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717 Views 4 Replies Latest reply: May 3, 2012 12:33 AM by ydiez RSS
ydiez Pro
ydiez
105 posts since
Nov 7, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

May 1, 2012 7:42 AM

Should I run another HM next sunday?

HI all,

 

I run a HM two days ago and I am not too happy with my time there. I have been training pretty hard and I am pretty confident that at this moment I have a 1:35 time within my reach.

 

Last sunday I run the HM I had been training for lately and was a bit disapointed with the result. Mostly I believe not being familiar with the course did it for me this time. After running the first 11 km at goal pace, I got "hit" by a hill that was climbed twice in kms 13 and 17 and my total time fell to almost 1:39.

 

So the thing was not really a disaster, but my overall feeling is not too good. After thinking about it a little I have found a few things I can do better the first of which is to try again in a familiar, flat, course. Unfortunately, there is only one such race in the near future and it takes place next sunday.

 

At this moment my legs feel a little stiff but I have no major injuries and my running shape is as good as it is ever going to be. I plan on having a very quite week with some swimming and some light running and maybe run again next sunday.

 

So my questions are, do you think it is a bad idea to run again next sunday?  If not completely, What would you recomend in order to speed recovery up and get me ready for next sunday.

 

Thanks!




Current PB:

5k: 20:12 (December 31st 2012)

10k : 44:30 (November 6th 2011, March 18th 2012)

Half Marathon: 1:35:27 (February 3rd 2013)

Recently running half marathons. Six completed so far. Now looking for number 7. Once I get to 10 I will start thinking about full marathons.

Tags: training, half_marathon, advice
  • BOSNPM We're Not Worthy
    BOSNPM
    2,410 posts since
    Nov 20, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. May 1, 2012 10:37 AM (in response to ydiez)
    Should I run another HM next sunday?

    1:39 is still a very good time.  Seems quick to me but it has been done.  I ran my A 1/2 in Mar it was very humid and hot and I wanted a sub 1:35 and should have been able to run it.  I did not  3 mins off I had the same choice and chose not to.  It's your call but your chance for injury is a little greater.  Probably no right or wrong answer.  If you do you need a couple of quick short runs between!   Good luck

  • Jasko123 Legend
    Jasko123
    461 posts since
    Apr 18, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    2. May 1, 2012 2:19 PM (in response to ydiez)
    Should I run another HM next sunday?

    In general, it is a risk to run another half that soon, but you know your own limits and abilities, so I would say rely on your personal instincts, level of fitness and goals.  If you have been doing this for awhile, you know the all the potential pitfalls, so evaluate the remainder of the race season and look at all your options.  I agree with Bos...it is certainly not the recommended choice, but a selection that only you can make based on your training and future opportunities.  Recovery times vary greatly, but I am sure you are aware of the guidelines (and which ones do or do not apply to your individual situation).

     

    I am not certain that I would sign up if the expectation was totally a PR or major improvement, because there are too many variables beyond a flat, fast course.  As always, listen to your body and other internal signals. 

     

    Wishing you many productive miles and happy race events!

  • Kinver88 Pro
    Kinver88
    77 posts since
    Oct 2, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. May 2, 2012 1:43 PM (in response to ydiez)
    Should I run another HM next sunday?

    If you are running at that kind of level then that is pretty impressive but you probably wont see any material improvements in your PB unless the course enxt week is vastly flatter!

     

    My suggestion would be to run the race and treat it as a training run. Then you can race again in a few weeks time when you have capitalised on your recent training.

     

    ...........

    2012 Running & Triathlon Races

    Edinburgh Marathon

    Dorney lake Triathlon

    Race Your Pace Half Marathon

    Asics Cirrus33 Review

  • ydiez Pro
    ydiez
    105 posts since
    Nov 7, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    4. May 3, 2012 12:33 AM (in response to ydiez)
    Should I run another HM next sunday?

    Thanks everybody for the good advice.

     

    In the end I have decided to take it easy this week. I found out there is also a 10k at the same time that the half marathon and will be doing that, I will take the first couple of kms easy and if I feel fine I might make an attempt at my 10k PB (which, by the way, looks much easier to beat to me than my HM PB).

     

    After that, I might do another HM soon but if I do it will only be for fun and not to attempt a great time. I have decided to take it easy and go back to training while doing some 5 and 10ks. I will go back to trying to improve my HM PB after the summer.




    Current PB:

    5k: 20:12 (December 31st 2012)

    10k : 44:30 (November 6th 2011, March 18th 2012)

    Half Marathon: 1:35:27 (February 3rd 2013)

    Recently running half marathons. Six completed so far. Now looking for number 7. Once I get to 10 I will start thinking about full marathons.

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