Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

So I've been training for my 1/2 for a while. Following Hal Higdon novice. My question is this... none of the runs are becoming easier. I feel like I struggle as much on 3 miles as I do on 7 (which is so far the farthest that I have run. Am I doing something wrong or is this common? Also - I'm a bit concerned that the training program has me doing 10 miles as my longest and then 13.1 for the race. I'm afraid i'm going to run out of fuel! Opinions?

Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

i ran my first HM in may. my experience might be skewed because i ran with an injury.

i attempted Hal Higdon's novice plan as i was prepping to begin training for my first full marathon... honestly, i didn't like it. i've used and am using jeff galloway's run-walk-run method. and in prepping for the full marathon, i had the same question about the distance of the last long run before the race.

as far as how you feel/struggle... what are you doing for fuel during your long runs? what are you eating before and after?

i found that when i fuel correctly, i run much better.

Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

I haven't run a HM in 3 years now, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Are you running the same pace for your 3 mile and your 7 mile runs? Your longer runs should be at a slower pace. I would definitely do 10 miles beforehand, even if it means walking a little.

When I was training I would do long, slow runs, but then I would also do sprints to help build my endurance.

Re: Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

Re: Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

How is your nutrition?
Are you consistent with your training program?

I was scared to hit 10 today, but I'm finally finding that my training is paying off. While running I try not to think about the total distance & just enjoy the running, & it's helping. Of course when I get to the 1/2way mark I do get a boost "of yay, less than 1/2 to go."

Do you hydrate during? I'm not sure if it helps or not, but I've been sipping electrolyte water during my long runs.

Re: Running 1st half marathon in 22 days...

10 should be enough, if you have a decent amount of running experience. (have you been running for a year or so?). If you are concerned - you can also run 10 and then 4 hours later run another 2 or 3. doubles have similar effects on building endurance.

3 might feeling just s difficult, b/c you are going faster? Your long runs should be 1-2 min slower than your other runs. Do you track your pace? even just mileage and time spent running would be a good place to start.

If you do, you can look at the data to see how your pace varies from 3 to 7 mile runs.