Race Strategies for a Half Marathon

[jmasgat]

So while I'm not in the midst of a run-induced funk, I thought I would ask for some opinions. I'm doing the Disney Half, and while I was able to run the entire Minnie 15k, I'm not feeling quote so confident about this upcoming race. So I was thinking of treating it like 4- 5k races, or something like that, with a short (1-2 min) walk break in between. Or maybe just run 2 miles, walk one minute. Something along those lines.

How many of you runners use a similar strategy? And if you do, do you incorporate that in your training (long runs)?

I was really proud that I ran the whole Minnie, and would love to do the same for the Half, but also want to make sure I have contingency plans!

Maura

 

[princessrunner]

Maura, I take a half one step at a time. During your training, what is your longest run going to be? Mine is 10 miles. Now, I know I can run 10 miles so after that, it's just a 5K, walk in the park. The last 3 miles has always been tough for me. I have also found that finding someone who runs your pace helps immensely. Even if you don't talk, you have something else to focus on besides yourself.

If you can run 9.3 miles, you can run 13.1, it is ALL mental (hmm where have I heard that before??) .

 

[momof2minnies]

Maura,
I second what Lisa said.Training for my 1/2s I have only done up to 10 miles never 13.1.

The remaining is definately all mental.Try to keep a consistant pace and don't go out too fast so you have some left at the end.

Linda

 

[jbucci]

I agree that if you could run Minnie, you could probably run the half.

If you wanted a walk/run plan what I have done is run most of it but take 1 min walk breaks at water stops, it sort of keeps me going with the attitude of "I can make it at least as far as the next water table..." After a brief walk break things seem better and I can run again.

 

[wtpclc]

Marura - We always walk the water stops and that helps me a lot. I know soem people do 9 min run.1 min walk and they do that well. If you are going to walk more often than every 2 miles or so, make sure you do that for a few short runs, maybe one of your SRs eaxch week. When we have tried to go to 3 min R/2 min W intervals when the weather's been way hot, we fidn our legs cramp up stopping and starting. So, you will want to practice your plan B. Very confident that your plan A of runnign teh whole thing should be do-able, though.

 

[amykab]

I've sort of been following the MfM run/walk training plan for the 1/2 and for the first several weeks he suggests 3:2 intervals. I absolutely hated them. Like Carrie said, I felt my legs getting much crampier. So for training runs, I've gone to more of a Run anywhere from 5-10 minutes and walk 1-2.It just depends on the day. I actually feel much better doing it this way. For the TOT 13K a few weeks ago, I only walked the water stops. I felt great doing this. Although I ended up getting a leg cramp around mile 6 ish and had to hobble it in to the finish (related to being cold I think, and not due to my intervals.)