25 replies to this topic

[monocotyledon]

Hi everyone,

I've added 'half marathon' to my bucket list (mind you hopefully I have decades left!) and would eventually like to add marathon. However the longest distance I run is around 14km and I don't do it often, more so when I have a free afternoon and a lot on my mind. I run arund 5kms once a week and have been in a 5k, 9k and 14k race with my times being 27, 52 and 98 mins (was running with my slightly slower sister in the last one) respectivally. I go to boxing, body combat (MMA) and body pump classes 3-4 times a week and have also started doing some hill and stair interval runs weekly (about 25mins each session including warm up). I want to run the half marathon before I go overseas in June next year, but I'd prefer to take a fairly relaxed approach to training with only 1-2 runs a week. I have a really basic stopwatch but generally check the approximate distances on map my run.

Any suggestions on what would be the best way to reach my goal?

Cheers

[chops]

monocotyledon, on 25 September 2011 - 08:58 PM, said:

Any suggestions on what would be the best way to reach my goal?

Cheers

Run more!

[monocotyledon]

chops, on 25 September 2011 - 09:13 PM, said:

Run more!

How often though? I like my gym classes and don't really want skip any...but don't have enough time to do those plus more runs. Maybe once the clock goes back il have more time in the evening before it gets dark, but I start work at 7am so before that is impossible (for me anyway).

[cappy]

What's your target? Crawl over the finish line, complete it without feeling half dead, complete it comfortably (I.e at a good first-time speed and able to run again in aday or two), or have a time to shout about to your mates and other runners? This will impact the responses you get. It's possible to do a hm on 2 runs per week, but depending on your answer to my question, depends on how those sessions need to be structured and developed over the months and whether indeed they are enough, as eluded to by the last poster.

[Bellthorpe]

As Bones said, run more. Much more.

Do the other stuff less.

It's pretty simple. You want to do a difficult race, on no base, with no effort expended in training. Yet you want to pursue other athletic activities, that will offer you little benefit.

You don't get anything for free.

You need to make some decisions.

[Digger]

You just need to get motivated, and the rest will flow.

1-Pick a race, preferably one with an expensive entry fee and a 'No Refund Policy'

2-Enter, then you have money on the line.

3-The thought of not being able to compete and lose your money will keep you going.

Others do a lot more participating in events, on less training than you have been doing, so with 3 runs/week, with an occasional long run of 15km shouldn't make a Half too unpleasant.

[Davo]

Amen to what Bellthorpe says!
Do you want to run a half marathon or do you want to be an MMA champion?
Decisions decisions! But pretty simple answers really.

[monocotyledon]

cappy, on 25 September 2011 - 09:32 PM, said:

What's your target? Crawl over the finish line, complete it without feeling half dead, complete it comfortably (I.e at a good first-time speed and able to run again in aday or two), or have a time to shout about to your mates and other runners? This will impact the responses you get. It's possible to do a hm on 2 runs per week, but depending on your answer to my question, depends on how those sessions need to be structured and developed over the months and whether indeed they are enough, as eluded to by the last poster.

I'd be happy to complete it without feeling half dead and maybe even feeling comfortable.

Davo, on 26 September 2011 - 07:57 AM, said:

Amen to what Bellthorpe says!
Do you want to run a half marathon or do you want to be an MMA champion?
Decisions decisions! But pretty simple answers really.

I want to run a half marathon but I also want to keep doing what I enjoy, trhat doesn't mean I want to be a champion. I don't want running to be the only exercise I do because even though I like it, I don't think I'm the type to enjoy doing it 4-5 times a week. I get blisters on my feet and sore knees :-( Need to get that sorted as well...

[maryclaire]

If you want it badly enough, you'll do what it takes to achieve the goal - which may well mean temporarily foregoing other activities that you enjoy in order to ge tthe training in.

If you can't or won't do what is required to maximise chances of succes, then I'd question your commitment to the goal.

