mile. This is way tougher than it sounds b/c race day excitement may carry you out faster than you intend to go. I also felt that mentally it was better to feel stronger and go faster as the race progressed than to "hang on" and just finish the race.
- I'll bet that you'll want to do more races after the first. There is such a thing as a runner's high, but I believe more in the overall positive health impact of running and staying in shape. My runs are just as much mental health as physical health.
Good luck!
10-10-2009, 07:35 AM
#10
Go Giants
Cool. Good luck.
10-13-2009, 10:28 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
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Not really experienced, but did my first half last May. I agree with Keg with at least one run longer than 10 miles. Depending on what plan you may follow, some will include a 12 or 13 mile run and some max out at ten. I did two 12 mile runs before my half, the first was 3 wks out, second was 2 weeks out. You won't need to taper as much for a half as you do for a full. Higdon has some great training plans but the only thing I don't really like is they don't give you paces, and if you are a beginner as I was, you may over train or not train as well as you may be able to. Runnersworld.com has a app called "Smart Coach" which you enter in some data fields and it will develop a customized training plan with runs, distances, pace times, etc. I will be using this to develop my training plan to train for the same half this May. Good luck with the training.
10-15-2009, 12:25 AM
#12
Hills, Hills, Hills. Be sure to do some hill training. I just finished my first half-mary a month ago and besides starting a little slower I wish I did more hill training.
Good luck
Good luck
10-15-2009, 12:42 AM
#13
awesome! the main thing to focus on is getting in some long runs, 1/2 marathons (and much more so full marathons) take a toll on your body so getting used to being able to run 10+ miles will definitely help.
A training programs is really the best thing to keep you motivated and mix things up. The last thing you want to do is get burnt out running less than you should be as you come up to the race.
As for the actual runs any time your are running over an hour I'd make sure you carry some water and any time I get over 1.5 hours I'll bring a gel, goo, blocks, something to get some calories.
For longer runs as you are getting started think about negative splitting the run (the second 1/2 faster than the first) this will let you take it out a little easier and then you have the confidence of finishing strong.
Runner's world has a cool program to get a schedule laid out (this is what '06 Arctic mentioned):
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smar...-0-0-0,00.html
I've got the Denver full this Sunday and am just wrapping up my training
A training programs is really the best thing to keep you motivated and mix things up. The last thing you want to do is get burnt out running less than you should be as you come up to the race.
As for the actual runs any time your are running over an hour I'd make sure you carry some water and any time I get over 1.5 hours I'll bring a gel, goo, blocks, something to get some calories.
For longer runs as you are getting started think about negative splitting the run (the second 1/2 faster than the first) this will let you take it out a little easier and then you have the confidence of finishing strong.
Runner's world has a cool program to get a schedule laid out (this is what '06 Arctic mentioned):
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smar...-0-0-0,00.html
I've got the Denver full this Sunday and am just wrapping up my training
Last edited by leftride; 10-15-2009 at 12:44 AM.
10-15-2009, 09:44 AM
#14
on to the next one...
awesome! the main thing to focus on is getting in some long runs, 1/2 marathons (and much more so full marathons) take a toll on your body so getting used to being able to run 10+ miles will definitely help.
A training programs is really the best thing to keep you motivated and mix things up. The last thing you want to do is get burnt out running less than you should be as you come up to the race.
As for the actual runs any time your are running over an hour I'd make sure you carry some water and any time I get over 1.5 hours I'll bring a gel, goo, blocks, something to get some calories.
For longer runs as you are getting started think about negative splitting the run (the second 1/2 faster than the first) this will let you take it out a little easier and then you have the confidence of finishing strong.
Runner's world has a cool program to get a schedule laid out (this is what '06 Arctic mentioned):
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smar...-0-0-0,00.html
I've got the Denver full this Sunday and am just wrapping up my training
A training programs is really the best thing to keep you motivated and mix things up. The last thing you want to do is get burnt out running less than you should be as you come up to the race.
As for the actual runs any time your are running over an hour I'd make sure you carry some water and any time I get over 1.5 hours I'll bring a gel, goo, blocks, something to get some calories.
