Half-marathon tips!

Hi ladies,

I know a few of you just ran the half marathon last weekend. I ran the 10k and felt great. I think I'm ready to start training for a half! (I want to do the Diva Half-Marathon in Eisenhower Park on Oct 3rd).

Any tips/advice/words of encouragement? I need to get myself from 6 miles to 13 miles!

Thanks

Re: Half-marathon tips!

If you can do 6 now, you'll be able to do 13 in no time! I can't really think of any advice, just keep increasing the distance of your long run little by little each week to get your endurance up. I liked Hal Higdon's novice plan. The Diva half looks like fun, I was thinking of doing that one, but I think I might do the Queens half in Sept instead. Good luck & congrats on doing the 10K!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

ITA - the journey from 6-13 is not bad at all. At 6 you have already worked up a decent endurance - now it's just about adding a mile a week (since you have some time - .5 mile a week) and working on that endurance.

Since you have some time until the race, try to get hilly workouts in now - they will make your legs strong.

Hal Higdon has great plans.

Re: Half-marathon tips!

Thanks for the advice!!

I was able to do 7 miles today and feel great. I'll check out Hal Higdon too.

One more question- anyone know where I can get a RELIABLE pedometer? Or anything to track my distance.

I wore my usual pedometer during my 10k to check if it were accurate. At the end of the race it told me I only ran 5.17miles!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

so glad you asked this..I am debating doing one in Sept for ING in Philly

Re: Half-marathon tips!

I used Hal Hidgon's plan too and it worked really well. I also started using jelly belly sports beans. I eat them around the one hour mark and they definitely give you a boost. I used them during the LI half and I'm so glad I did since the humidity was really draining me. You have plenty of time to train and experiment with different pre race plans like what to eat the night before and the morning of. The Diva half looks like a lot of fun! Happy training!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

Posted by jeanyus27

I used Hal Hidgon's plan too and it worked really well. I also started using jelly belly sports beans. I eat them around the one hour mark and they definitely give you a boost. I used them during the LI half and I'm so glad I did since the humidity was really draining me. You have plenty of time to train and experiment with different pre race plans like what to eat the night before and the morning of. The Diva half looks like a lot of fun! Happy training!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

Posted by missfabulous

Posted by jeanyus27

I used Hal Hidgon's plan too and it worked really well. I also started using jelly belly sports beans. I eat them around the one hour mark and they definitely give you a boost. I used them during the LI half and I'm so glad I did since the humidity was really draining me. You have plenty of time to train and experiment with different pre race plans like what to eat the night before and the morning of. The Diva half looks like a lot of fun! Happy training!

Where do you get jelly belly sports beans? I've never heard of them. What do they do?

Re: Half-marathon tips!

Posted by jeanyus27

Posted by missfabulous

Posted by jeanyus27

I used Hal Hidgon's plan too and it worked really well. I also started using jelly belly sports beans. I eat them around the one hour mark and they definitely give you a boost. I used them during the LI half and I'm so glad I did since the humidity was really draining me. You have plenty of time to train and experiment with different pre race plans like what to eat the night before and the morning of. The Diva half looks like a lot of fun! Happy training!

Where do you get jelly belly sports beans? I've never heard of them. What do they do?

I ordered them online from runningwarehouse.com

Once you start running a certain distance you need to replenish with more than just water or a sports drink. Some people eat power bars or use the energy gel Gu. There are a lot of other products as well. I have a weak stomach so the Jelly beans seemed like the way to go for me. They are filled with carbs, electrolytes and vitamins. You eat a pack and have some water and it refuels you to keep going. HTH!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

Re: Half-marathon tips!

I'm doing a half marathon this weekend and I used the plan from Marathoning for Mortals . I found it really easy to follow and keep up with and I don't feel like I've over-trained. It has 3 days of running and 2 days of cross training. I think it's a good plan for a beginner. I'm planning to do the Diva Half in Oct so I might look for a more advanced plan for that, but this one I thought was great for getting back into running long distances...the last time I did a half was 7 years ago so it's been a LONG time!

Also, about the pedometer...what kind of phone do you have? I use the runmeter app on my iphone and it is nothing short of AMAZING! I used to use nike+, but I was never able to get accurate distances. You can also use mapmyrun.com to figure out mileage and calculate your pace.

Re: Half-marathon tips!

you can def do it..I was doing 3-5 miles 3 months before the L.I. half marathon I did 2 weeks ago. I reached my 2 goals...to not walk and to finish under 2hrs:30min (I did it in 2:15 )
I used the following schedule...it was GREAT..slow and steady and "do-able" If you are already doing 6 you def got it!
Good luck!

Message edited 5/11/2010 10:46:23 AM.