Everything in life worth working for and committing to (even relationships!) means sacrificing some "other" things that we might find enjoyable or attractive.  But if we just want to sample from the smorgasbord of life, without ever really choosing worthwhile pursuits, we'll just be mediocre at a lot of things - instead of able to really say that we've done a few things quite amazing.

[Digger]

maryclaire, on 26 September 2011 - 12:40 PM, said:

If you want it badly enough, you'll do what it takes to achieve the goal - which may well mean temporarily foregoing other activities that you enjoy in order to get the training in.

Which is why I have had to give up Beer.

maryclaire, on 26 September 2011 - 12:40 PM, said:

Everything in life worth working for and committing to (even relationships!) means sacrificing some "other" things that we might find enjoyable or attractive.  But if we just want to sample from the smorgasbord of life, without ever really choosing worthwhile pursuits, we'll just be mediocre at a lot of things - instead of able to really say that we've done a few things quite amazing.

Love this. Do you mind if I steal it?

[maryclaire]

Digger, on 26 September 2011 - 12:54 PM, said:

Love this. Do you mind if I steal it?

With all the inspiration I've recevied from your Comrades website, I am happy in my own humble way to return some.  

[twosheds]

I agree with Digger. You will need to do more running to achieve your goal of a comfortable half marathon. But 3  runs a week done consistently over a  period of months will be enough to achieve this. This would still allow  you to do do the other things that you enjoy and you may well find the more running you do the more you want to do. I ran for years on 3 days a week - my pb for the half marathon was  1:41 in my early 40s. Not world beating but respectable. I added more running days to achieve 1:35 in my middle to late 40s. Still not world beating but enough for a category prize in a reasonably sized event. Not everyone would see that as worth it- but i reckon most runners would.
Good luck
twosheds

[Curt]

I'm in with the same advice as above.

I usually run 3 times per week (1 long run 15-25km, 1 at about 10km and one at about 5km- and either the 10 or 5 on a hillier course than usual). Very occasionally I can get out for a 4th run in a week.

My first timed event was C2S last year- completed in a not-too-dissimilar-from-you 93 minutes.

This year I ran 75 minutes on the same training and over the same period have brought my HM time down from 2:17 to 1:58, so it can be done on 3 runs per week, but in my opinion 2 runs a week is stretching it.

Having said that I've had quite a few weeks over the last 18 months where 2 runs (and sometimes only 1) is the best I can do because of other commitments.

Enjoy your MMA and your other training. The mental preparation will be priceless, but another run session each week will add more depth to your training and give you confidence when you do line up that you're going to enjoy the run and come away with a result you can be proud of.

Enjoy your running,
Curt

[monocotyledon]

Curt, on 27 September 2011 - 01:36 PM, said:

I'm in with the same advice as above.

I usually run 3 times per week (1 long run 15-25km, 1 at about 10km and one at about 5km- and either the 10 or 5 on a hillier course than usual). Very occasionally I can get out for a 4th run in a week.

My first timed event was C2S last year- completed in a not-too-dissimilar-from-you 93 minutes.

This year I ran 75 minutes on the same training and over the same period have brought my HM time down from 2:17 to 1:58, so it can be done on 3 runs per week, but in my opinion 2 runs a week is stretching it.

Having said that I've had quite a few weeks over the last 18 months where 2 runs (and sometimes only 1) is the best I can do because of other commitments.

Enjoy your MMA and your other training. The mental preparation will be priceless, but another run session each week will add more depth to your training and give you confidence when you do line up that you're going to enjoy the run and come away with a result you can be proud of.

Enjoy your running,
Curt

Thanks for the advice everyone. Think I will aim for 3 runs a week as a few of you have suggested and am going to start by doing my long run this arvo. Will still keep up with the other exercise because it keeps me happy and I'll be pleased to just finish a half, and then after that I'll think about putting a bit more effort and commitment into getting a decent time etc. One more question..what run should I register for?? I don't think running in summer, esp for my first one, would go down well but anywhere prior is too soon... anyone have any favourites for autumn next year? I live in Sydney.