For longer runs as you are getting started think about negative splitting the run (the second 1/2 faster than the first) this will let you take it out a little easier and then you have the confidence of finishing strong.
Runner's world has a cool program to get a schedule laid out (this is what '06 Arctic mentioned):
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smar...-0-0-0,00.html
I've got the Denver full this Sunday and am just wrapping up my training
Best of luck on your Marathon this week! What time are you shooting for?
10-15-2009, 03:01 PM
#15
One on the right for me
I've always wanted to do this but I think my biggest problem would be controlling the diet enough to make an improvement aside from just cardio. I've never really had a problem running long distances or getting in shape but I've also never really wanted to give up beer and good food.
Let us know how the half marathon goes
Let us know how the half marathon goes
10-16-2009, 09:01 AM
#17
on to the next one...
10-16-2009, 09:14 PM
#19
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
10-19-2009, 10:35 AM
#20
Burning Brakes
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I think you need to base your time goals on what you feel you can realistically obtain. For some people, they are happy with just finishing a half let alone getting under 2 hours. But as left stated, finishing under 4 hours is a common goal for first time marathoners who have a good base fitness level. This will be my goal for the '10 Pittsburgh Marathon.
I ran a few 5ks before I started to train and used those times as a starting point for my goals. I actually set 3, a time < 1:50:xx which I would have been flying on cloud nine, a time < 1:55:XX which i would be really happy with, and < 2:00:xx which is what i trained for. Ended up running a 1:56:20 which now that I look back on it and where my fitness was, am very happy with.
I ran a few 5ks before I started to train and used those times as a starting point for my goals. I actually set 3, a time < 1:50:xx which I would have been flying on cloud nine, a time < 1:55:XX which i would be really happy with, and < 2:00:xx which is what i trained for. Ended up running a 1:56:20 which now that I look back on it and where my fitness was, am very happy with.
10-19-2009, 11:27 AM
#21
+1 to arctic's comments.
I too usually set a few goals and then based on my training see what happens.
Also as you runs get longer you will have a good feel for the what pace is comfortable.
(e.g. for my marathon training I was running ~8mi miles for my race I ended up with a 7:43 avg)
I too usually set a few goals and then based on my training see what happens.
Also as you runs get longer you will have a good feel for the what pace is comfortable.
(e.g. for my marathon training I was running ~8mi miles for my race I ended up with a 7:43 avg)
10-19-2009, 12:38 PM
#22
on to the next one...
+1 to arctic's comments.
I too usually set a few goals and then based on my training see what happens.
Also as you runs get longer you will have a good feel for the what pace is comfortable.
(e.g. for my marathon training I was running ~8mi miles for my race I ended up with a 7:43 avg)
I too usually set a few goals and then based on my training see what happens.
Also as you runs get longer you will have a good feel for the what pace is comfortable.
(e.g. for my marathon training I was running ~8mi miles for my race I ended up with a 7:43 avg)
~3:15?
10-19-2009, 02:22 PM
#25
congrats to your sister in law, Boston is quite an accomplishment.
10-19-2009, 07:44 PM
#28
Burning Brakes
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+1 on the bike comment. I would much rather do centuries, but it kinda works out good since the Pittsburgh Marathon is the first weekend in May, it gets me a good base for cycling.
How's the training going Agranado?
10-24-2009, 07:55 AM
#30
Everyday Joe
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Just to add something else out there...I love my Garmin Forerunner 305. That thing is magical for training. Everything from the basic mileage to the pace to the heart rate is huge. It gives me a MUCH better picture of how hard I'm working, where I'm at physically, and what parts of my run I need to work on. Plus, it provides a little something to distract you while you're running. Instead of thinking how much you hurt, you're seeing how far you've gone and what kind of pace you're running.
10-25-2009, 12:16 AM
#31
thanks dallison, I was happy with the time
+1 I never leave the house without my 305, running or biking.
Just to add something else out there...I love my Garmin Forerunner 305. That thing is magical for training. Everything from the basic mileage to the pace to the heart rate is huge. It gives me a MUCH better picture of how hard I'm working, where I'm at physically, and what parts of my run I need to work on. Plus, it provides a little something to distract you while you're running. Instead of thinking how much you hurt, you're seeing how far you've gone and what kind of pace you're running.
