With my next half marathon coming up in November – the Women’s Half in St. Pete – I have been thinking a lot about training. It will be my sixth half marathon. For the five I’ve completed, I didn’t follow any specific training plans. In all honesty, I wouldn’t even say that I actually trained. I would run in the weeks leading up to each one (except the Women’s Half last November which I did coming right off my sciatica ordeal) but there was no rhyme or reason to it, no cross training, and I wasn’t increasing my mileage each week.
After finally breaking that 3:00 mark for my last two half marathons and now doing much more running and just a little walking, I would love to actually train this time and see if I can finish between 2:30 and 2:40. That would make me so happy.
Also, if I have any hope of working my way up to a full marathon, which will absolutely require structured training, I figure I should at least make it through training for a half marathon.
I’ve been looking over different training plans and some – many – seem so complicated. I want to know how long or how far to run each day, do a little cross training, and 1 long run per week. I also need to be able to plan it around my schedule. For instance, most training plans suggest doing the long run on Saturday which won’t work for me because that is my WW meeting day.
With the current heat, I do all my running in the morning. Because of this, I have limited time for a run in the morning, so I can’t do any crazy distances during the week. One mid-week day would be fine for a longer run, I can make that work.
I have decided to do a plan based mostly on Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 plan. It’s a 12 week plan but since I am starting this week, I am adding 2 weeks to it. I will also do my long run on Sunday instead of Saturday. Using the 12 week plan as a base, I’ve tweaked it to fit my needs and schedule, and added 2 additional weeks to it. Coming off my 5.17 mile run yesterday morning, I am feeling pretty darn good about tackling those longer runs as the weeks go by.
One thing that still may change is the suggested 5K and 10K races listed on Weeks 8 and 11. If races don’t fall during those weeks, I will just do it on my own – or see if I can gather a few running friends to join me.
I am super excited to get started. I like structure. It’s easier to know that I have a specific goal each day than to wonder what to do. Also, for each week, I will have the ability to switch around days if needed based on my schedule. if I need to work early on a Tuesday, I’ll run Monday instead and make Tuesday a rest day. This will be a great guideline for my goal.
I hope you’ll follow along with me a week at a time as I tackle this training. I may be crazy, but I am so excited that my next half marathon is getting closer. I have missed doing races over the summer and I long for the excitement of one.
How do you feel about training plans? Do you make up your own or follow a pre-designed plan?
You can do it…just stick to your guns and don’t give in on the days you aren’t feeling motivated.
Yay! Sounds amazing. I like the way you’ve broken it down seems like it will be easier if you have a planned schedule. However, running a marathon doesn’t seem easy to me at all!! Good luck with it, I am sure you will keep us posted!
Angie M Jordan recently posted…How To Create Massive Amounts Of Content For Your Blog
I’m using Hal Higdon’s plan right now for 10K training. I think his plans are great, super easy to follow and very informative.
Good luck!
Courtney recently posted…I get by with a little help from my friends
GOOD LUCK! Idk if I could ever run THAT much! I’m rooting for you!
Bianca Kofman recently posted…August Birchbox Beauty Product Testimonials
Ah, amazing! I am not a runner by any means, so I have to admire you for going after this! Good luck with your training, and I can’t wait to read more about it all.
Ashley recently posted…Recalling Passion
Good luck with you training!!
Marisa recently posted…The Loveumentary 30 Day Challenge
I use the same training when I do half marathons. Good luck! You will do awesome!!
Dani (Suburbia Interrupted) recently posted…Today is the Day…
Your schedule looks great!! Hope you have a great time at the Women’s Half. I’ll be there with my girls doing the Mother-Daughter 5K as a team 🙂
Jenny recently posted…Women Who Lift: Meet Katie
Good luck! I usually make up my own, but I followed a plan for my Disney run because a friend was doing it and we wanted to help motivate each other! I based my plan this time around off that because I finished so strongly after using it. I just adjusted days/miles around to fit my schedule 🙂
Lindsey recently posted…Back to Training
Reading this made me feel exhausted………………….lol
joannerambling recently posted…My Dad’s Health
Good luck! You are going to do great.
Yay for half marathon training! I debated a lot between the Novice 1 and 2 plans, but thought Novice 1 was better for my first half. I’ve already decided for my second (I know I’ll run more!), thatI’ll probably do the Novice 2 plan. Looking forward to hearing about your training!
Kim @ Racing Bananas recently posted…And We’re Off!
Yay! I know you are going to rock! I’m glad you’re doing the Women’s Half. See you there!
Jina recently posted…Preparation makes summer running better … duh, right?
Good luck! I think I’d work best to a structured plan too, it’s better to have clear goals isn’t it. I envy your running abilities! Looking forward to keeping up with your progress – go girl!
Suzy Marie recently posted…Bikini Body
Thank you Suzy. Yes, I definitely do best with structure. 🙂