Edited by monocotyledon, 27 September 2011 - 01:54 PM.

[Teeks]

monocotyledon, on 27 September 2011 - 01:53 PM, said:

One more question..what run should I register for?? I don't think running in summer, esp for my first one, would go down well but anywhere prior is too soon... anyone have any favourites for autumn next year? I live in Sydney.

I did the Weston Creek Half Marathon a few years ago as my second half and really enjoyed it (hopefully it is still on).  It usually runs in March and is in Canberra, it might be a bit far for you to travel to perhaps?  It was well organised and a pretty good flat course from memory.  Then there is the half held in conjunction with the Canberra marathon in April but again you have to travel for it.

Check out the race calendar on this forum so you can see what is on, it helped me a lot when I got the half marathon bug and was searching for races to do!

Good luck!

[Colin]

chops, on 25 September 2011 - 09:13 PM, said:

Run more!

Bellthorpe, on 25 September 2011 - 09:41 PM, said:

As Bones said, run more.

[SpecBGT]

Perhaps there's not much meat on the chops anymore.

[monocotyledon]

SpecBGT, on 27 September 2011 - 04:42 PM, said:

Perhaps there's not much meat on the chops anymore.

Haven't heard that expression before, no idea?

[Ponytail]

I think the bottom line is that running comes down to passion.  You do it because you want to do it and you want to do it as much as you can, not because you think you should or you simply want to "tick a box".  

I set out to run my first HM two weeks prior because I had been running distances in the vicinity of it and run my first in relative comfort knowing I had no time to beat/reach.  It was pretty easy which is the way you want your first HM to be.  

The marathon, however, requires a whole new respect I believe (I say that because 32 has been my penultimate for the past two years before succumbing to injury prior to the Adelaide Marathon).  If you are going to set out to run a HM or Marathon, you should be doing it because you love what you are doing, not for bragging rights and because it's something you want to squeeze into your alternative exercise plan.  

You will find most runners indulge in other forms of exercise as an injury prevention, though they'd probably prefer to stick to running exclusively.  I say, if you want to achieve your goals make the choice.  Best of luck!

[SpecBGT]

monocotyledon, on 27 September 2011 - 09:06 PM, said:

Haven't heard that expression before, no idea?

In full: Chops said 'Run more'
Bellthorpe quoted Bones as saying 'Run more', hence my statement saying that there may not be much meat on the chops anymore.
Ergo Meat off Chops equals Bones.

[HazelnutStumpMuscle]

Run more - YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just did my first HM with little to no training, I have a good fitness base but have concentrated on my weights of late and only running maybe once a week...... I completed it BUT veeeeeeery slow and horribly painful!!!!!!!!!!!  

[monocotyledon]

ponytail, on 27 September 2011 - 10:19 PM, said:

I think the bottom line is that running comes down to passion.  You do it because you want to do it and you want to do it as much as you can, not because you think you should or you simply want to "tick a box".  

I set out to run my first HM two weeks prior because I had been running distances in the vicinity of it and run my first in relative comfort knowing I had no time to beat/reach.  It was pretty easy which is the way you want your first HM to be.  

The marathon, however, requires a whole new respect I believe (I say that because 32 has been my penultimate for the past two years before succumbing to injury prior to the Adelaide Marathon).  If you are going to set out to run a HM or Marathon, you should be doing it because you love what you are doing, not for bragging rights and because it's something you want to squeeze into your alternative exercise plan.  

You will find most runners indulge in other forms of exercise as an injury prevention, though they'd probably prefer to stick to running exclusively.  I say, if you want to achieve your goals make the choice.  Best of luck!

