I’ll be running the IronGirl Half-Marathon on April 10th. I’m super nervous about it, especially since running is still a big struggle for me. But I’ve already registered so there’s no turning back now. Must. Do. This!
I’ve made a very tentative training plan, using Hal Higdon’s Novice Half-Marathon plan. I’m really not looking to do anything but complete 13.1 miles in a reasonable amount of time.
MON | TUES | WED | THURS | FRI | SAT | SUN | |
1/17 | REST | 3 (5:2) | XT | 3 (5:2) | 1 | STRENGTH | 4 (5:2) |
1/24 | REST | 3 (5:2) | XT | 3 (5:2) | 1.5 | STRENGTH | 4 (5:2) |
1/31 | REST | 3.5 (6:2) | XT | 3.5 (6:2) | 2 | STRENGTH | 5 (6:2) |
2/7 | REST | 3.5 (6:2) | XT | 3.5 (6:2) | 2.5 | STRENGTH | 5 (6:2) |
2/14 | REST | 4 (7:2) | XT | 4 (7:2) | 3 | STRENGTH | 6 (7:2) |
2/21 | REST | 4 (7:2) | XT | 4 (7:2) | 3.5 | STRENGTH | 5 (RACE) |
2/28 | REST | 4.5 (8:2) | XT | 4.5 (8:2) | 4 | STRENGTH | 7 (8:2) |
3/7 | REST | 4.5 (8:2) | XT | 4.5 (8:2) | 4.5 | STRENGTH | 8 (8:2) |
3/14 | REST | 5 (9:2) | XT | 5 (9:2) | 5 | STRENGTH | 6 (9:2) |
3/21 | REST | 5 (9:2) | XT | 5 (9:2) | 5.5 | STRENGTH | 9 (9:2) |
3/28 | REST | 5 (9:1) | XT | 5 (9:1) | 6 | STRENGTH | 10 (9:1) |
4/4 | REST | 4 (9:1) | XT | 2 (9:1) | REST | REST | 13.1 |
- I’ll be using a run/walk interval plan because it’s the only way I’ll get through this training cycle. The numbers in parenthesis on my run days is the interval I’ll be running. I will hopefully be up to doing a 9:1 run/walk interval on race day.
- On Fridays, I’m going to try to run these miles the whole way through. This isn’t on Higdon’s training plan, but it’s something I want to try out. I’m not sure if I’ll be up to 6 miles by March 28th, so these are very tentative.
- XT = cross-training. Generally, this will entail the bike and the elliptical.
- Do you see any problems with my training plan? I’m eager to do this right, and not injure myself in the process.
- Do you think I need the Friday training runs where I’m just running, or should I use them for rest days?
- At what mileage should I eat a Gu? Is there anything you would suggest, aside from Gu, to eat during a long run?