I graduated C25K at the beginning of August and Bridge to 10k in November so now I've set myself another goal of achieving an HM distance (well 10 miles for starters!). But life i.e. kids, weather, work and procrastination have got in the way so my diligent 3 runs a week has dropped to 2 - usually a 5k and then a longer run a couple of days later (11k last Saturday).
I have taken up Pilates once a week so that helps. I've looked at your HM plan roseabi and thought 'that's for me' but struggling to push myself out of the door more than twice a week.
I had hoped to run a HM at the end of May (I had similar race goals for both 5k and 10k which helped) but does that seem unrealistic given my current running plan? I'm pinning my hopes on the lighter evenings helping me get out the door.
Sorry for the ramble but this forum always seems to be full of good advice, fingers crossed it can help me. Thanks
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KDoll72
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If you look at your goal and work backwards to where you are today you will see what you need to do in order to achieve what you set out to achieve. The plan is your blueprint and save injuries or illness you should do what you can to make the runs.
I aways work to a training plan, whether it is a HM coming up or a 5k. That way I can have some focus in what I am doing. I hate missing a run.
Always remember that the rewards come after the run especially on days when you would rather not. I have never regretted going for a run, but I have kicked myself plenty of times for taking the easy option. It is not motivation you need at these times but discipline. Thats where the plan comes in.
The pilates class is a nice to have, but it is no substitute for running. It should be complementary to your running rather that used as a replacement. Unless of course it is simply a general level of fitness you are after, in which case, its fine - mix it up. But if you have an ambition to run a HM then commitment and discipline are your friends and running "time on your feet" is what you need.
Thanks. I always work better with a goal in mind so as roseabi suggested booking my place is probably going to be the best motivator.
The pilates is definitely complementary but I was just a bit worried that 2 runs per week wasn't enough...but brighter evenings will mean more running time so bring it on!
Hello - welcome to the forum!!! Well done for reaching those two fabulous milestones and for deciding to go for the half marathon.
I don't know which version of my plan you've looked at, but it is feasible to do the training with around two runs per week - cross training is key to support this, so the Pilates is good, and I'd suggest you think about other activities you can include, such as walks with the kids maybe. You may have seen the sample strength training circuit too. You can have the option of adding extra runs as you feel.
I think it is extremely feasible for you to do that May half! As you say, we have more daylight now. Check out our Events list for inspiration - actually signing up for a race is a very good motivator 😊
I think I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm not being unrealistic about the date/goal. In between runs I do cycle every day as well as walking as much as possible, but I think I lack strengthening exercises so have looked at the info you provided and am giving it a go (wobbly arms and all!!)
Excellent! Looking forward to hearing more about your training. And let us know when you've signed up, we can put it in our Events list and give you a cheer near the day!
I'm following a version of Abi's HM plan which has evolved for me over the last couple of months! I've actually cut back on the frequency of my running - on advice from a physio - and now plan to run once every three days (so twice one week, three times the next). As the distances have increased I think that's plenty for me. However I've upped the cross training in between - home strength session, swimming or complete rest on the days off. I always did pilates so I haven't counted that in my plan, but I know its still beneficial.
Good luck with however you decide to set up your plan, quite simply it has to work for you, but don't be afraid to tweak it as you go along! Get a race booked for motivation 😀
Hi there, well I run twice a week, I found three times a week too much high impact and I got overuse injuries. I’ve run in this pattern since about week 8 of C25K, I’ve gone on to complete numerous 10k’s and 4 half marathons (one cross country) , and I’ve got 3 HM planned so far this year.
I crosstrain, do weights, recently taken up yoga and do cycle a bit (fairweather commute) so a HM is definitely doable on 2 runs a week, I’m not fast - but that’s not my motivation.
Remember the plans are a guide, we’re all different, it has taken me sometime to get here, but I remember reading a beginners guide to running that said, take your time, what’s the rush? Take your time and enjoy....🏃♀️💪
I have always been a run-twice-a-week sort of girl. Except just now, where I'm admittedly a run-once-a-week sort of girl... The reality is, you'll likely be a better, stronger runner if you do three runs a week. But pffffff, life so often says no to that sort of thing! We're all only human*. Abi's plan is a cracker, and the fact it's designed by a real person and offers huge potential for discussion and support here just makes it an invaluable resource for anyone aspiring to run a HM distance I think. In answer to your question, of course you can train to run for a HM in that time, and if necessary, with two runs a week 😊 Everything you do activity-wise counts towards your body condition, and you'll find it's not as far as you think once you increase your distances. How strong and speedy you are does depend on your training of course, and you may find after your first HM you get a bit competitive with yourself, but the most important thing is that you enjoy doing it regardless of whatever time or speed you end up at! And sometimes that means being a bit flexible with training, and that's entirely ok.
* Well, some of the runners here may well be part machine, there are some absolute inspirations on this forum!
Thanks for this...you're right my primary aim is to enjoy the run! Posting on here has definitely given me the boost I needed and I've downloaded roseabis plan to help me along the way. So I'm going to try to get out 3 times in the next week but won't punish myself if I don't
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