Hm training and holiday

I am looking at my hm training schedule which is based on a 4 mile Monday run, increasingly longer thursday run and a 3 mile parkrun on some saturdays. I have 14 weeks training and two weeks tapering factored in. However, we are going to Australia at about 9-10 weeks where it will be their summer so far hotter than I like. I will take my running gear but expect it might be some shorter 3-4 miles where I can. Will this be ok? I should be at 10ish miles before going but worry this will negatively impact on my training. What should I do?

[JaySeeSkinny Half Marathon]

I think you'll just have to play it by ear and see how you cope with the heat. Try running early morning and just get as much in as you can. That would be my plan. Like you I'm not good in heat (although I'm getting better) and I don't think it would be good for me to run in extreme temperatures.

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

I've read that you don't lose any very significant amount of fitness in up to 2 weeks of no running. Also, running 3 x 3 miles a week is enough to maintain fitness, so I would say that you should be ok with your plan. Maybe make the week before and week after a little more challenging and the holiday might actually help by building in some recovery time. I would definitely run early morning to avoid the heat as much as possible.

[Hidden in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Thank you, I shall take on that advise. The last long run may fall the day before 24 hours of flying, I hope my legs are not too stiff!

[misswobble Marathon]

Just maintaining any running will be good. Slow running will be fine I hope it won’t be too hot for you as running in Oz should be awesome 😃👍

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

I looked and there is a parkrun nearby too!

[misswobble Marathon]

Even better! 😃👍

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

You should be fine to take a break, but if you can steel yourself to do it running in the heat is great for building cardiovascular fitness. Otherwise, some swimming would be beneficial and cooler. But mostly, enjoy your trip - it'll be amazing! xx

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

A part from the long haul flights we need an amazing holiday after this year. Hopefully i will have gained some distance runs to help with the hm training and my physique 😂

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Ah yes, very important 👙😎

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

Extreme heat with temps of up to 30c after dawn with high humidity is manageable if you prepare yourself by hydrating well and running before the Sun comes up. And you shouldn't push yourself too hard. I spent three weeks in those conditions last summer and all went fine. You will appreciate a cooling down swim even more and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Actually, l miss that hellish heat!

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Adjusting your plan sounds sensible. What about increasing the number of days you run but doing shorter runs. That will keep your weekly average up so you don’t lose your progress?

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

Yes that is a good idea. I will need to sort out a suitable route.

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

if it's any help I did a HM mid September and went to the US for 2/52 on 21st August with only one opportunity to run 5k whilst away. It meant I arrived home when I was due to start tapering - and then did something to my back so only managed a 5mile run a few days before. I had done my longest run before I went but think you would be able to do that on your return. I made it round so it is doable. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to ancientrunner]

Thank you, that is helpful to hear of your experience. Btw what was your longest run for the hm?

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

Well it wasn't really conventional. I did 13 miles twice before I went on holiday. it was my 2nd HM, my 1st having also been the GNR a year earlier. That first one wasn't a pleasant experience, I was overwhelmed with nausea from about mile 9 until 5 or 6 hours after I finished. I then vomited as I came over the finish line of the GSR a month later. I have never worked out why as haven't had problems in training, went back this year as I didn't want that to be my memory of the GNR. I wanted my body to experience the distance a couple of times before I tried it again so hence doing the distance beforehand tho' all plans stop short of it. The actual run went much better - but sick again after stopping, tho' recovered rapidly this time. It must just be the occasion. I am just starting to train for another one in March and am going to aim for 14 miles but I know that isn't the perceived wisdom.

ps: I had planned to do an 8-10 mile run on return from my holiday but didn't happen so I had 4/52 without areal long run. I think you will have done enough groundwork to get you through.

[Hidden in reply to ancientrunner]

I am trying to sort out a plan of increasing distance between now and then and would like to be close to the 13 mile mark rather than 10 miles which most plans stop at. Eek it seems scary!