Topic: Half Marathon Tips?
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Jennifer
CO
Member Since:
04/14/2008 Total Posts: 9
3.3 Months Ago
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I am going to run the Denver 1/2 marathon in October. I have started training for it and am really excited about it. I have never run a race before. any tips? |
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Jim
CA
Member Since:
08/27/2005 Total Posts: 637
3.2 Months Ago
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Wow - No one willing to help huh?? I am not a great runner, but I have had to prepare for 1/2's as part of 1/2 IM training.
I am also training for a full marathon in October.
Now, we may have different goals, my goals are to finish the races without having to stop. Then, I will focus on my finishing times.
Is your goal to finish or compete? The training I would propose would be different for the two.
Jim
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Seema
PA
Member Since:
01/20/2005 Total Posts: 176
3.1 Months Ago
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I really like Jeff Galloway's new 1/2 marathon book. I also have always liked Hal Higdon's training plans. You can find Galloway's training plans at www.runinjuryfree.com and higdon's at www.halhigdon.com. I find following the plans, with adjustments for my crazed lifestyle works well for me (I've run 8 full marathons and around 20 half marathons). Since you live at approx the same altitude, that shouldn't be a problem for you, otherwise I'd mention it. For your first race ever, I wouldn't worry too much about time, rather about training and finishing injury free and having enough fun that you want to do it again and again. By the way, I'm pretty slow, but like the longer distance runs. If you are competitive and looking to finish in the placings, my advice will be less useful. |
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Alicia
MI
Member Since:
06/02/2008 Total Posts: 10
3.1 Months Ago
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I did one 1/2 before, on no training - and my biggest lesson is to TRAIN otherwise, you and your body, will regret it. My biggest take away is to stay focused and stick to your runs. It will is important to build your body up!
As far a training plan, I'm using Runner World's Smart Coach to train for my upcoming 1/2. It's pretty customized, and I like 'someone' else planning out my runs for me.
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoach |
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Jennifer
CO
Member Since:
04/14/2008 Total Posts: 9
3.1 Months Ago
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Thanks for the tips. I am just looking to finish this one without an injury. I have trained twice before but didnt make the race either time. I got up to about 9-10 miles and then my knees would swell up and not allow me to continue. This time I think I am giving myself enough time to prepare so hopefully...3 will be the charm. |
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Jim
CA
Member Since:
08/27/2005 Total Posts: 637
3.1 Months Ago
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OK -
This is more in line with what I do... Just to finish...
You may want to research Controitin and Glucosamine, these are suppose to help the knee joints, and usually take a while of supplementing with them before they build up.
I agree with Seem in terms of a plan. Most seem to build for 3 weeks ( no more that 110% of the previous time. (ie: you run one day for 30 minutes, next can be 33 minutes.
Then a recovery easy week before building again. Personally I like to get to the distance 2 weeks before on a training run. However, many believe getting up to 90% is fine. For me it is a mental thing, just to know I have done the distance before.
If it is a hilly course, you should work in some hills on your practice runs.
Best of luck!!!!
JC1.5 |
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Jennifer
CO
Member Since:
04/14/2008 Total Posts: 9
3.1 Months Ago
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Thanks Jim. I have been taking the supplements hoping that will help. I am up to 7 miles and no problems with the knees so maybe they are helping. We will see. I feel good though and I have high expectations of finishing! |
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