11-01-2009, 07:24 AM
#32
Everyday Joe
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Ran my first race in years (at least 4) yesterday- 10K at the Va Beach oceanfront.
I had two goals- the first was to at least run 8:20min/miles. My best case scenario was 8:00min/miles. I felt good all race- went out on a 8:45 first mile and ended up running 7:54 min/miles. I need to figure out my heart rate deal though b/c I spent the last 2 miles over the expected HR- I was at 186-190 range.
I was quite pleased considering that I've only been running consistently for the past month. I've already dropped 8 pounds in that month.
Now, I've got to keep the running up through the winter months...I hate the cold!
I had two goals- the first was to at least run 8:20min/miles. My best case scenario was 8:00min/miles. I felt good all race- went out on a 8:45 first mile and ended up running 7:54 min/miles. I need to figure out my heart rate deal though b/c I spent the last 2 miles over the expected HR- I was at 186-190 range.
I was quite pleased considering that I've only been running consistently for the past month. I've already dropped 8 pounds in that month.
Now, I've got to keep the running up through the winter months...I hate the cold!
11-03-2009, 09:29 PM
#34
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
Update: Well, my training has not come along the way I would have liked it to up to now. I'm still exercising and feeling much more fit than I have over the past couple years, but am nowhere near where I should be as far as prepping for a 13mi. run is concerned. 5k is no question, and I'm confident I'm in 10k territory... I will be testing that theory out very soon.
11-03-2009, 09:30 PM
#35
how handsome I am
Thread Starter
Ran my first race in years (at least 4) yesterday- 10K at the Va Beach oceanfront.
I had two goals- the first was to at least run 8:20min/miles. My best case scenario was 8:00min/miles. I felt good all race- went out on a 8:45 first mile and ended up running 7:54 min/miles. I need to figure out my heart rate deal though b/c I spent the last 2 miles over the expected HR- I was at 186-190 range.
I was quite pleased considering that I've only been running consistently for the past month. I've already dropped 8 pounds in that month.
Now, I've got to keep the running up through the winter months...I hate the cold!
I had two goals- the first was to at least run 8:20min/miles. My best case scenario was 8:00min/miles. I felt good all race- went out on a 8:45 first mile and ended up running 7:54 min/miles. I need to figure out my heart rate deal though b/c I spent the last 2 miles over the expected HR- I was at 186-190 range.
I was quite pleased considering that I've only been running consistently for the past month. I've already dropped 8 pounds in that month.
Now, I've got to keep the running up through the winter months...I hate the cold!
This sounds excellent! Congrats man.
11-04-2009, 08:23 AM
#36
Burning Brakes
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Update: Well, my training has not come along the way I would have liked it to up to now. I'm still exercising and feeling much more fit than I have over the past couple years, but am nowhere near where I should be as far as prepping for a 13mi. run is concerned. 5k is no question, and I'm confident I'm in 10k territory... I will be testing that theory out very soon.
11-04-2009, 09:42 PM
#37
One on the right for me
Just to add something else out there...I love my Garmin Forerunner 305. That thing is magical for training. Everything from the basic mileage to the pace to the heart rate is huge. It gives me a MUCH better picture of how hard I'm working, where I'm at physically, and what parts of my run I need to work on. Plus, it provides a little something to distract you while you're running. Instead of thinking how much you hurt, you're seeing how far you've gone and what kind of pace you're running.
11-05-2009, 06:54 AM
#38
Burning Brakes
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+1 to loving the Garmin. I got a Forerunner 305 from Best Buy last year, they had them on sale of $99!!!! They are a awesome training tool. What I really like about it is you can run pretty much anywhere, if on vacation or traveling for work, and still know what distance you ran.
11-09-2009, 10:58 AM
#40
on to the next one...
On top of getting dehydrated as hell, I've never felt more out of shape. I've skied in the mountains for years, but that was my first real run at that elevation - good lord, if you can run a 3:24 marathon there, you can run a sub-3 anywhere else!