Novice question re. training

[ClareO65]

I am doing my first ever race in October- a half marathon. I’ve only been running since mid Feb and today managed a 15K having done 14K 2 weeks ago. I’ve been steadily building it up. Now I am due to start my 12 week training plan today but am ahead of the game with the long runs. It suggests starting with 30 minutes. Do I reel it in a bit or keep doing a weekly long run as I have been (taking up to just under 2 hours) and continue to build it up to around the 18K suggested? I’ll possibly then get there earlier than the plan suggests... then what? I don’t want to over do it! My aim is ‘just to get round’.

[andystev]

I'd be inclined to keep doing what you're doing. Steady increase is good. Maybe use the 12 week plan as a template and plug in your own distances?

[C3PO Marathon]

Wow! You've come really far in a short period of time. I'm just concerned that you might be heading for an injury if you push yourself too much too soon. I think it would be a good idea to stick with the plan.

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

That’s what I am worrying about but it seems a big drop to go from running for 2 hours as my long run to 30 minutes. I’m thinking of doing a longer run every 2-3 weeks and less on the other weeks as per the plan. I do run slowly to help minimise injury. I followed the 10 percent rule to get me where I am so think I’ve been reasonably careful 😕

[LittleNell83]

I am in a similar position, hitting 13km/ 8 miles out of the 10 miles I need in October. I had a chat with friends who run and drew up a training plan from last week until 20th October which means I hit the 10 miles early but can build slowly.

It also allows for flexibility in case something goes wrong, and gives me a couple of weeks at each distance.

So, it is one long run, then a running group then a 3km speed/ different run. Unfortunately my long runs are Saturdays and running group Mondays but it's a beginners group to help with speed and encouragement :). Also starting core/ upper body work at home this week.

So, tldr version - work out what works for you, and don't get worried if the structured training plan doesn't work for you

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to LittleNell83]

Thanks- I think I will do some weeks of shorter runs and some where I double up rather than just straight dropping back and building up again. Feel like I wish it were sooner (until I’m doing a long run and then wondering how I’ll ever get there 😂)

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Personally I don't see any issue with dropping back on distances. It will help you to build speed and strength going forwards.

However, it is your first HM and you are concerned you are going to loose what you have put in. You wont, but it is easy for me to write and harder for you to convince yourself. In which case: change your training plan. Look for one which starts you nearer your current level of running. There are plenty out there, so don't just stick witth the first one you see.

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you- that is reassuring. I do feel that if I don’t keep up the distance I’ll lose it 😆

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi! I know you've posted on this forum before, but I don't think I welcomed you! So:

A gigantic, squishy, high-fivey, smiley, wavey, welcome to the forum!!!!!

Other than that, I can't really add much to what the others have already said. It makes sense to continue building up your long runs, and maybe even go a bit further than 18k since you've got about 3 months before your race. Although your aim is 'just to get round' (and that's an excellent plan by the way!), it is quite nice to have run closer to the full half marathon distance before the race - builds confidence I reckon. Just be watchful for signs of injury - as C3PO suggests, there is a risk of overreaching at this stage.

I assume that your plan includes some shorter faster runs for speed work, and some intermediate-length tempo runs? And strength work, cross-training, and rest days? You could just adjust your long run distances to suit where you are now.

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Yes- I’m doing strength work on one day (squats, lunges, planks etc) with a bit of cross training and yoga on another; one tempo/ interval run (hate it); an easy run and a long run. 2 rest days. Running very slowly. Would hate to be injured. Thanks for the warm welcome x

[misswobble Marathon]

Don’t be tempted to do too much 👍

We need to be strong for these capers. Strong to the finish,so it’s about quality, not quantity

You’ve not been running for very long. Running legs take 18 - 24 months to build ! Take care ya hear 🙂

[ClareO65 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Got you ☺️ Thanks!