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Miranda M.
Miranda M. Sendmail

Preparing for my first Half Marathon?

posted 4 months ago | Report

Two questions really...

I can run about 8 miles easily right now, and my race isn't until the end of April.. when should I start upping the milage and really getting ready for the 13.1?

Some people say not to run the 13 miles before race day, do you agree with that?

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6 posts

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  • Kris B.
    Kris B. Sendmail

    There are lots of ways to train for a 1/2, I used the Hal Higdon intermediate (followed it closely but not exactly) for my first one, but he also has 2 novice and an advanced program. I wanted to do at least one 13 mile run before the race so I knew what it felt like, but I could have done the race without it. Good luck, it's a great feeling when you finish!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Christian H.
    Christian H. Sendmail

    I ran 13 before my first half and am glad that I did, I wouldn't have wanted that unknown in front of me on race day.

    As for when you should step up the mileage, it just depends on your goals for the race. There are a ton of training programs out there and you just need to pick 1 that suits your needs. I mean do you "just want to finish" or do you have a goal time. Are you looking to be competitive or are you running a half to say you ran a half and don't really care where you finish relative to others.

    posted 4 months ago

  • John R.
    John R. Sendmail

    Totally agree with Christian and Kris. Stepping up your mileage depends on your goal for the race. I've been running 1/2s for the past couple of years and I usually do more than 13 miles as my long run before the race. For me its because I'm trying to get used to my race day pace before that day. I usually use the RW smart coach and tweek it a bit depending on how I'm feeling that week. Its been good to me.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Running Tips
    Running Tips Sendmail

    I recommend that you do a google search for a training schedule. You may also be able to find them on runners world. You already can do a pretty long distance and have a long time to go. I'm not sure if my math is correct but maybe if you increase your long run by half a mile every two weeks, you should be in good shape for the race. Many training schedules will not have you do a 13 mile run at all. I'm the type of person who has to run the 13 miles to know how it feels. http://runningtipsforbeginners.com

    posted 4 months ago

  • Wanda
    Wanda Sendmail

    Hal Higdon programs are really good. I'm training for my first half which is in a few weeks. I've run over 11, but am planning to do a long run of 13 before the race, just so I will know what to expect.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Mike P.
    Mike P. Sendmail

    Go to Halhigdon.com for free training plans. I used it last year for my first two halfs and had success !

    posted 4 months ago

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