Half marathon training

[Tkaye]

Hi all, I am planning my first attempt at at HM 22nd March. I managed 15k today and so far I’ve been adding a k to my long run each wk, should I start to repeat long runs so I coincide the full distance with the run date or carry on then ease off the remaining weeks before? Thank you.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Hello. Well done on your 15K! You’re well on your way to that HM!

Most HM Training plans will get you to 16K before race day. If you can run this distance in training then you should be able to run the full HM distance on the day. It’s your choice whether to go beyond the 16K before the race to give you some confidence. Some runners prefer to do 18K so you may think this is a good compromise.

Reducing your total weekly mileage every 3/4 weeks is a good idea as it gives your body a rest and reduces the risk of injury. A reduction between 40-60% is generally recommended.

What worked for me to keep ticking over between HMs is a cycle of a weekly long run of 10K/12K/14K/16K. You could perhaps try something like this. You have time.

Also, are you cross training? Strength work and/or cross training can reap big rewards when going for your first HM.

I wish you lots of luck and keep us updated on how you’re getting on 🍀 It’s very exciting! That first milestone run is always special 🙂

[Tkaye Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, the cycle of long runs sounds exactly what I need, I’ve got this point previously only to develop niggles or injuries so the idea of reducing every 3-4 wks may well be the answer!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tkaye]

I sympathise. I’m quite injury prone too but this worked really well for me.

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

All of this 👆👏👏👏

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I agree with everything IP has said! Perhaps use the extra time you have to take a break from a long run every third or fourth week now; that will really help with recovery and hopefully stop any niggles.

I have always gone to the full distance in training, although that is more for my mental preparation rather than physical preparation.

You are well on track. Good luck.

[GTFC Marathon]

You're in a really good spot. Well done on how far you've come along 😀

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Yes IP is bang on as always with her advice. This is your first HM and its all new. I training up to 16km and managed it alright on the day.

Now I prefer to get to 18 or 20km as I am more about my times than just finishing, but the beauty is you will learn what works best for you with every subsequent run - be it HM, ultra or 5km parkrun.

Keeping yourself of the injury couch whilst ensuring you have the stamina is the focus for now.