Half Marathon Advice

I ran my first half marathon a few days ago, and it took me 2 1/2 hours. Even though I was in the bottom 3rd, I'm still happy with my time. This time last year I couldn't run 2 miles together.

I was wondering if it would be too soon to run another half marathon on the 4th of July. That would give me a month between half marathons. I would like to improve on my time, but if I don't, I'm OK with that. The race is mostly just an excuse to visit Lander, WY, which is in a great part of the state.

Any advice from veteran runners would be highly appreciated!

As long as you came out of the first race with no injury and allow yourself a couple of days to recover, there's no reason you couldn't do that Lander race. 

Good luck!

Can I ask how you got to the point of the half marathon?  I started running around January, and I am thinking of doing a half marathon in October but I am worrying if that's too soon.  I only run 45 minutes (4 miles) 3 days a week right now and cross train other days.

smitmi, I did the same sort of thing when I did my half marathons.  I ran one in September (labor day) then ran a 10k in october and another half marathon in November---i actually enjoyed the second half marathon much much better!  Go for it if you feel good. 

greenpea--look up www.halhigdon.com you will find some great training guides there--that is the site I always use when I am training for a race!

good luck!

Greenpea88,

I think that if you start training for a half marathon you will do fine. I started running at the end of June last year, only a few miles at a time. I decided to run the half marathon at the end of February, and by that time my workout schedule sounded similar to yours--4 miles 3 times a week and weights 3 times a week.

When I decided to train for the half marathon, I bought the book "
The Complete Book of Running for Women" by Claire Kowalchik. I followed the training schedules out of that book. It also helped to have the book because before I started training, I was just running for fun with my dog. I didn't really know anything about running. I didn't know anything about breathing, form, training schedules, and I was in bad shoes.

I think you should go for the half marathon. I had such a great time!

So glad to find this thread- I am running my first 10K on the 23rd of this month (I have ran a few 5Ks and 4-milers and one 5-miler) and I am so excited! After that, I plan on training for the St. Jude 1/2 marathon in December.

Thanks for the advice posted- any more is welcomed! I am going to check out the site you suggested, smitmi.

saw the title and couldn't help it!  Great job on the 1/2 for your first one!! You will most likely improve if you keep the schedule up.  Runners World also has some good plans.....I have done three (Flying Pig - OHIO, 2 Bear - MONTANA, and NYC - duh!)

I am starting my training for the Rochester 1/2 in September.  I am getting married the week after the marathon, so I thought trying to train and finish the planning would be a recipe for disaster.

What is the plan you are following smitmi78?  (just being nosey?)

Hi Amyb-

I am running the Rochester 1/2 Marathon in Sept too! It will be my first...I am very new to running (consistently at least)

I ran the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge 5k last month and had a great time...What type of mileage and runs are you doing to prepare for Sept?

Also, congrads on your upcoming wedding!

Congrats on your fist ½ marathon!  I think you just need to listen to your body as to whether or not it?s too soon or not.  I ran my first on Jan 21 2006, and my second on April 1st, 2006. So, roughly 2 mos and a week later.  Honestly, I think one month apart from one another would have been too much for me, but if you feel you can do it, go for it!  I have no doubt that you will in fact beat your time.  You are racing against yourself after all.  I once was told by my trainer that it could be possible to ?peak too soon?, but I?m not so sure I believe that.  Also, I wouldn?t run for at least 3 days before your next race.  Let us know what happens!

Susan 

I'm also training to run my first 1/2 in September.  I've run 1 5K and will be running another 5K in July.  Good luck, everyone!!

OMG: I'm also thinking about running the Rochester 1/2 in Sept!  We should get t-shirts!

I just printed up a training guide for a 1/2 online...time to get my butt in gear!  I think I am going to run the Boilermaker next month...anyone else going to be there???

I'll be there in Utica.  You'll probably beat me to the finish, so don't drink all the beer!!

A