All you RUNNERS: Is this distance too far to maintain for a longer period of time?

I've been working on a running program, working towards the goal of a half marathon in the fall.

I'm at a point right now where I'm running 6 miles on my long day (Sat.) and 3-4 miles 2 other times during the week (Tues. & Thurs.). The other days (Mon. & Wed.) are walking/elliptical/weights and then 1 rest day (Fri.).

I don't really want to increase my milage right now, and was wondering if hanging out around 6 miles is a good idea. I didn't know if there was a milage that's a good "resting point" before I decide to start training for the half? Should I have waited at 6? Should I up it to 8?

I figure as long as I'm eating properly, I'm not running at a distance that'll be hazardous to my body if I maintain it over a long period of time (especially when I think about what you marathoners must maintain), but thought I should still ask to be safe and healthy.

It feels like a silly question, but I was wondering and figured ya'll out on CC would have some good suggestions, as always!!

I think that's fine....not too much different than what I'm doing. My plan is to stick around that and then about 8 weeks before my half (also in the fall) I'm going to start increasing by 1/2-1 mile each week on my one long run.

But your current running schedule sounds totally fine to me!

You're probably fine to stay where you are, but my question would be why?  Is there a reason you don't want to increase the distance sooner?

From what I've read, it's generally recommended to increase your distance (your long run and your weekly total) by about 10% per week and have every 4th week be a recovery week where you decrease your milage 25%, so make sure you don't try to up your mileage too fast when you get into your actual training plan.

I agree with melaniemae427--if you maintain this sort of running base over the next few months, you should be in good shape to start a half-marathon training program. In fact, if you look at Hal Higdon's Novice Training Plan,(http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice. htm) the mileage in Week 1 is 10-12 miles, including a long run of 4 miles. That's slightly less than what you are currently doing now.

So in my opinion, you are fine to keep your mileage at its current level. If you want to increase your mileage, that's up to you, but it's definitely not necessary.

Good luck! 

I have another question. do you guys follow the running training schedule as it is or you modify it according to your speed and pace?

quasicamel; can I ask you how long did it take from you to reach 6 miles? is that on the road or on the treadmill??

To answer a few questions...

I'm currently running at the gym, and so I'm not sure I could mentally take running longer than an hour on the treadmill there. Plus, I think others might feel the urge to drag me off the treadmill for hogging it for so long. I've seen the looks in their eyes...

I think I've been running since about Thanksgiving and hit 5 miles on 2/23. I started off with a 12-week training program. It had suggestions of walking/running, but I found for me, it was actually easier to just run the entire time and not break it up with walking.

There's a running club in the city where I live, I just haven't been brave enough to join them yet. They meet Saturdays at 7am, and I'm not sure I'm at the point where I'm willing to wake up at 7 every day of the week. But that's where I'll be when I start the serious half marathon training.

Also, I don't have anyone to run with otherwise. And as a female, I just don't feel safe running in the city on my own. I'm sure it might all just be in my head, but safety is an important thing to me.

Plus, once I start running longer distances, I know I'll need to maintain those longer distances each Saturday, and with my upcoming schedule, that will be difficult to fit in for the next couple months.

Thanks so much for your responses so far...this is what I LOVE about CC!!!

I have spent plenty of time on treadmills, so I sympathize wholeheartedly with you there! 

There are some excellent training programs out there that you can customize to fit your schedule and training requirements.  If you are staying at the 6-mile mark for awhile, then I would make sure you start playing with tempo and hill climbs (take advantage of that incline feature) to get the most bang for your buck with your workouts.  As soon as you can get outside, get with a group or stand it on the treadmill -- increase your distances. 

Locally, I have friends that are solid half-marathoners for fun.  They see the 13.1 miles as their longest day out.  I also have friends that are marathoners, so they generally approach doing half-marathons as a "shorter" but "faster" long run in their schedules.  If you are used to doing the occasional 15 or 16 miler, the 13.1 feels like a little shorter day out!  I know, it is hard to believe the 13.1 can feel like "just a short run!"   

The sooner you get comfortable with longer distance runs, the easier time you will have on the day of your race.  Get a training schedule though.  Having a schedule is at least 75-80% of the battle.  Kind of like writing down food on Calorie Counter -- just writing it down helps TREMENDOUSLY.   Once you have your schedule, just do the workouts and you will be ready for your race.  Best of luck and can't wait to hear about your race day this Fall!   

Take care,
Zoelda

I have run several half marathons and did NYC marathon in the fall, the best advice I can give you is much the same as what Zoelda said...... if you are uncomfortable increasing your mileage than you really should mix things up with hills and/or speed intervals. I personally find doing intervals on the treadmill a great way to make the time/mileage pass more quickly and it allows for you to play"games" by challenging yourself to surpass your last workout session. 

However, two thing to keep in mind, one treadmill running is NOT the same as road running biomechanically, so as your race approaches you need to get outside so your legs get used to not having a belt moving underneath them (treadmills actually alter your stride unless you are an incredibly experienced efficient runner). Secondly, do NOT be afraid to join your local running club, especially as a female living in a city. I assure you, you will meet wonderful people of all ages and abilities and all of a sudden you will want to run much longer than 6 miles for your long runs, just because you will be having so much fun!!!

Good luck with your training

 

Hi, I think you should check out running clubs in your area (there should be more than one - and I should think one that goes in the evenings). I joined a club when I moved to Vancouver as I didn't know anyone and I had no idea where to go (in terms of nice routes and safety). I love running with the group now, it's great fun & it's good for my motivation. I still enjoy my solo runs with my music, but I am glad I joined the group and i'll continue to go with them.

You really should give it a try!

 

Lex

"if you are uncomfortable increasing your mileage than you really should mix things up with hills and/or speed intervals."

NO!  Do not do this!  If you are uncomfortable with long distance, speed training and hills are the LAST thing you should be thinking about, as a beginner especially.  This kind of training should only be attempted by well conditioned, experienced runners.  Hill running is especially hard on the Achilles and if you are not properly conditioned, excessive hill running can really screw that up.

 

Thanks to all for your responses and advice!

I ran about 6.5 miles this past Saturday outside and it was glorious.  Running outside along the bike path by the beach doesn't even compare to a treadmill!  Mentally, it's the easiest long run I've completed; which is saying something since i didn't even have my ipod along.  It was just me, myself, and I.  With so much to take in (people, animals, beach, boats, etc.) it was so entertaining.  So beats staring a TV at the gym willing myself not to look at how much longer is left.

And I agree with jrj, I can see where running outside, especially with a group, would make it fun to try for the longer distances.

I'll suck it up and just join the group...I know I need to and have just been making excuses not to.

Thanks again, all!