Question about training for a half marathon

I am running the Divas on October 7. Today was my long run and I ran 8 miles.

My questions are: How many days a week should I be running? How long should my short runs be? Should I my goal be to run 13 miles before the actual race?

Any help would be great! This is all new to me!

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

You do not need to run 13 before the actual race. Before my first half, my longest long run was 10 miles.

Do you have a training plan? If not, check out Hal Higdon's plans.

Question about training for a half marathon

When I was training for a half, I would run about 5 days a week. My short runs would vary- anywhere from 2.5 miles to 10k.
My longest run was 14 miles. I only this because I wanted to make sure I could finish the distance prior to the half. However, I've always read as long as you can do at least 10 miles you'll be fine.

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

I've done 5 half marathons, and the longest I ever ran before one was about 11.5 miles.
Definitely second the Hal Higdon recommendation. I always use his novice training programs, although I typically skip the alternative cardio, and only do the running/weight training.

On average, I probably run 3 days during the week, and then one long run on weekends when training.

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

Thanx girls for all your reccommendations! I typically run 3/4 days a week. 1 day is a long run, and the other days I run anywhere from 3-4 miles.

Hope this works!!!

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

When I trained for my 1st half, the longest I ran before the race was 9 miles. My shorter runs were between 3-4 miles and I ran 4-5 days a week. The only time I ran the 13 miles was on race day and I was shocked at how much my body just kind of cruised from mile 6 on. It definitely varies by person but I truly believe that if you can do 9-10 miles, you will definitely be able to do 13.1. Good luck!

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

I'm training for the Diva half too! When I trained for the two other half's I've done I never did more than 10 miles. I'm following Hal Hidgon's schedule and right now my short runs are 4.5 and long run is up to 7 this week. I only run 3 days a week and cross train on other days.

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

I have done a bunch of halves...I think my longest distance before was 12, but I am usually comfortable with 11. I usually run 4 times a week--3 runs at 4 miles each + the long run.

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

Posted by jeanyus27

I'm training for the Diva half too! When I trained for the two other half's I've done I never did more than 10 miles. I'm following Hal Hidgon's schedule and right now my short runs are 4.5 and long run is up to 7 this week. I only run 3 days a week and cross train on other days.

Re: Question about training for a half marathon

You don't need to get to 13, but it would help if you did a long run that was about your predicted time. So if you want to run it in 2 hours, run for 2 hours at your long run pace.