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3113 Views 12 Replies Latest reply: Apr 16, 2012 12:11 PM by kris0511 RSS
linuscatch Pro
linuscatch
143 posts since
Sep 18, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Apr 4, 2012 11:50 AM

First Time Half Marathoner

I am 49, have been running for about 1-1/2 years, and will run my first half marathon in less than two weeks and need some advice.  I have been using a combination of the Hal Higdon and Runner's World Half Marathon Training plans.  Have built up to 30+ miles for last three weeks with longest run so far at 12 miles a couple of weeks ago.  Also have run a 10 mile training race  a week ago to get ready.  This past weekend, I bonked at 10 miles trying for a long run of 13 miles.  Now only have one long run weekend left before the race so am curious what you all think i should do this weekend.

Should i try the 13 miles again or back off to 10 miles and start rest up for the race a week later?

  • NancyLFreeman Legend
    NancyLFreeman
    243 posts since
    Feb 17, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Apr 4, 2012 12:57 PM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    I would stick with whatever your plan says for your taper.  One bonked run isn't anything to worry about, and this close to the race cramming in a few extra miles isn't really going to provide any benefit.  Just remember to take it easy starting out on race day and don't wear yourself out early.  Good luck!

     

    -Nan




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  • monamoo Rookie
    monamoo
    1 posts since
    Apr 4, 2012
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    2. Apr 4, 2012 2:01 PM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    first thing make sure you feed yourself properly at least a week- before load up!!! Pace yourself, remember pace means nothing. You don't want  tire yourself out early. Don't change anything race day, meaning do not change what you eat, what you drink etc,etc. most of all have fun:)  Good luck!!!

  • Jasko123 Legend
    Jasko123
    461 posts since
    Apr 18, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. Apr 4, 2012 2:51 PM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    I would say revert to whatever makes you the most comfortable.  Confidence in training in the most important issue for race day, so listen to that internal voice and match it up with physical clues from your body.

     

    Congrats and best of luck!

  • skypilot77 Legend
    skypilot77
    1,050 posts since
    Dec 16, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    4. Apr 4, 2012 3:11 PM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    You may have bonked on 13, but you ran 10.

     

    HM is in two weeks. I'd drop the idea of trying to run 13. The mileage will have no affect on race day. Rest will.

     

    Start cutting back, work on your pacing and get your cardio in top gear.

     

    Enjoy the race




  • linuscatch Pro
    linuscatch
    143 posts since
    Sep 18, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    5. Apr 4, 2012 3:38 PM (in response to skypilot77)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    Thanks to all of you who have responded so far.  My gut was telling me to back off to 10 for this last one and you have helped reinforce that.  Can't wait to cross that finish line!  happy running to all.

  • middleagedrunner Amateur
    middleagedrunner
    12 posts since
    Apr 13, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    6. Apr 8, 2012 11:12 AM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    I agree- just roll with it at this point. If you can run 10, you can run 13 no problem and no need to over-do and possibly end up injured...

    Good luck too! A half is a big accomplishment so congrats to you. :-)




    http://www.middle-agedrunner.blogspot.com

  • linuscatch Pro
    linuscatch
    143 posts since
    Sep 18, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    7. Apr 9, 2012 5:56 AM (in response to middleagedrunner)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    So I went out for my last long run, expecting to do 10-12, a week before the HM.  I went out really slow and kept it slow, and before you know it I had logged 13.1 miles!  No bonk this week, the demons are gone.  Now on to rest and loading up for this Sunday.

    Thanks for all the advice and support.  Wish me luck!  And good luck to all of you racing in the coming months!

  • LadyBMac Rookie
    LadyBMac
    2 posts since
    Dec 27, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    8. Apr 11, 2012 6:02 AM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    Good for you for finishing your LR!  For my first half marathon, I ran it before I finished my training plan and only got up to a 10 mi run.  I agree with a previous response in that if you can run 10, you can run 13.  I would make this week an easier week so that your legs aren't too tired for your race.  Stay well-hydrated and eat well the night before, not just carbs.  Just remember to pace for the HM and HAVE FUN!!!  Good luck and I hope it goes great!!




    Brittany McElroy

  • magwolff Rookie
    magwolff
    1 posts since
    Oct 14, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    9. Apr 11, 2012 7:42 AM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    Awesome! Definitely remember to start slow on race day. Better to speed up as you go along than slow down/bonk because you started too fast. Also make sure you are properly fueled - eat well in the days leading up to the race, eat a good, filling, healthy dinner the night before, and eat your usual breakfast the morning of, and take your usual fuel during the race. And also "hydration load" - start upping your water intake in the days leading up to the race. Sometimes the day before a race I'll walk around wtih a giant jug of water. Looks goofy but keeps me hydrated.

  • Julie Ann Hackett Pro
    Julie Ann Hackett
    191 posts since
    Nov 20, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    10. Apr 11, 2012 9:58 AM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    I always feel best when I follow my training plan but I would say to do whatever is going to give you the confidence to do the race.  Remember it is getting close to race day and you want to make sure you taper and give your body a little bit of a rest the week before the race.  If you know that your recover quickly than doing 13 will probably be fine.  If you need a few days after a long run to feel fully recovered you might want keep it a little shorter.  Most marathon training plans don't have you run the full distance before race day.  You'll have lots of adrenalin pumping that will keep you going for those extra few miles.  Good luck!

  • linuscatch Pro
    linuscatch
    143 posts since
    Sep 18, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    11. Apr 11, 2012 7:28 PM (in response to Julie Ann Hackett)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    Have defiinitley cut back this week before race.  Did 3 mile today with some pace intervals mixed in.  Started some carb loading also.  One more short easy run in next two days, and then rest until Sunday.  unfortunately, weather looking very suspect with potential rain/snow mix at start time.  But as we say here in CO, wait 15 minutes and the weather will change!

    Thanks to all of you for the encouragment.  Will post again on Sunday with results and perspective on the experience.

    Hope your running is going well and keep up the hard work!

  • kris0511 Amateur
    kris0511
    20 posts since
    Mar 10, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    12. Apr 16, 2012 12:11 PM (in response to linuscatch)
    First Time Half Marathoner

    Congrats on your first half. I would agree with everyone else on following your taper and proper nutrition. I will be running my first half in October, then another one in Dec. I would say just enjoy the environment, the accomplishment, and don't get discouraged.  Good Luck!!! Run Happy!!!

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