I completed my first half marathon in Jan (Disney-Half). I took some time off of training recently. Now, I am back into it (almost 3 weeks of running most run is 8 miles). I really want to sign up for this half marathon but I am afraid I am getting into it too late. I have spent a bunch of hours reading peoples comments on this race and I hear a lot of issues of the hills (especially at the end). I am training on hills now but I heard some people were prepared too and still had a problem. I will be doing this race solo. Any training advice? I run tues, Thrs, and Sat 5-6 miles except on Long runs on Sat (I am up to 8 miles now). Do I up it to 10 miles this Saturday? Do I add more runs on Mon Wed or Friday (I cross train on these days). Any and all advice is welcomed. I really want to do this but I don't want to this, but I won't sign up until I get advice (I really don't want it to fill up though). Sorry so much information.... I am still new to running.... but I love it! Thanks a bunch in advance.
Barbanew
Barb,
Hi and welcome, I ran the MCHH last year and im ready to go this year, I trully enjoyed the race last year and want to beat my time from last year. As for the course for me, it was tough i will not lie, I live in Michigan and the area i live in is not very hilly. I didnt have much of a clue last year with what the course map and elevation chart meant last year, but then again I learn the hard way by doing it.
Last year before the event I ran 2 days a week 6 1/2 miles each as my training, looking back that was pretty dumb.
Then starting in July I trained and ran the MCM in DC last Oct and the training I did for that was 4 days a week with long runs on Sat. With that said I am currently running Mondays, Wednesdays 6 1/2 miles and my long run this Saturday will be 12 1/2 miles. I'm planning on running only up to 14 miles once or twice over the next 7 weeks before the event. and I fell comfortable with my training for this years MCHH
I think if you stay in your training schedule and run a few 10 to 12 mile runs over the next 7 weeks, I think you will be well perpared for this event.
Dennis
Thank you Dennis! I just would hate to sign up and not be able to do it( with all of the hills at the end). For me at Disney the last few miles was the hardest. If I want to finish in 2;30 how should I adjust my runs now to do it in that time? The most of I would like to finish is 2:45. Disney I ran with someone and she got sick so we had to adjust the run so she could make it (3:10). I will do what ever it takes.... Just need some guidance in my training. Do you think I should move to 10 miles this weekend? I did 8 last weekend. This week i have completed one 5 mile run.... I had to back off becuase I am doing lab work for life insurance. I hate to drive you crazy but what ever information you have would really make my day. Thanks again, Barbanew
Barb,
You are not driving me crazy, I did well on my own thank you!
I have been the type of person that hate to do speed work so, I will just run farther to make up. This way doesnt work for everyone but it does work for me.
speedwork is a great way to improve your time, I just dont like to it.
The rule of thumb I was taught about distance running is never add more then 10 % distance to the total for the week,
So last week you ran a total of around 18 miles, so dont add anymore than 1.8 miles total for this week
so with that said, If you dont run on Thursday this week I would be safe to say that on Sat it would be ok for you to run 10 miles. Then next week I would go back to your normal workout 5 on tuesday, 5 on Thursday and no more then 10 on next Sat.
Missing 1 run during a week isnt going to hurt you that much, plus you have plenty of time to train before, let it go and move on for next week.
To add to the MCHH the hard part isnt running up the hill at the end of the race its trying to keep it at a good pace running down the hill at the begining....
I hope this Helps!
Dennis
Dennis,
I just found my Internet love... LOL. So if I run on thrusday...5-6 miles... Do I then get to run 10 miles on sat? Ok if you are looking to mentor I will hire you! Thanks so much for your help... I promise to not make you even crazier! Thanks so much! Barbanew. Tell your wife I was just joking!
Barb, LOL your welcome
I will be your bad advice mentor for as long as you like!
I think Doreen (my Girlfriend) thinks Im crazy for running as much as i do, but She supports me totaly, just doesnt get why!
Yes you can run on Sat up to 10 miles as long as you promise you are taking at least one day off per week (meaning NO training or cross training either) for a rest and recovery day. Your body needs it... Remeber no more then 10% total per week
Dennis
P.S. I will see You in Fredericksburg!
And Make sure you keep me upto date on your runs.......
Alright, another MCHH partygoer!
Maple Leaf Half 08
Fleet Week Half 08
Marine Corps Historic Half 09
El Scorcho 25K 09
Patrick Henry Half 09
Rock 'N' Roll Half Virginia Beach 09
Philadelphia Distance Run 09
MCM 2009
Outer Banks Half 09
Richmond Marathon 09
Next Race - Cape Henry 10 Miler
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