Longest training run for a HAlf Marathon and when

[Suited Deuces]

Hello all,

With so many different training programs, what IS your longest training run and when do you do it before the race?

Seems, from I've seen, to range from a little under to a little over 13.1 and about 2 weeks before.

I was planning on splitting the difference of what I have read and will do 12 next weekend, about 2 weeks prior to Disneyland.

TIA,

Mark

 

[tedhowe]

I'm following a modified Hal Higdon Novice 2 Half Marathon plan.

His plan has a peak of 12 miles 8 days before the race (long training runs on Saturday, race on Sunday).

Because my training runs are on Sunday and the race is on Saturday, I moved the 12 mile run one week earlier and have a 7 mile run on the Sunday before the race.

 

[butiflfeet]

I think 2 weeks before the race for the last long run gives you time to recover for the race. As far as the distance, I've seen training plans have the long run anywhere from 10-16 miles.

It really comes down to what you've been building up to with your weekly mileage. Of course the longer your long run the more prepared you can be, but if you're pushing yourself too much to get those last miles in, is it really worth it?

I'm planning on peaking at 12 miles, 2 weeks before my next half. I'll have already run 3 long runs at 10 or 11 miles and my weekly mileage will be about 30-35 miles.

 

[rubato]

My longest run before my first half was 10 miles 21 days before.

Each person is different and each training plan is different.

 

[Suited Deuces]

Thanks for the replies.

I have read where longer is better, but, as mentioned, why push just for the sake of a mileage and risk injury.

I ran 10 yesterday and will go for 12 next weekend. I am not looking to set any records but want it to finish somewhat 'comfortable" and enjoy it. It will be my first.

Thanks again

 

[John VN]

Thanks for the replies.

I have read where longer is better, but, as mentioned, why push just for the sake of a mileage and risk injury.

I ran 10 yesterday and will go for 12 next weekend. I am not looking to set any records but want it to finish somewhat 'comfortable" and enjoy it. It will be my first.

Thanks again

I'm a "do the distance and then some".

I don't push myself with speed training just go out to accomplish the distances and by doing so I have not been injured. My next race is ToT and today I did a comfortable 20 miler.

 

[Suited Deuces]

Wow, that's a lot. Many say run the distance+

Just curious, what is a "normal" long run for you? How many miles a week do you run?

I may do a longer last run before the Wine and Dine....depending on how the DL 1/2 feels.

Thanks

 

[JCH]

I'm not an expert, but from reading a million plans and getting advice on the same topic, I basically concluded that you will finish fine if you get up to 10 miles, but if you can finish more you'll feel stronger and more confident. Some say that the 13.1 or 26.2 is a mental block rather than physical, so if you've gotten there in training, then on race day you can relax a little.

 

[John VN]

I'm not an expert, but from reading a million plans and getting advice on the same topic, I basically concluded that you will finish fine if you get up to 10 miles, but if you can finish more you'll feel stronger and more confident. Some say that the 13.1 or 26.2 is a mental block rather than physical, so if you've gotten there in training, then on race day you can relax a little.

I'm 62yo so I feel more comfortable knowing without a doubt that I have completed the distance. I have not followed any training plan up to this point in time. I mix up the distances for long workouts but they most often take place on Sunday early AM. Weekly mileage 6 to 30 but I also do some bicycling and swimming.

 

[cewait]

For a newer runner, I believe that a runner should run a long run between 11 and 13 miles for the half and 20-21 miles for the full. Taper time is not quite as important for the half as the full. I would make my longest run two weeks pre-race and then half that distance the week prior to the race. I very rarely taper for a half. For the full, the general rule is to run down distances two weekends. That would be longest run three weeks out, then two weekends at a reduced distance.

Note that Galloway will have one running full race distance. This is a mental exercise for newer runners and for those who have been there before and follow his plan, it is a substitute for a lack of speed work. I find that if one pushes the speed work they can cut out many of the weekend miles. Once you get 2-3 fulls in the books, you really understand the end game. I run hard mid week runs and have not run a long run longer than 16 since 2006. I have come into halve with a long run of 6 and fulls as short as 14. I do not encourage the lowest end miles. I only put them out there to let folks know that you can still run a full or half with a long run equalling about 50% of race distance. Definitely not a preferred method but in a pinch it works.

 

[Suited Deuces]

Thanks Coach Charles...

I have worked rather hard before my long runs on speed and tempo work. (Run less, run faster program) I like mixing up speed, tempo and distance work...actually, it's the mix that keeps me interested.

I am finding the long runs (9+) I dread the most.....mostly out of boredom.

I like the idea of working harder during the week and knocking off a few miles on the longest of runs.


You make many great points...Thank you.

Mark

 

[kmg148]

For my first half, I did 12.5 two weeks before. I wanted the first time I hit 13.1 to be the half marathon, but that's just me.

 

[Suited Deuces]

I can REALLY understand that! I am leaning that way....

 

[johde]

For my first 3 half marathons, I peaked at two 10 mile long runs (walks). For my last couple, I've bumped that up to 14-15 miles.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm following a modified Hal Higdon Novice 2 Half Marathon plan.

His plan has a peak of 12 miles 8 days before the race (long training runs on Saturday, race on Sunday).

Because my training runs are on Sunday and the race is on Saturday, I moved the 12 mile run one week earlier and have a 7 mile run on the Sunday before the race.

That's the plan I use for training for half marathons. It's worked well for me.

 

[Suited Deuces]

Thanks Jeremy and Ariel....

and Ariel, thanks for the great trip reports....they are very motivating!

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks Jeremy and Ariel....

and Ariel, thanks for the great trip reports....they are very motivating!

You're welcome! Glad you liked them. Good luck at the Disneyland Half, I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

I ran 12 miles two weeks before my first half and then a smallish taper, with the following week at 8 miles. That worked great for me. Good luck!

 

[Reep]

Historically, I would run 17 miles two weeks before the race (2 week taper). This time, I am going (long run of the week) 17, 16, 16, 15, 15, 8, race. I'll let you know in a couple weeks if it worked better.

For my first few halfs, I just did 12-14 miles two weeks out.

 

[Suited Deuces]

Thanks all....

I was all set to do 12-2 weeks out (last Sunday)...I liked the idea of doing the 13.1 at the half.

The day was perfect....cool, no humidity...12 felt ok....then wanted to see how the last 1.1 would feel (and get a clue on time)....then decided, if I go 14, I can always say to myself, "you've done more" during the half.

Now....how to taper? did some "speed" work today....may do a short tempo later this week....then maybe 6 next weekend.

It's getting very close...