Am I ready?

[sparky66]

I've been looking at some HM training plans, but wondering if I'm ready for it yet..

I've only ran 5 x 10K's but feel good after them..no niggles.. on my last one on Saturday I felt I could carry on.

I graduated in November.. do strength training on rest days and run 3 times a week.. usually s 5 a 7 and a 10.

Thinking give it a couple more weeks..two more 10K's and see how I feel about it then.

Am I being too eager..is it too early for me to move forward?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations on running those 5/10Ks, however, you should run gradually every week, say 1K more a week, run 10 miles /16 K then keep increasing the distance by 1 Kilometre a week until you get to 21K or slightly over which is a half marathon.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

There’s only one way to find out Sparky and that’s to try it and see how you feel and how your body reacts. If you find a plan that suits you then go for it. Alternatively, many people do their own thing (myself included) by increasing the long run by 1K/week, but you could increase every other week if that suits you better. Mix things up by running the other two runs at a different intensity. For example, make your short run faster (eg 3/4K) or do intervals or a hilly run. Keep your long run slow, this is where you’ll build stamina while your body gets used to the longer distances.

Every third or fourth week, reduce your mileage to give yourself a rest and reset and then start to increase again. The strength training will work wonders, also try to self-massage or use a foam roller to iron out any tight bits. Keep well hydrated as this can make a big difference to how we feel on longer runs.

Apart from that, listen carefully to your body and just enjoy the journey. If you do decide to do it then head over to the Marathon and Race Support community where you’ll get loads of support and perhaps meet others who might be at the same junction 🙂

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you so much for your very helpful advice 😊Yes I think a weekly increase of a K per week or two sounds sensible and doable!

I'm just finishing off an 80K challnge this month and then just like you've said was planning on giving myself a week rest from the longer runs and focusing on mixing up a few 5Ks...

Think by then I will be raring to up my game and give it a go😃

Ooh Irish princess I've learned from past experience to listen to my body..😏

I've been lurking on the Marathon and race community for the past week.. getting mentally prepared 🤣

I've never tried a foam roller before, as luckily my legs seem fine after the 10K's

But increasing my distance I maybe look into getting one..

Thanks again 😊

Happy Running 🏃‍♀️ x

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

You sound ready and raring to go! 👍

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

Irishprincess has said it all! I would add that you should make sure you do 16.1 km along the way to get your 10 mile shiny badge. I’m very proud of mine.

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Oooh another new shiny badge to aim for 😃You've sold it..I'm in ! 🤣

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

I thought that might help . 😉Pop over to the marathon forum to let us know how you are getting on, and get lots of useful advice and inspiration.

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you.. I will definitely be popping over..by the beginning of the New Month 🙏😊

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

We'll all be waiting to say hello 😊. You can definitely do this!!!

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda, although I'm just in from a really awful 5K, had bought some new trainers, trying to break them in on the shorter runs but today they just made my calfs ache so bad.. 🙄

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to sparky66]

Oh dear! Are they different from your old ones? If you bought them in a running shop, it may be worth going back for some advice.

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to sparky66]

Can’t recommend foam rollers enough! 😊

[Peter44 Graduate10]

I reckon your ready to push further now, i did a 12k, and then went to 16k/10 miles, but then struggled with the niggly groin/hip pain, but just increasing slowly i guess is the answer! 😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Peter44]

Yes, the 10% increase is a good way to go.

[AndrewJR75 Graduate10]

100% you can do it. I used the BUPA HM plan and it gradually builds you up plus adds in interval/tempo runs which is a nice variety. I used NRC in conjunction with it.

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to AndrewJR75]

Thanks Andrew..I am still deciding what plan to use..but thanks I will have a look ☺️

[Lizcanrun Graduate10]

I'd say go for it, but carry on with the strength exercises, I didn't and I ended up on the IC! 😂😭

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to Lizcanrun]

I will they are an ingrained part of my fitness routine 🙏💪

[nowster Graduate10]

Yes, you're ready. You could go for an organised plan, or you could just gradually increase your long run each week by 10%:

10km, 11km, 12km, 13.25km, 14.75km, 16.1km (10 miles), 17.75km, 19.5km, 21.1km (HM), 23.5km, 26.2km (metric marathon).

Numbers rounded to nearest "significant milestone" or 250m.

This progression may prove too much of an ask (it did for me), so be aware you might need to drop back the intensity a little with an easier week a few times so your body can repair and strengthen.

I've also been doing one "hard" run per week (in my case a 6.5km jog/run intervals run) and several short easy ones (in my case about 3km).

[sparky66 Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Thanks Nowster, yeah I think after increasing I would take an easy week every month.. cutting back on distance .. Ditch the new trainers I think 😂