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20 Replies Last post: Nov 8, 2007 8:47 AM by mrsmatt051102 1 2 Previous Next

slavetodogs

100 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Nov 5, 2007 1:58 AM

STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Everyone. I would like to do a half marathon this summer. Hal Higdon has a 12 week program. I have about 24 weeks in which to train. Should be doable. Anyone else starting Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon training plan? It is here: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm[/URL" target="_blank">
It looks good as the next step after OHR.
If anyone is interested, it would be nice to train with a few others.
~Slave

hongkongrunner

5 posts since
Jan 12, 2007

1. Nov 5, 2007 8:11 AM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Slave...

24 weeks is plenty of time (at least in my opinion) to train for a half. I completed HH novice plan last June and LOVED it! I actually was able to run a few 13.1 long runs before the 12 weeks was up. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a half to race in until Dec so I'm now working on the advanced HH 1/2 training which I also love.

Don't know if that was at all helpful but awesome that you want to do this... I think the training is rewarding in itself. Wish you the best!

pegrun

36 posts since
Mar 22, 2006

2. Nov 5, 2007 8:14 AM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

you'll do great - most important thing is to be consistent - that way, if you have an illness/injury etc... you don't lose too much - start building your base miles now and have fun!

meary

91 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Nov 5, 2007 8:39 AM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Last year I ran my first Half using this program. I started a bit too early though and burned out about 3 weeks before the race day.

slavetodogs

100 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Nov 5, 2007 4:36 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Thanks for your replies everyone. Since I have so much time till the proposed half marathon, I thought that when it gets difficult I could increase the mileage by half a mile each week instead of a whole mile and stretch out the time if necessary.
Anyone want to join in with me?
~Slave

chamblin

364 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Nov 5, 2007 4:57 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hey Slave,

I'm going to start HM training in December for a March half. Am thinking on using a modified version of HH as my mileage is currently somewhere round week 6 or 7 so don't want to go right back. I also would like to get up to at least 12m in training, so need to do some work on the schedule.

When are you planning on starting? Why not use the HM thread to keep us up with your progress?

Cara

slavetodogs

100 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. Nov 5, 2007 8:59 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Chamblin. I am starting the program today. As Mondays are Stretch & Strengthen (basically rest) it seems like a good place to start. I figure that although the long run is shorter than I usually do on Sundays, if I do the 2 mile run on Wednesdays it will be the same weekly total, ie, 11 miles in the week and will spread it out over 4 days thereby adding the 4th day in the week and then increasing lengths and weekly mileage. As well, getting the benefit of exercise more days per week helping both strength and calorie burn. At least that is my view for what its worth. I will undoubtedly sign in with the HM thread, probably more often if there is no interest in this program, but it seems that you all are all further ahead and seem to already have a group together.
~Slave

Guest

7. Nov 5, 2007 10:17 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

slave, I'm interested in having a look at this program, are you looking at starting a new thread in the forum or just chat off list??

Noob

slavetodogs

100 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Nov 6, 2007 1:38 AM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Noob
I guess a thread. Basically I loved the support doing the C25K and having the people working on the same week post their progress and support. Similarly with OHR a lot posted their progress on a daily/weekly basis. This is to follow that up with a new post OHR (or whatever) program leading to doing a half marathon. It would be nice to have the support and posts of others doing the same thing or near enough. The other Half Marathon thread, and please correct me if I am wrong, does not seem to be following a particular program but just increasing mileage with the aim of doing a half and they appear to have established a network within the group already. Please have a look at the program, see if it is of interest, and then, if so, we can compare notes as we progress and be virtual training partners.
~Slave.

Guest

9. Nov 6, 2007 4:50 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Slave

I've had a look at the program and it's certainly within my ability. There's a half I could aim for in April next year, which ties in with your time frame too. I like the idea suggested by Hongkongrunner that if I finish the novice program I can jump over onto the advanced to keep my progress going.

So, start a thread and I'll jump on in. I'll probaby change the days a little to suit kids, work etc... will be fun to have a training partner.

So, are you a slave to dogs, and what breed?

Iontach

1,522 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

10. Nov 6, 2007 5:38 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by noob:
I like the idea suggested by Hongkongrunner that if I finish the novice program I can jump over onto the advanced to keep my progress going.<HR>

Um, you really want to jump into doing speedwork and running 6 days a week just like that?

quote:<HR>THE ABOVE SCHEDULE IS FOR VERY EXPERIENCED RUNNERS: individuals who compete regularly in 5-K, 10-K, half-marathon and even marathon races and who want to improve their performances. You should be capable of running 30 to 60 minutes a day, five to seven days a week and have a basic understanding of how to do speedwork.<HR>

Is that you? If not, then why do you want to injure yourself? Personally, I can't think of a single good reason for a beginner to jump into an advanced program - but that's just me.

If you've got a couple of months to spare before the program begins, assuming it ends on race day, then why not spend them just building a base? Sure, it's not exciting, sure, it's not sexy - but it does more to help you cope with the rigors of training than anything else.

Please don't get the idea that you need to be constantly increasing your distance - consolidating your gains is important too, and if you increase constantly, you're more likely to get injured. If the first week or couple of weeks of training is less than your weekly mileage, that's ok - cutback weeks are good. You're training for a race, not testing yourself to destruction.

spicegeek

716 posts since
Jan 14, 2007

11. Nov 6, 2007 6:02 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

I used this plan for the NYC Half in Aug - I would use it again - check out the Half Marathoners regular weekly thread - you`ll gets lots of support

slavetodogs

100 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

12. Nov 6, 2007 8:14 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Hi Noob- Great.
I did day 2 today, i.e. a 3 mile run. For the first few weeks I expect all the runs will go well as the distances are less than my usual, but it will start to build a little faster on week 7. Jump on in and let me know how you make out.
And yes, I am a slave to dogs. I have 3 standard poodles which I treat like kings.

Iontach, I think you are looking at the wrong program. The one I am jumping into says:
"The above schedule assumes you have the ability to run 3 miles, three to four times a week." That is less than I currently do, you probably looked at the advanced training schedule. I think hongkongrunner is doing the advanced, but that is way beyond my abilities. But thanks for your concern
~Slave

Iontach

1,522 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

13. Nov 6, 2007 8:35 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by slavetodogs:
Iontach, I think you are looking at the wrong program.<HR>

No, I was referring to noob's suggestion, quoted above my post, of "jumping over" to the advanced program on finishing the novice program early.

My comment was addressed to noob, not to you. The very last thing I wanted to suggest was that you shouldn't do the novice program - I think it's an excellent idea. My points about using the couple of extra months for base-building still hold, though.

Guest

14. Nov 6, 2007 10:03 PM

in response to: slavetodogs

Re: STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

Lontach, thanks for your reply, I don't plan on hurting myself

, and haven't actually looked at the advanced program yet. My big issue is that I need a program of some sort, something to tell me what to do on what day, or I feel lost and directionless. If I do the 12 week novice program, which in the first few weeks is less than I'm currently doing, and I finish 2 or 3 months before the half marathon I'm planning, I'm going to need to be told what to do in that time, via some sort of program or day to day schedule or I possibly won't do anything. I've got 3 months to work out something for that time, any suggestions for a day to day program will be appreciated.

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Nov 5, 2007 1:58 AM

STARTING HAL HIGDON'S HALF MARATHON TRAINING NOVICE?

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