Half marathon training and intervals

[Setters]

I am going to run HM distance before my 70th birthday next July, not in a race just me and my pups in the Forest. I have looked at training plans and most contain interval training, I’ve tried intervals and hated them, so........ I am now running 14k in 1:50, have got this far by increasing one run a week by 1k, my other run is a slightly faster 6-7k. I intend to increase by 1k every 4th run, keeping to faster shorter runs for the other three, do you experts think this is a plan and can I ignore intervals. I do hills on my routes every time I run. Any thoughts appreciated

[andystev]

You'll be fine. Mostly intervals build speed (as well as making you question your life choices...). If you're only interested in getting to the distance then increasing a long run each week or two, incrementally, while keeping a base of short and medium length runs will get you there.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon in reply to andystev]

Andy is completely right. Intervals are there to help increase speed. Keep doing what works for you.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

I have no answer personally, but I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that others will reply and say it’s fine - as that’s pretty much what I’m doing! I dislike fast running intently and love trundling along at my happy pace. Sooo - will be keeping watch!

Happy running Setters. I too run with my dog (Lab) for the most part. ❤️🏃‍♀️🐕

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Good to see your post! I think more than intervals strength and flex exercises might be more useful for you but I’ll let a more experienced runner get back to you. Just wanted to say well done for running 14km and enjoy your training

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you! I do Pilates classes as well, and of course walk a lot with my two energetic pups, am thinking about doing some strength work as well as apart from gardening I don’t do a lot of that, and am aware my strength is waning the older I get ☹️ Very happy to see consensus so far is intervals not essential 👍😀

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to Setters]

Sounds like you do a lot! Keep up the good work

[misswobble Marathon]

Slow running on the trails and woods with the dogs sounds heavenly. If you go slowly enough you'll be fit enough(in time) to run all day! These are your runs, on your terms, doing it your way. Intervals are ok actually. You might actually be doing them unbeknownst to you. Or you could, just by hurrying up during bits of your run. Dash to the next tree, or beat the pup to the next lamp post or some such thing. They don't have to be called intervals. Call em what you like.

Pilates sounds fab. Yoga is fab too. Strength work is good but heavy gardening is good too. I think sieving soil is one of the hardest workouts we can get! Stirring the compost bin is also hard work on the upper body too. Free gym!

[Colinsmith Half Marathon]

I’ve never really done intervals, I just can’t get my head around them; and adding 10% worked for me to get to HM. So I’d just keep doing what works for you, but a bit of strength/cross training won’t go amiss as others have said. Swimming and cycling? I think cycling is pretty decent for core strength - I always notice a change if I’m off the bike for too long.

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Sounds like you do a lot! Keep up the good work

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

I know just as well I’m retired, this keeping fit is a full time job 😂

[Couchpotato2 Marathon in reply to Setters]

I know, i just started a job today and I’m panicking about when I can run!

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

Good luck with your new job

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Well done on reaching 14 k! Good luck with your journey to a half marathon.

I’m on the same journey and using a modified version of Roseabi ‘s plan. I’m doing similar runs to yours. I did Intervals for 3 or 4 weeks with a group but haven’t lately due to the temperatures in the evening. I was wondering if you’ve considered maybe doing them with a group. It’s easier than alone.

I hope you get a lot of responses from more experienced runners. Happy running! 🏃‍♀️😊

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I've never done any interval stuff and so far it doesn't seem to be holding me back 👍🏻😉

Good luck with the training, I'm sure you'll be fine 😁

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

Intervals are great! You don't have to do them of course, but I find my running does benefit greatly from varying my speeds. It's good to practice gear changes! After all, I don't run a half all at one speed, I come off hills as fast as I can, because it's fun 😄

Don't write them off entirely, I bet there's an interval structure (or fartlek, if structure is the issue) that you'd enjoy. 30/20/10 second interval repeats suit me best, or pyramids if I'm out for longer. If I've only got a short amount of time available (which is most of my lunch runs at work just now...) I do a 20ish minute interval session for max benefit. That works out at around 4k with steady warm up and slow/medium/sprint repeats.

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

Not convinced, but I will give it a try when the weather gets a bit cooler!