Marathon training
Posted by fallin4Autumn on Apr 25, 2011 · Member since Aug 2009 · 6 posts
I have just decided I want to run a half marathon in September and need to start training. I want to either buy a book or find a good resource for training . Any suggestions, for a resource or just a little encouragement would be fine... And also if this is a realistic decision! Thanks!
I really like Bob Glover's The Competitive Runner's Handbook. It has sections for half and full marathons, in case you want to increase your distance in the future.
Also, runnersworld.com has a ton of articles and resources for building up a training program.
However, I'm going to say not to worry too much about it. It does help ease your mind to read and understand it, though. Frankly, a half marathon isn't that hard on your body, relatively. You're still within your blood glucose range, so you won't have to worry too much about fueling and counting calories during training and the race.
This is absolutely a realistic decision. I had a friend complete a half marathon and prior to the race the farthest she had ever run was 7 miles!!!! :o So, it's totally doable, especially since you're thinking about it WAY ahead of time. Your official training program should only be about 16 weeks, to peak when you need to and not get too worn out. Again, runnersworld will help you out on a training program. Before you officially start, you can use the spring to really get some miles under your feet and build up your weekly totals (slowly! You don't want to get hurt!). Have fun! That's the most important part.
Yes, very realistic :)
However, have you ever run before? People who have no fitness base whatsoever might want to start off doing 5ks, 5 milers, 10ks, or some 10-milers if you can find them before going straight to 13.1 miles - you'll be less nervous when your half marathon race day comes, it gives you time to find out whether you enjoy running, you'll end up building mileage more slowly so your risks of getting injured goes down, and you get to experiment with which distance you like.
It's perfectly feasible to go straight to the half, but I know I personally would be more comfortable and enjoy it more if I had confidence and experience from shorter races.
Regarding a training plan, I like Hal Higdon's plans. I also like Run Faster, by Hudson.
Daniel's Running Formula is one a lot of runners recommend but t's harder to understand with all the VDOT tables and VO2 max and stuff - much more formula based than Run Faster, which focuses more on adaptive training. So I never really liked it. Get it if you want to get serious about PRs and stuff.
Like VeganRun said, if you look at it relatively, a half marathon is not demanding compared to, for example, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.
A also know someone who did a half whose long run maxed out at 8 miles! And she finished and is still alive. You'll be fine with less training than competitive 5k runners do.
I trained to run the Maryland Half this weekend - or did train, up until a week ago. I'd been running on shin splints, ankle tendonitis (peronal & posterior tibial), hoping I could just make it through this half (which I was super excited for), and then my knee got very painful very, very suddenly. I've go doc apontment soon, but my self-diagnosis is a moderate meniscus tear and possibly a MCL strain.
Too much. Moving my first half to this fall, too, probably running one in September and one in October.
Sorry for my little rant - I hope I didn't scare you off from running! NO, COME BACK, JOIN THE RUNNING CULT, SERIOUSLY, NOT ALL RUNNERS GET INJURED A FREAKISH AMOUNT LIKE ME AND USUALLY EVEN IM NOT HURT, DONT LET ME SCARE YOU AWAY, COME BACKKKKKKK
In any case:
-I've never actually raced a half before, only done the training (-11 days) so don't take my word as perfect
& we'll both be racing this fall! Good luck ;D
You'll do fine. You have plenty of time to train properly. I ran my fifth half-marathon last weekend. They are a lot of fun. I've heard good things about Hal Higdon's training. There's also a great website, www.nomeatathlete.com. He's a veg runner and has lots of good tips.