How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

I'm taking the plunge!

I'm doing my 1st 1/2 the beginning of Oct. Right now I'm running 3-4x a week, between 3-7miles.

I have 4 full months, so what should I be doing right now? Should I just gradually increase my long run (add a mile every few weeks) or wait until I get closer to the race & do it weekly?

Message edited 5/24/2013 7:32:52 PM.

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

This plan starts 12 weeks out. But if you have a base already, keep it. There is no reason to go on extremely long runs, you don't want to risk injury. I never go past 6 miles if I'm not training for a half.



http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51131/Half-Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

So to answer your question, I wouldn't change up your running all that much yet. I'd continue what you are doing for fitness and then start a plan a 12-14 weeks out.

Maybe someone else has different advice but you definitely don't want to risk injury.

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

Since this is your first half, I definitely agree with Rachel. There is no need to put on the higher mileage now, you have plenty of time. It's usually when you get into the higher mileage that the aches and pains have a better chance of popping up. I've done many half marathons and 2 marathons and still deal with issues if I push it.

I would follow a plan such as the one Rachel posted, but do not get into it until maybe July. In the meantime, continue running and building a base so you're ready to jump into the plan. 6 miles is perfect as a long run to be at by July. If you have been running 5-6 miles as a long run when you start, your body will be adapted somewhat.

Which half, Entenmanns?

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

I live in NC, so I'm doing one here.

Ok, so then I'll plan to keep my outdoor run as is. Which by July then I'll be even better at. Yesterday it was a breeze I finished the 7 at 60minutes.

So if I do too many long runs, sloooooooowly building, that won't give time for my body to adapt & strengthen? It'll bring on overuse & injury. I don't want that!!!
I guess I was under the impression that the quick training is what often leads to overuse.

I'm glad I asked.

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

Yep, you have plenty of time (from July to September) to build up to the longer runs. By the time it gets to July, I'm sure you'll be annoyed you have to do the long runs in the heat so enjoy your 6 miles and and less for now!

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

Yeah, definitely not looking forward to heat & humidity. Hopefully it'll cool off just in time for the longest ones in Sept!

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

I don't give up on my long runs - just cut back. I usually don't like to go below 8 or 10, b/c then getting back up is mentally hard for me.

I think if you do long runs at a nice, slow and steady pace, it's OK to keep up.

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

Message edited 6/2/2013 9:04:49 AM.

Re: How far in advance do you train for a race? What do you do prior to training?

Great great advice!
I'm big on listening to my body!

For those who do 7-10miles a run, how often do you run a week & what are your miles the other times?

I too think if I keep my miles higher, I'll not have the dreaded build-up. BUT I don't want to risk injury..so I guess it's finding what works for you?!