Two weeks to go until my half marathon run. Today I ran 7 miles, and my leg muscles are feeling it. I'm concerned that I won't be in good enough shape to get the sub-2 hour time that is my goal -- I did today's run at a pace of 9:42/mile, and even if I could maintain that pace for the full 13.1 miles, it would still put me at 2:07.
Ok, so now I'm asking myself how I can best prepare with the two weeks I have left to train. I am planning on resting for most of the week before the race (I only have an easy 3 mile run early in the week). But I'm not sure how much I should push myself next week. I have planned an 8 mile run next Saturday, but now I wonder if that might not be too long a run so soon before the race. Perhaps I would be better off breaking my weekly mileage into more frequent, shorter runs? I have a total of 14 miles planned, but maybe I should actually reduce that...
Ok, thought I'd try this blogging thing. I'm training for the Salt Lake City Half Marathon, and am up to 7 miles this week. Six weeks to go, and I'm kicking myself for not keeping up my training during the winter. Right now I am primarily concerned with being able to increase my mileage enough to actually finish the race, when I'd like to be able to work on speed.
This will only be my second half marathon. Last year I had a knee injury halfway through my training for the Ogden Half Marathon, so this time around I'm being more careful. So far my training is progressing well, and my knees are doing fine. I'm not sure yet what kind of time I can realistically shoot for (last year I did Ogden in 2:04), but I'd really like to get under 2 hours.
Melanie T says:
So, I'm new to this running thing (ran track in HS but that was 25 yrs ago! - YIKES, that sounds awful). Anyhow, I would like to do a Half Marathon by the fall, my more immediate goal is a 10K. Started last Saturday, have been running 3-4 miles/day, took Fri off (cold had me down) and then made it 4.7 miles today. My time is slow I think (10:15 min/mile). I feel fine, no aches or pains to complain about...how realistic is a 10K by May?
Love to here more training stories - I find it inspiring! - Mel
drourke says:
Melanie,
Not an expert or anything, though I have been running for 10 plus years. I think a 10K is achievable for you by May. Two pieces of advice that I have picked up over the years -
- Rest between runs. Running every day can put a lot of stress on those of us that are 20 plus years from HS. I am 30 years past HS, and I run three times a week to give my body time to recover (3 miles twice during the week and a long run of 5-6 on the weekend.)
- Increase your distance gradually. I've heard 10% a week as a guide. So if you are doing 3 miles the next jumps would be 3.3, 3.7, 4.1, etc.
Hope that helps.
bbelnap says:
Melanie,
I am also nearly 20 years past high school. I didn't run track then, but played soccer and was on the swim team, so I was very athletic. I've only picked up running the last 2.5 years, but it's been off and on.
I have to agree with drourke on the training. When I started running I still had my HS mentality that I could just take off and start running hard. After doing 10 miles in one week my knees were shot and I had to rest for a few weeks.
Also, last year while training for a half marathon my training was interrupted due to a cold, but I ran in a 5k after not running for almost 2 weeks. After the race my right IT band started hurting and it further interrupted my training. I managed to nurse my knee along and ran the half 3 weeks later, but I was frustrated that I couldn't train as hard as I wanted. (I've since decided that unless I'm totally wiped out by a cold, it's better to run at least a little to keep my mileage up, even if I have to go really slow)
Like drourke, I now run only 3 days a week. I am also very conscious of what my body is telling me, particularly my knees, and don't push as hard if I start feeling sore. I've tried to keep to the 10% rule, but last week I ran 9 miles after doing 7 the previous week because I felt good and wanted to push my training along. I think the key is to listen to your body and follow a training program.
