Let the countdown begin! In less than 19 weeks I will be participating in the Fargo Half Marathon once again!
The difference this time? I won't be doing it alone! Both my parents, and Steph, will be joining me in the half marathon, and my youngest sister Susan will be walking the 5K with a friend!
This race will most likely be my first race of 2009. I was thinking about doing another indoor triathlon the end of February, but might just save the $35 and put it towards an outdoor tri this summer. You can't find much else for races in these parts this time of year...
With this thought, I have been looking over training plans and my schedule and other training plans and my schedule. You get the point. I guess this is my time to ask you, fellow bloggers, what kind of plan do you like to use?
For last year's race, I used the Jeff Galloway plan and liked it. The longest run I did prior to the half marathon was just a little over 10 miles and that was 3 weeks before the race. Even though I was able to finish the 13.1 miles, I suffered immensely through the last 5 miles or so because of nasty blisters (mostly self inflicted due to the poor choice in changing socks for race day). My quads and calves were very sore for the few days to follow.
In a perfect world, my weekly training schedule would consist of 3 runs (2 short, 1 long), 2 swims (1 long and one short whether it is part of a brick session or not), and 1-2 bike rides. I would really like to keep up with my swimming and cycling as much as I can. I think it is a great form of cross training, even if they are shorter sessions. I would also like to do some more strength training and yoga.
Any ideas? Tips? Thoughts on how to juggle this sensibly?
What has worked for you? What hasn't worked for you?
Any suggestions or comments in regards to what you like and have found to work for you, would be much appreciated!
25 comments:
I'm probably the wrong person to ask about this because I have never been much for using a structured plan that says 'do this on this day - that on that day.' I pretty much figured out how much mileage I needed to run and what my longest run needed to be. That gave me the freedom to schedule my runs around my schedule while maintaining something resembling sanity. It's probably not the right way to do it, but it worked for me.
BTW, very cool of you to include both of my blogs on your sidebar. I'll try hard to make it worth the effort.
Love your new blog look, tres cool!
Sounds like you have a solid plan ~ don't fix it if it "ain't" broken....you can always adjust. I can send you the plan I use if you want.
I think the best way to train for a half marathon, is to run a half marathon!
TW i wish i could help you!!! I am an idiot when it comes to training...i am sure you will choose a good training plan.
Me, not so much!!!!!
That's exciting! I like using smartcoach on runnersworld. Good luck! I like how you have others doing it with ya!!
Yay for half marathons! Good luck training and let me know if you find a really effective training schedule...our half is in April! Looking forward to it, but haven't started training yet.
I'm just now training for my first half so I'm not going to be of much help. Just wanted to say hi, how did your swim go today?
I don't think you want advise from me...I ended up injured.
Or maybe I do have something meaningful to offer. I've done better while tri training (vs half marathon training) with a simple modification to the weekly long run to ensure I got up to an 11 mile run before the half. That was better for me than doing a run-focussed plan which had me running more and longer.
Hi! I wish I had something to contribute as far as plans. So, instead, I'll give you a "Go girl!" and thank your for inspiration!
I'm certainly not a pro at the halfs but I would say for your own comforts sake start building your mileage now so after awhile a 10 mile training run isn't too hard
Personally I think since you have one under your belt, stepping up and possibly doing a run that's even a bit longer than the 13.1 for at least one of your long runs is a good thought. Higdon is a good one for plans...
I think it is so cool that you'll be running with your family!! I think you have a solid base and could incorporate a few 10 milers to help you feel better.
I'm doing Hal Higdon's intermediate plan now, but there's not much cross training in that one. I think his beginner plans have more cross training built in so that might work for you. (Not that you're a beginner hah!)
You might want to look into the FIRST plan @
http://www.furman.edu/first/
Their plan is a 3 day plan that leaves you the rest of the week to swim and bike. It is made up of 3 key runs: intervals,tempo, and long
19 weeks is quite a ways away. actually, i'm just being scared because my own marathon is 6 weeks away. i've been using a hal higdon plan and it's been pretty fun. i am very pleased with it.
I've never been one to follow a plan to the "t"; instead I usually examine several plans and create something of my own, but I think the ideal "peak" distance when training for a HM is 14 miles. A HM is not like a marathon, so it doesn't strain your body to go the full distance (or past the full distance) in training, and going longer will help build your endurance. Too, there aren't any surprises in those last few miles.
Training for my first 1/2, I did a similar plan where I ran about 10 miles as my longest distance. Since then I've started going over. My last plan included 13, 14, and 15 mile runs during the peak training and helped me shave 12 minutes off my original PR.
I'm with Kevin. I always use FIRST. It's only 3 days a week of running BUT it's hard work. No joke LOL
OMG. Please don't make me talk about training again. LOL.
That is awesome that you are doing the Fargo Half and with your family too. WOO HOO!!
It's great that you are inspiring your family to get out there with you!!
How fun a whole family affair!
When not in full tri mode the schedule you laid out is how we train right now when training for a 1/2. Except one swim a week for 2 wks then 2 swim on the 3rd. No our rides are usually 1.5 hrs at the most when in HM training mode and 4 runs on the weeks with two swims. Geez, I sound like a mad woman!
I've been running 4 days a week...3 short (3 to 5 miles) and 1 long run. Every weekend, I'd tack on an extra 15 minutes to the long run so that I'm up to running about 2 hours now. I'm going to do one more long run this weekend...maybe 2 hrs 15 minutes and that'll be the longest run I do.
I think you've got a great plan. Sounds a lot like mine.
Good luck. I love 1/2 Marys...my favorite race distance!
Woo-hoo! I love the race announcements coming around everyone's blogs lately.
I use Galloway too and I like it. Although I have modified it a lot through the years. It has helped me get faster over time.
Whatever you chose, I'm sure you'll do great! Good luck with your training!
My first half was the Nike womens last October, and I used their training plan, which I still have and can email to you if you want. The longest run was 14 miles and it made it so much easier on race day. I went in remembering that I had already done more than 13.1 and it totally got rid of all the mental blocks.
Post a Comment