I'm currently training for my first half. I'm in the fourth week of Hal Higdon's intermediate program. I selected that program, even though it seems a bit aggressive, to try and have as good of a time as possible, figuring that if I have trouble with the mileage/# of running days I can drop back to beginner. So far I have been able to keep up, with no hint of injuries, and am making good gains on my times. You mentioned goals for beginners vs repeat racers. I do want to enjoy the race, but I also want a "respectable" time. As long as I can complete the training, the results/expectations should work out. One thing I'll be guaranteed is a PR.

I think it is difficult to determine what "tempo per mile" should be and then train at that pace.  Since running the actual half marathon route is unlikely, it might be beneficial to work on overall endurance through increasing the schedule for LR routines combined with shorter, uphill routes to improve stamina.  That might improve the ability to deal with unknowns of race-day challenges.  Really, overall consistency on a difficult course may prove more productive than trying to predict the specific mathmatics of pace and so on.  It depends on the individual and what we become accustomed to in terms of the best preparation. 

Great suggestions about muscular strength and the importance of building up performance through cross training!

Thank you for the many excellent reminders. 

Thanks for the advice. I am running my first 25k in May

After three months of "seriious" training, I finally ran my first half yesterday. I did it in a (for me) absolutely amazing time of 1:36:07. My goal when I started training was to run the half marathon in less than 1:45, so I have exceede my goals. I had really good sensations throughout the race and am feeling quite well today, so I am really happy.

My plan is now to try to keep running 30-35 miles a week and keep on running half marathons regularly. If I manage to do this for one full year, I will probably move on to running at least one full marathon.

My question is now, what to do now, at this moment I am in good shape and would like to run another half in March 5th. Any particular advice on how to prepare for it?

BOSNPM wrote:

 

I would just take it kind of easy for a week, running is okay just no speed work.  Next week just continue on with your training.  You may need to adjust your training pace.  A easy way to find your correct pace is to do a search for the Mcmillan Running Calculator and put your 1:36 in for the Half and it will give you good times for all of your runs.  Good luck and great race.

Thanks very much for this answer and for all the other before this one. I already knew Mcmillan running calculator (thanks to you, by the way) and it has already helped me a lot. I have already updated my training paces once and this calculator really helps set the new paces. I will update them again as I am quite surprised with the time i managed to pull out.

This week I will be doing 3-4 ligther runs and probaly 1-2 swims and maybe get a minor injury looked at, next week I hope to be back on track, next goal is half marathon in under 1:35 (no rush, though!).

Back on topic, I agree that personalised training plans are much better than "one-size-fit-all", but I like to add that general training plans downloaded from the internet can act  a way to set up a weekly schedule and, if taken with some comon sense, they really can help (well, tehy did form me!).

My current plan is 16 weeks (PR plan).  Hal Higdon's has some great free plans that are 12 weeks.