Andrew wants to do a half marathon
One of my aims when I started learning how to run in January this year was to do the quarter marathon at the Auckland marathon in November this year.
Maybe I’m totally crazy but I’ve started to think about doing the half marathon instead. I’ve had a look at Hal Higdon’s Novice Half Marathon training guide and he reckons it should only take 12 weeks to train up to complete it. I don’t think I’d be ready in 12 weeks but I have 30 weeks.
What do some of you more experienced runners think?
As motivation to keep up the training I’ve lined up the following races:
Upcoming Races:
- 20 April 2008 – Run Auckland Race 2 Te Atatu Coastal Reserve 5k
- 11 May 2008 – Run Auckland Race 3 Eastern Beach 5k
- 25 May 2008 – Run Auckland Race 4 Craig Road 5k
- 22 June 2008 – Run Auckland Race 5 Western Springs 5k
- 13 July 2008 – Run Auckland Race 2 Takapuna Beach 10k
- ?
- ?
- 12 October 2008 – Waitakere Half & Fun Run – 11K
- 2 November 2008 – Auckland Marathon – Half Marathon
I still need to find two events to do in August and September but will worry about that a bit closer to the time.
I don’t have to make a decision just yet so I will keep thinking about it. It still seems a little like a dream that I’m even considering doing a half marathon.
Comments
20 Responses to “Andrew wants to do a half marathon”
Daily Mile
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RoadID
You’re a nut.
I think there’s no question that its possible. When I ran my first 1/2 marathon I trained in a similar way for 3 1/2 months beforehand, going from 0 to 13.1 miles (not sure what the kilo conversion is) in that span. I had the support of a group of runners which really got me through miles 11-13, but I did it!
Its all determined by injury prevention and cross training — if you’re cross training on your non-running days, it really goes a long way toward preventing injury.
Best to you,
Metroknow
http://www.almostfit.com
Metroknow – AlmostFit.com’s last blog post..Friday Recipe: Edible Roses – Rose and Cardamom Indian Lassi
I’ve never been a runner, but it is something I’m striving for!
Good luck with your training… no matter which race you decide on.
Andrew, you can definitely do it. If I can, you can.
I ran my first fun run in April 2006, then did my first HM in Oct of that year, I then did my first full marathon in Oct of last year.
I was also 10+ years older than you and had gone through the same sort of weight loss routine.
I say, train solidly, listen to your body so that you don’t injure yourself, make sure not to increase your mileage too quickly, and keep telling yourself you can do it.
Any way to stay healthy. If you need a goal, like running a marathon: GO FOR IT!
I for one, am happy sitting on my couch watching.
“It still seems a little like a dream that I’m even considering doing a half marathon.”
Sounds more like the culmination and reward for a lot of really, really hard work.
You continue to inspire.
Bravo, you.
j
Marshmallow: I know.
MetroKnow: Thanks for that. I’ve been a bit slack on my cross training lately so I will pick that up. I notice the Hal Higdon program is very strong on doing other exercises as well.
Chubby Chick: Thanks for the encouragement.
AJH: Thanks for the great advice and encouragement AJH. It is great reading the blogs of people like yourself who have done what I aim to do.
TB: I love my couch.
Justoofat: Thanks for the encouragement.
Twitter: AndrewENZ
If your mind and heart is there… you can probably do it.
Just be careful on the injury front… it’s no fun to end up hurt because you did too much too soon. I agree, cross training is a good idea.
Cynthia’s last blog post..Tired but pleased…
Thanks Cynthia.
Twitter: AndrewENZ
From the dedication you’ve shown by sticking to your training schedule so far I would say that of course you could do it! It will be a challenge no doubt, but what fun would it be if it wasn’t hey!?
Well, you can go for it, and no one says you have to run the whole way. Just train for it and give it a go.
Twitter: dtsnake
AndrewE’s last blog post..One hour runner week 03 completed
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Definitely not crazy. You have plenty of time and you’re working up a great base. Even if it were just 12 weeks away, the plan would get you where you’re wanting to go. I’m a big fan of the Higdon plans, too.
I predict Nov, 2009, you’ll be running the full!
Thanks Jeff. Let’s get the half done first!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Yeah, yeah, I know. Same thing happened to me. I started talking about the half and others were talking about the full for me. Just passing on the love.
The Higdon plans rock!
You will have no problem being ready for a half marathon in November!
Thanks for the vote of confidence Chief Wahoo.
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Absolutely you can do it! I decided last August to do the Disney marathon in January, and made it through okay. As long as you follow the training plan (whichever one or ones you elect to go with – I followed John Bingham’s Marathoning for Mortals plan fairly closely) and listen to your body and don’t stress it too much, you can definitely make it! I have faith in you!!
Thanks Moon. Reading your story on your blog has been extremely inspirational to me.
I’ve decided to do it!
AndrewE’s last blog post..I’ll bike for curly fries
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Making the decision to do it is most of the battle!
Andrew is GO for launch!
Cynthia’s last blog post..A good scale surprise!