I need running advice...

I'm not a big runner....I got into it about 8 years ago, but 2 kids later, being a SAHM, & a car accident in Nov... I've never been consistent enough to get my distance very high.

I want to find a half marathon goal, but how doable is the training?

Right now I'm at 5 miles (since restarting 1/2/13) & aim to run 5 miles 3 days a week. Then 2 days I run 3 miles & do strength training. (I plan to up the "longer run days" every 2 weeks).

I'm NOT running outside, but when the weather warms, I plan to try and add some outside days with my DH, more if I find a place I feel safe running alone.

For a 1/2 marathon, do you need the time to run the full distance every time?

Is it possible to train mostly indoors? When I first got into running in NY, I actually started on the treadmil & transitioned with no problem outdoors.

TIA for the tips!!!!!

Message edited 1/23/2013 1:18:39 PM.

Re: I need running advice...

I think that 5 days a week of running with one longer day is perfect for a half.

For my first half I ran about 4 days a week - with 5-6 miles being my longest midweek run, and then I would do a long run on the weekend. For my first half I didn't run more than 12 miles in training.

Its definitely realistic for you depending on time frame - I wouldn't do it in a month, but in a few months for sure!

Re: I need running advice...

I think you sound right on target. The weekly long run should get upto 10-13.

4-5 x a week should get you ready in no time

Re: I need running advice...

So I do need to be able to do the full distance by the end.

I'm so concerned, because right now I only have avout 1 hour most days I workout. Maybe if I get my speed up

Re: I need running advice...

No you dont. As long as you run 10 in training you will be able to run the half

Re: I need running advice...

I have done it both ways...lots of training with multiple longer runs (10-13 miles). I just ran one in May after having my kids. It was a kind of last minute decision...my longest run was 8 miles I think. My time wasn't as good as my previous ones but I finished in under 2 hours and I was proud.

Re: I need running advice...

I am not a runner, actually plan on starting tomorrow on the treadmill.
I was looking for couch to 5k and came across a lot of different ones. They have one called couch to 13.1 by zen fitness. Not sure if that would help you.

Re: I need running advice...

You can definitely run a half marathon without running the full distance beforehand. I have run 2 and have only run 10 before the race. When I trained for my first one I ran 4 times a week, 2 of those were on a treadmill where I ran 3-4 miles and on the weekends I would do my longer runs. Usually a long run on Saturday with about a 5 mile run on Sunday.

My first half was in March and I remember just being too uncomfortable running outside with weather and sun setting etc during the week so the treadmill was my go to. No problems transitioning to being outside on the weekends.

Re: I need running advice...

I have run 1/2 marathons with 3 days of training per week and then some cross training (elliptical or weight lifting). I would aim to have your longest run be 10-11 miles…but you dont need to do the full 13.1 before the race. If you can get up to 8 miles and do that twice and then one longer run of 10 miles you will be golden! Good luck!

Re: I need running advice...

Ok great!

Today I ran 6 miles with an incline

Re: I need running advice...

Re: I need running advice...

Re: I need running advice...

Re: I need running advice...

It sounds like you're right on track for a half! When I trained for my first half I did 3 runs a week with strength training and crosstraining in between runs. 2 runs were shorter runs and one long run on weekends. The furthest I ever went in training is 10 miles, so no, you don't have to compete the full distance in training.


Oh and it's totally doable to do training indoors. The bulk of my training was on the treadmill!!! My long runs I usually did outside just because it was less boring. I think running outside is actually easier!!!

Good luck!!!

Message edited 1/24/2013 8:31:35 PM.

Re: I need running advice...

I agree....I psychologically have to keep myself on the treadmill...but I have yet to get an outdoor route.

I'm so glad that others have done the bulk indoors.

It's really been a goal to do a race & I'm tired of putting it off. I found a 10k to start with & we'll see how it goes.

Re: I need running advice...

Posted by NewlyMrs

So I do need to be able to do the full distance by the end.

I'm so concerned, because right now I only have avout 1 hour most days I workout. Maybe if I get my speed up

Re: I need running advice...

Mentally, it's way easier for me outside to run especially the longer distances. I really need to distract myself on the "dread mill" to keep pushing extra miles.