Just a few quick question for all you runners out there. I just need a few opinions.?

Question

My mother came up to me the other day and asked me if I want to run a half marathon with her. We pair up and each run 13 miles. The most I've ever run at one time if four miles, during my cross country season. I'm currently on winter track, and I also do spring track. I've only done cross country for one season, and I've recently become a strong distance sprinter. I've been doing track since 9th grade. But am I ready for 13 miles ? I do 5k's during the summer and have a personal best of 26:12. But 13 miles seems a little scary. Are my highschool practices enough to prepare for this half marathon. And if not what do I do ? I'm just nervous and need some advice. Any answers are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

How long until the half-marathon? You need to start getting some long runs in. Just take it nice and easy but slowly build up your mileage. You should see how well you respond to running about 10 miles in training before going from 4 miles to 13.1.

Answer 2

Hmmm...ok. It could be possible to do it...but it would take a lot of work. By your time from xc, I'm going to assume you're a girl (if I'm wrong on this, sorry). It's not a bad time...but it's really not that good. You would have to put in a lot of mileage-I'd recomend just trying to do a little more each time out. For example, try doing 5 miles instead of 4, and just keep increasing until you eventually can do 13, but don't push yourself too hard at first. I find it hard to believe that for xc you never ran more than 4 miles...even the worst runners on my team do more than that. I'm not saying you're bad-I can't sprint to save my life. I'm suggesting that maybe you weren't as aware of your mileage-you've probably done more than 4 without realizing it! Anyway, after about 8 miles, it's all mental because your body tends to feel the same whether you have 5 miles to go or 15. Good luck with the half marathon! Just keep practicing, and you'll do fine

Answer 3

If your 5km is 26:12, you are not in shape to run the13 miles. On the other hand if your 5-mile timing is 26:12, then you are a strong runner for that distance.

To train for the half marathon, you need to gradually increase your distance. Your training distance nearing the marathon has to reach at least 10 miles then you will be able to complete the 13 miles quite comfortably.

Marathon is an endurance event. Your whole body is involved, your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, etc have to be conditioned to take on the stress. Suggest you join your local training clinics faithfully and you are sure to conquer the distance with ease.

Answer 4

I am currently training for a half marathon in April. The most I have ever run is 3-4 miles. I am in a training group and we do one long run per week. Every Saturday morning we do our long run and we increase one mile per week. Then we are responsible for doing 2 or 3 short runs (3-5 miles) on our own during the week. It has been working for me. It increases your stamina slowly as to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Answer 5

The longest I have run is a 10k, but all I have for advice is get in some good long, but easy runs for cardio and lungs. Other than that, just figure out the right pace for you and pace yourself, and keeping a plum line through your body (back straight, eyes forward, and hips tucked under) will make it a whole lot easier to keep your legs pumping. You may need to practice the positioning on it though considering it can feel really awkward if you aren't used to running that way. Good luck on your first Half Marathon.

Answer 6

Half marathon is a nice distance! But you do not seem ready for it. You certainly need to run longer distances, have enough time to train (on your own on top of highschool) and run it slowly (don't get too enthousiast at the start and then run out of fuel). Also you have to feel like doing it! You seem unsure, maybe you want to do it in 1 year or 2.

Answer 7

No, just no. I don't mean to be hostile but 26 minutes for a 5k roadrace is pretty slow. I'm a standard junior cross country runner and my 5k is 18 minutes flat. During my season I ran 16 miles max, and I was sick, dizzy for the rest of the day.

I STRONGLY don't reccomend it unless you have your coach's and trainer/doctor/othopedist's approval. 4 Miles is just NOT enough training.

The consequences could be chronic shin splints, stress fracture, or a psychological fear of running til it hurts (that's why you're not supposed to run until you throw up. Kills you psychologically).

Just trust me on this, train as hard as possible, but under the supervision of an EXPERT.

Answer 8

You need 2 add some long runs to your schedule add a mile a week till you feel confident doing 10 at one time , And don't take off 2 fast & you will finish

Answer 9

if you can get near 10 miles before your race, you should be ok. anything over 7 or 8 miles feels basically the same anyway, and you can use your mental discipline to make it through the remaining miles. and it really takes about 20 miles for your body starts giving you those "subtle" hints that you are working too hard. you probably wont die or anything, but dont expect it to be easy.

Answer 10

You are placing the wrong emphasis on running. You are making it a vigil of power and not love to yourself. This can cause injury. If there is somewhat within you that inspires you to do this, then fine. But if this arises for any reason apart from joy, necessity, or simply loving to do so, then you should not proceed. It all must come naturally because your very health comes to bear...