This week’s “Take It and Run Thursday” topic over at the Runner’s lounge is the Half Marathon. I’m not sure I can impart any great wisdom on how to run your best half, but I can probably tell you what not to do. ;o)
13 has always been a good number for me. My first “date” with Beer Geek was on Friday the 13th. We were married a year later on Saturday the 13th. My dad’s birthday is on a 13. At one point, Beer Geek and I had a huge list of lucky 13s. Too bad I’ve misplaced it LOL.
I’m not exactly sure why I love the “middle” distance races. Probably because I’ll never be fast enough to get an age group award at the shorter distances and at this point in my life, I just don’t have the time to train for a full marathon again. I’ve only raced one half marathon and it was a horrible race for me, perhaps the worst I’ve ever had. Yet I came away from that race with the feeling that I’d found a great distance for me. Long enough to be a challenge, but not so long that my only goal would be to finish. My marathon training really cemented this feeling for me. I run without an ipod and I can easily do a 13-15 mile run without getting bored. After that point, I just want to be done.
I’ve already signed up for two halfs this year, with three more I’m considering. So, here’s what I’m doing to prepare and what I won’t be doing this time around.
Do’s
1. Speed work – I really want to break the 2 hour mark this year.
2. Hills – Running lots of hills during marathon training made me stronger. I’d like to keep that up.
3. Max out at least 15 miles – Before my last half, I’d only ever run a few 12 milers. I’d never gone the full distance. I want to get to a point where I am strong for the whole distance.
Don’t’s
1. No going to the beach the day beforehand – starting a race already dehydrated is not a smart game plan.
2. Eat enough carbs in the days leading up to the race – I just plain didn’t eat enough the day before my first half.
3. Get cocky – I was sure I was going to finish in under 2 hours last time, so I pushed hard at the start. Not one of my smarter moves.
My best advice? Respect the distance. It’s not a marathon, but it’s still a heck of a long ways, so put some thought and time into your training and it will be a fun experience.
great list, and so far I’ve enjoyed the HM distance too… even though I have yet to attempt a full.
Ah, losing the list of lucky 13s. Is that one of those things that just happens once you’ve been married awhile and have kids?I think the 13.1 is going to feel so great now that you’re used to doing longer runs regularly. I also had only gone 12 before my first half (and ran 9 minute miles the first six miles, when I was cocky!) and I can’t wait to see how a half feels after training for the marathon. Did you already mention which ones you signed up for?
I’m never gonna do a full cos Teh ‘B. would moirder me. I had intended to do a half early this year, but then I got this stupid tendinitis – not even the smart kind that like helps you cheat on math tests.I blame the number 13 for my woes. And YOU lost your 13-list! And you claim you’re not cursed! You ARE but just don’t know it, which, itself, is another curse.I’m staying clear of YOU, sister!
Great list. Come to think of it….13 isn’t such a bad number for me either.
Good luck with the half, I agree with running more then 12 miles. That’s what I did on my last one and it wasn’t enough, among other things. It sounds like the half will be a good distance for you.
I hear you about the middle-distance love. After/during training for a full, the 13.1 is heavenly. And same thing, I would never get fast enough in the shorter distances 🙂
I too love the “middle distance” of the 13.1, and your advice is all good!
Loving the advice! I too am looking forward to running 13.1 after having done a full marathon last fall. Fingers crossed that that plus the speedwork helps me get my 2:15 finish.
Great advice! Maybe I’ll focus on half-marathons after I get finished with this full. I do love that distance—challenging, but people don’t die whole running them, kwim?I’m glad to get caught up on your adventures–I’ve been behind in my reading. We have a few things in common (I was a librarian as well, I feel like if I go back to work, I will lose running, liberal…). I’m glad you got in a good run in Texas. Yes, country roads with pick up trucks and dogs and other critters are a bit off-putting. Welcome to my runs!
You’ve certainly thought a lot about this. Best wishes making it happen!!! 🙂
Oops. I run the VA Beach Rock and Roll half every year and sometimes sneak in a little beach time the day before 🙂
A half marathon is the best, I agree. Your do's/don't's are great. I agree about making sure you eat enough a couple days before, not just the night before. On my 2nd half this past October, I was passing people left & right in the last 2 miles. It was awesome. I'd never done that before at the end of a race. And it helped get me my 2:15 finish time, which I was thrilled with. If I can get 15 pounds off before May, I think I can do Indy in 2:10. Maybe. It's a huge ass crowd–30,000+ peoople. I'd probably be happy with 2:15 again. When's your first half this year? Hope you have a great weekend!
great advice here 🙂 and there are a lot of great half marathons in/around the DC area. i love racing the half-distance, but also love looooooong runs during training. go figure.