Any recommendations for modifying my training schedule?

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I am taking some pretty intense classes this summer and working full-time. The classes are after work Monday through Thursday until about 8 p.m. I have an early work schedule so I won't have time to run before, and given that the gym closes at 10 p.m., that may limit my half marathon training. Should I do short workouts on the days of class, or use those days as rest days and increase my runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? I want to be prepared for the DL half but want enough time to do my homework, and not be too sleep deprived.

Any tips?

 

[Bookwood]

My thoughts would be to do a "short" (30-40 minute) workout after classes a couple of times a week. It may help wind down and the hot shower after is always good for putting me in the mood for sleep. Run outside if you have a safe place to do so (running outside also helps me "clear the cobwebs" especially in the dark- but this only works if you have a safe place to do so). If I were you I'd take Friday or Sunday totally off (cross train the other day) and leave Saturday for long runs. This is just what would probably work best for me - you mileage may differ.

 

[APrunner]

I am taking some pretty intense classes this summer and working full-time. The classes are after work Monday through Thursday until about 8 p.m. I have an early work schedule so I won't have time to run before, and given that the gym closes at 10 p.m., that may limit my half marathon training. Should I do short workouts on the days of class, or use those days as rest days and increase my runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday? I want to be prepared for the DL half but want enough time to do my homework, and not be too sleep deprived.

Any tips?

Hard to say without knowing how you currently train. If it were me, I would run intervals (my most intense workout) on Friday, go real easy on Saturday (or rest), and then go long on Sunday. Use the rest of the week for short easy stuff.

 

[jmasgat]

I would also vote for 2 quality training sessions on Friday and Sunday--speedwork and LR. Then fit in a short tempo runs on a weekday, and/or XT on a weekday (1-2 total other sessions) It is defintely possible to train properly with just 3 days of running/week.

Maura

 

[princessbride6205]

A number of training plans for a half are 3x a week. As long as you could fit in one session on Tuesday or Wednesday, plus the Friday and Sunday, you'll be ready. Maybe you could add a few light walks on your lunch breaks during the week to keep moving?