Not for bragging rights or to simply "tick a box"? Why did you come to that conclusion? What happened to setting a goal, challenging it, completing it and feeling proud of yourself. "Variety is the spice of life" - and I choose to add variety to my life by setting myself such goals. I'm sorry if im not as 'in love' with running as some others, but whose to say that doesn't mean that I can't try. I understand what people mean when they say that more commitment might help me, but why do I have to give up some things to pursue others? I don't want to stick to running exclusively, and I will complete a half marathon and be proud of myself, that for now is enough for me.

[Ponytail]

Oops, sorry didn't mean to offend! You go, girl!

[twosheds]

monocotyledon, on 28 September 2011 - 02:56 PM, said:

Not for bragging rights or to simply "tick a box"? Why did you come to that conclusion? What happened to setting a goal, challenging it, completing it and feeling proud of yourself. "Variety is the spice of life" - and I choose to add variety to my life by setting myself such goals. I'm sorry if im not as 'in love' with running as some others, but whose to say that doesn't mean that I can't try. I understand what people mean when they say that more commitment might help me, but why do I have to give up some things to pursue others? I don't want to stick to running exclusively, and I will complete a half marathon and be proud of myself, that for now is enough for me.

Your motives are perfectly legitimate and even if you did just want to tick a box- thats Ok. Not everybody has to do this for the same reasons. A half marathon is great event for people who want to do other things- it is  still challenging but doesn't need to be such a huge focus  in your life. I agree with Ponytail about the marathon though- it requires a bit more focus and commitment to running exclusively- though I can also site many examples of individuals doing very good marathons on only 3 runs a week also. So  whatever you do- just try to run consistently- don't try for 5 days one week and 2 the next- just set a pattern (eg Tuesday Thursday Sunday ) and stick to it week in and week out. That will set you up well and you have  4 days a week to do all the other things you love as well.
twosheds

[monocotyledon]

ponytail, on 28 September 2011 - 03:48 PM, said:

Oops, sorry didn't mean to offend! You go, girl!

Thanks :-) My heart rate went up higher than it prob would in a half marathon but my ears are still intact post steam release. Hopefully my hot head temper will push me over the line haha.

twosheds, on 28 September 2011 - 03:51 PM, said:

Your motives are perfectly legitimate and even if you did just want to tick a box- thats Ok. Not everybody has to do this for the same reasons. A half marathon is great event for people who want to do other things- it is  still challenging but doesn't need to be such a huge focus  in your life. I agree with Ponytail about the marathon though- it requires a bit more focus and commitment to running exclusively- though I can also site many examples of individuals doing very good marathons on only 3 runs a week also. So  whatever you do- just try to run consistently- don't try for 5 days one week and 2 the next- just set a pattern (eg Tuesday Thursday Sunday ) and stick to it week in and week out. That will set you up well and you have  4 days a week to do all the other things you love as well.
twosheds

Thanks for the encouragement :-) I'm a shift worked so it's hard to set regular days but I'll just try and do them every 2nd or 3rd day and gym classes on the off days and it should all work out.

[yogz]

A very interesting discussion indeed.

I am pretty much in the same predicament with regards to running more. I do run 3-4 times a week but rarely go above 15k even though that is not due to inability to continue but due to time constraints. I started running last July but have steadily built more runs and it did help to bring down my 10k times to less than 50 min and also did my first C2S this year in 75 mins. But my first HM at the Rex Foulkes Memorial in May this year ended quite painfully. I went quite well for the first 16k but then I may have crawled the last 5k to complete in 2:06 and a few runners who passed during the run did warn me that I would struggle to keep the pace.

I reckon I was not ready for a HM with limited training for the distance. I still can't slot in a longer run during the week due to work and family committments. But I'm not going to attempt another half till I get that sorted even though I'm being told my C2S training and time would be enough for a good HM finish.

To the OP I would encourage you to run at least 3 times and like me you would want to do more as the running bug gets you.