Any graduates training for a half marathon?

[ChrisMcB]

I'm now on a B210K programme but considering entering a half marathon some time after. I wondered if anyone else had considered the same or if anyone is actually training?

[Heidi5]

I am !! Doing the great north run in September. Started the c25k to start my traing, graduated around 4 weeks ago, now on week 5 of a 10k programme then will move onto a 12 week beginner half marathon programme which takes me up to race day !! Am nervous about it but loving running !

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to Heidi5]

I am so nervous at the thought too! I'm going to keep it on the low until about July and then if all is going well I will let people nkow what I'm up to!!!

[Rose885 Graduate]

Hi Chris I'm training for a HM in mid September. I was following the B210K podcasts but I wasn't a fan so made up my own training plan which is roughly:

2 x 5k runs - 1 at race pace (or parkrun) and 1 at slow/easy pace

1 x fartlek/interval 20min run

1 x long run increasing each week by approx 1k.

I'm aiming to go up to about 17k (10.5mi) - apparently you don't need to do the full HM distance in training and the extra few k will be achievable on race day.

My long run this week will be 9k and I'm doing a 10k race in 2 weeks just to get some practice at races as I've never done any longer than 5k.

I also do cross training and strength training on my rest days which I think has helped to improve my overall fitness.

When is the HM you're considering?

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to Rose885]

Thanks for sharing! The HM is 9th September. After I posted this question, I emailed for info and they sent me a training plan lasting 15 weeks taking me to the race day itself! It's great, they based it on my answers to a few questions, and emailed it to me in no time! It's the Derry Waterside Half in NW Ireland.

I'm pleasantly surprised that the first few weeks are easier than what I'm doing now, albeit on 4 days a week instead of 3. I might mix some sessions up with bit of fartlek.

So, I've printed it off and am going to sign up!!! I feel like I'm doing something wreckless and wild!!!

My wife knows how much I enjoyed the programme up to 5k, and she has hinted that I need a goal to keep me focussed. So here we go!

[Rose885 Graduate in reply to ChrisMcB]

That's really great good for you! My other half is from Derry so I've been a few times, just had a look at the course seems good don't think it would be too hilly?

I think it's best to have a plan but don't beat yourself up if you can't always stick to it rigidly. Some times I change my days about or cut a run short or extend it depending on how I feel. Just listen to your body and go with it.

Good luck, keep us updated on how you get on

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to Rose885]

They've chosen one of the few flat bits of Derry! God bless them!!! Yes, Derry wans get everywhere!

[mair99 Graduate]

I'm doing similar training... i've been thinking of a half... up to 12k on my longer runs and focusing on speed too. I recently started intervals and it is really fun! I just made up my own program too and it seems to be working, though probably a little slower than you.

I dont have a definite time frame yet and havent really looked into any dates for my first half. I am doing a 10k on 17th June and a 12k in August and 14k in September so i guess its all a good build up.

I would be interested in discussing the training side of preparation for the half.

[Greg_M Graduate]

I am signed up for the Maidenhead Half in September - it is supposedly nice and flat!

[TJFlute]

I am doing Tonbridge half marathon in September. At the moment I am doing a 10k training programme taken from the bupa website and then I will do a 10k race on 24th June, then I will switch to the half marathon training programme which should see me through for 12 weeks to the actual race.

I have found that sticking to a training plan has been very beneficial.

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to TJFlute]

Yes, I tend to go AWOL if there isn't a plan stuck to the fridge door with tick boxes to keep me honest and on the straight and narrow! The plan the organizers supplied looks great too, no huge jumps in distance, and the first few weeks are basically what I'm doing now.

[AliB1 Graduate]

admire you all for giving it a go! it's not for me at the moment as happy with what i'm doing.

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to AliB1]

No rush

I never planned on doing more than 5k!

Still a half Marathon is only 4 5K runs I suppose......

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to AliB1]

Ali, I was so inspired by your recent blog posts that I've contcated two local running clubs to see about joining! That's just not something the old me would've ever done!

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to ChrisMcB]

Hope you find one you like. Am loving my run with them, even if it is only after I've finished!

The old me would never have done it either!

[Greg_M Graduate]

At the moment I am running 10k a couple of times a week and a long one 16k or so at the weekend which I am stretching out to 20 for September. Not very structured I guess but its a plan.

[juicydee Graduate]

I've signed up for the Ealing Half in September - haven't yet located a training plan as I've just done my 10k race and am knackered!! Going to take it easy for a few days then get back into it gently and onto some kind of a plan. All recommendations welcome!

[ChrisMcB Graduate in reply to juicydee]

Well done on the 10k! Very impressive! After your rest, check out the free plans by bupa, at different levels. You've done amazingly getting to 10k in such a short time after graduation!

[ChrisMcB Graduate]

Just thinking, lots of HMs are in Sept so a few of us will be on similar plan and working toward the same goal. Maybe we can keep in touch and encourage each other as we prepare to run 20k or so! I know the accountability and peer advice git me through c25k!

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to ChrisMcB]

I'll cheer you on!

[mwgolfacademy Graduate]

I feel myself getting motivated