Does anyone have a good half marathon training plan?

Question

I'm taking part in the Great North Run next year (30th September) and most of the training plans I've found are all 3 or 4 month training plans. I already cycle 11 miles a day and go boxing training twice a week. What would you advise for a nine month lead up to the event?

Thanks

Thanks for the answers so far. Obviously I know I have to include running in my training but I was worried about peaking too soon with a 3/4 month training plan and was wondering what to do for the remaining 5/6 months. Cheers.

Answer 1

I do a lot of Half Marathons I use a program called smart coach on www.runnersworld.com. it designs a program for you based on your ability. Lots of great training tip etc on running

Answer 2

You are obviously fit from the exercise you do now, so keep that up for the time being. About 8/10 weeks before the race, start training. Start with a short run, say 1 mile at a steady pace then the next day a 2 mile run at a slow pace then 1 mile as fast as you can. Gradually increase the distance of both short and long runs ( short runs fast, long runs slow ) until you can cover the full half marathon distance in the week before the big day. Run for six day per week and rest for one day. Work out a training log in advance and stick to it whatever the weather. Do this and you will have the psychological advantage of knowing you can do it in comfort. It worked for me when I did the London marathon.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

Since you have so much time, start a lot more slowly than you think you are capable of. Start with only running a mile or two three times a week and add no more than %10 to you weekly mileage per week. It may not seem like much but it takes the body a while to adapt to the stress of running and can prevent overuse injuries down the road. Work your mileage up slowly then 3-4 months from the race pick a training plan that picks up at the level you are at that time. Also, as your mileage picks up change up the distance and intensity of your runs so you have hard days and easy days. Runner's World, like others have mentioned is a great resource. Have fun!

Answer 4

Well, you might want to start including running, since it's a half marathon. I would recommend that you start from the bottom and work your mileage up. Since it's appox. 13 miles don't run further than that for your long run. If you have enough time keep with your cycling and boxing, but decrease their amount.

Answer 5

I would second www.runnersworld.com Excellent advice from the forumites there.

I would suggest Train the Lydiard Way- Lydiard and Gilmour for a short, but excellent read (slightly outdated physiologically, but VERY practical... well apart from the underwear bit...)

Also, Lore of Running- Tim Noakes if you're looking for hardcore information on running.

Good luck!

Answer 6

hi i did the great north run just gone..it was great!!fantastic atmosphere..all those people helping charities out!!i did it for great ormond st hospital!!
i run 3 times a week building up my mileage..best not to do the full 13 miles before the run..ie a week before...save your energy for the day!!
eat healthy..lots of water and protein and carbs!!
buy runneres world magazine..its great!!loads of tips and helpful advice...good luck and enjoy xx

Answer 7

run run run, run as much as you can, i think you train 4-5 months before, you have to get upto running 2.5 hours and then you should be fine, a guy at work did it.

Answer 8

just gradually build up the running miles on the road, sounds like the otehr stuff you do will certainly help as well.

Answer 9

Can't really help you on this one, when I get thoughts like that, I lie down and hope they go away. Serriously though, I hope someone can help and good luck with the event.

Answer 10

Try the book "marathon running for mortals".