1/2 marathon without proper training question

[CheapMom]

This is a weird question and it is not Disney related but am more comfortable here than on the forums at running websites...

I run 18-24 miles per week- my long run is about 8.5 miles. I have a chance to run a half marathon this weekend as a friend of mine registered and now can't go- she said I could pick up her package and run as her. I sort of want to do it but I haven't been training and have actually decreased my weekly mileage the past few weeks because of some minor aches and pains associated with running too many hills. (the 1/2 marathon this weekend is very flat)

Do you think it would be a mistake for me to try to run 13.1 this weekend without actually having prepared for it? I am thinking even if I have to walk the last few miles or if I have to be picked up by the pity van- maybe I should go for it.

Otherwise I will be running a 5K on Saturday and they are just getting a little boring for me.

Thoughts?

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Nope, I don't think you're crazy! The longest long run in half marathon training is often 10 miles, and you're nearly there on a weekly basis. Walking is always an option if you start to feel uncomfortable in the later miles. I think you'd do fine as long as your "minor aches and pains" are just that.

However, take my advice for what it's worth. If someone offered me a half marathon bib for Saturday, I would take it.... and I'm 6 months pregnant and haven't run more than 5 miles since January! So maybe there's someone saner than me who could offer advice...

 

[goofyinohio]

I say go for it! That's a good amount of miles in a week and 8.5 miles is close enough to the 10 a plan normally would call for in a half. You could always stop and walk if you need to!

Good Luck!

 

[rubato]

As long as you are willing to be happy walking at the end, GO FOR IT! It'll be a good experience, and you may surprise yourself!

 

[FireDancer]

I was running less then 20 miles a week while training for my first couple of halves so I think you can do it. I did do at least one 10 mile run before each but that isn't necessary.

If you think you can get through the race without injury go for it. You may have to go slower then you planned or walk at some points but as long as you don't think you will end up sidelines for weeks with an injury go for it.

 

[SkinsFan76]

My friend does that all the time. His longest runs are 8 miles besides the half's he does and runs about 20-25 miles a week. Just make sure you pick a good pace and be realistic on your time performance.

 

[SAHDad]

Another vote to just go for it. Sure, you may not set a PR, but you should be able to get through it without much of a problem.

 

[escape]

If someone offered me a half marathon bib for Saturday, I would take it.... and I'm 6 months pregnant and haven't run more than 5 miles since January! So maybe there's someone saner than me who could offer advice...

Oh, boy! Keep the unused bibs a way from Sarah!

CheapMom, I've participated in half-marathons a lot less prepared than you are and did fine.* You're more prepared than you think. Go for it!

*I did know what to expect when I did these races where I wasn't prepared the way I should be. I just took it a little easier and enjoyed the race. Hope you have a good one!

 

[hoosmi]

Yep, did a half once on a long run of 6 miles. It was really pretty fun to go into it with no expectations and no time pressure! Just don't let yourself get carried away in the beginning and go out too fast...

Jen in GA

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Yet another vote.

I did my first 1/2 with NO training... nothing, nada, zilch, and I survived (Although Sarah and I fit in the same sanity bucket!) So I think you will be good. You will probably hurt less than I did the day after. Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Kirsty

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Oh good, when WISH-ers are questioning my sanity, I know I have some problems.... I just continue to use the "it's all Kirsty's fault" defense, though. It's what got me through the last 5 miles of the Goofy!

I guess I shouldn't mention the fact that I'm registered for a marathon at 34 weeks pregnant...

But it looks like everyone is pretty unamimous that you should go for it! As long as you just plan on enjoying the experience, you should have a great time and finish without problems!

 

[CheapMom]

Thanks everybody-I'm 99% sure I'm going to go for it! The nice thing is I'm resistered for the 5K and my friend is registered for the half so I will pick up both packets and can decide at the last minute. I'll post next week and let you all know how it went down.

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks everybody-I'm 99% sure I'm going to go for it! The nice thing is I'm resistered for the 5K and my friend is registered for the half so I will pick up both packets and can decide at the last minute. I'll post next week and let you all know how it went down.

Just curious, which race is it you were going to run? The quality of the bling might be worth that extra 1%.

 

[CheapMom]

Just curious, which race is it you were going to run? The quality of the bling might be worth that extra 1%.

It's in Ocean City, MD this weekend

 

[crewmatt]

Go for it, if you can finish 2/3's of the distance in a training run you can def finish it on race day with the crowds and other runners and conveniently placed water stops. Go out slower than you think you need for the first couple miles. You'll do awesome. Ocean City isnt far from here, is it sold out?

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

I just continue to use the "it's all Kirsty's fault" defense, though. It's what got me through the last 5 miles of the Goofy!

You didn't take much persuading... just sayin'!

And it really wasn't that bad was it? I mean excepts for the brutal cold, snow, bus lines, and the 39.3 miles it was a walk in the park

Sorry to steal your thread there for an old joke, which questions Sarah and my sanity.

Continue as you were

Oh and good luck which ever you choose. You will do awesome

 

[Sarah_Rose]

And it really wasn't that bad was it? I mean excepts for the brutal cold, snow, bus lines, and the 39.3 miles it was a walk in the park

This is how I have to start explaining the Goofy to people. I'm kind of sad I'm not going back for a second round next year... Well, there's always 2012. And that will clearly also be your fault.

Sorry, and now I'm also returning back to the topic.

 

[CheapMom]

crewmatt- it isn't sold out and they have a great after party with good food and beer, at a hotel- you have full access to their indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna...

Sarah & Kirsty- I do think you're both crazy- that Goofy challenge looks like a killer - anyone would have to be crazy to consider that. But it must be noted that crazy people are my favorite kind of people!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

crewmatt- it isn't sold out and they have a great after party with good food and beer, at a hotel- you have full access to their indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna...

Sarah & Kirsty- I do think you're both crazy- that Goofy challenge looks like a killer - anyone would have to be crazy to consider that. But it must be noted that crazy people are my favorite kind of people!

Sounds like a fantastic event! Hope you enjoy whatever distance you do.

And, will you be joining some of us here on WISH Team then? There are a few who are Goofy, or crazy or whatever you want to call them/us here. I'd love to hear how your training goes and how the event went.

 

[CheapMom]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! For all of your input- I probably wouldn't have done it without such an overwhelming consensus from y'all to "Just Do It!"
I did it- it was great fun- I took it slow and really loved it. I am not sure of my time because the chip results aren't in yet and I started a few minutes after everyone (I was 'powdering my nose' at start time) But the clock read 2:25 at the fisish line- I am really happy- thanks again everyone!!!