Signed up for Half in Jan - life happened

[momoflizandains]

It was a great idea at the time. I completed the 5k last January, did an 8k in April and continued training (although not as steadily) through summer. I was not in shape and have never been an "exerciser" but was working on becoming healthier. On September 1, my dad had a major heart attack, and I lost him at the end of October. As such, I have not trained as I had planned. I am still registered for the race, and still going in January as I really need the time away. My goal is to finish the race within the time requirement, mostly walking. I would appreciate any words of wisdom or advice as I prepare.

 

[Embroidery Grandma]

Sorry for your loss.

I will be walking the whole time also

Kathy

 

[fashionista311]

sorry for your lost as well...that's tough. my significant other lost his father last march to lung cancer, and it took me about 2 months to get out of the funk and back into my regular running routine.

i'm not sure what your current fitness level is now since you said you haven't really trained much, but runners world has 8-week training plans under their "ultimate half marathon" plans. myself, i plan to use a hybrid of the beginner and intermediate plan for a half i have upcoming in the middle of feb. i think you still have some time to get in some quality training. just don't try to do too much too quickly! the goal here is quality not quantity. good luck!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

So sorry to read of your loss. As already said, it depends on your fitness level now. How quickly are you able to complete a walking mile. Get steps in, but how many prior to the event would be determined by your level.

I will be walking it too and my ability will take me almost the entire 3 1/2 hours.

 

[momoflizandains]

I am at about a 15 minute mile if I just walk. That is for shorter distances. In the 8k, I averaged 12 minute miles. I am going to keep training and hope for the best. I am not giving up.

 

[crewmatt]

Sorry about your loss.

I believe you still have 6 weeks left until the race, with that amount of time between now and the race you should be able to get to an even split running/walking and stay ahead of the sweepers. I believe the sweep pace is a 16 minute mile which is a 3 on the treadmill. A 15 minute mile is a 4.

What is your current level of fitness/activity? Do you think you could finish a 5k right now like you did in January? What about an 8K? I dont want to recommend anything specific without knowing more details about your current fitness level. But assuming you longest run you can do right now is 5 miles, you could basically do

week 1 - 5 mile long run with 2 2 mile runs and 1 3 mile run during the week
week 2 - 7 mile long run with 2 2 mile runs and 1 3 mile run during the week
week 3 - 9 mile long run with 2 2 mile runs and 1 4 mile run during the week
week 4 - 7 mile long run with 2 3 mile runs and 1 4 mile run during the week
week 5 - 10 mile long run with 2 3 mile run sand 1 4 mile run during the week
week 6 - taper to race

If you could do that you could def run a half marathon entirely. If you are planning to do the walk/run, some advice would be to make sure to walk before you have to. Basically set yourself intervals and work with them. If its too easy modify them for the next run/walk to dial yourself in. Obviously you need to focus on distance first, speed second

 

[momoflizandains]

Thanks for the advice/training ideas. I could currently complete a 5k and likely an 8k with intervals. I think my plan is going to be to use intervals for the half. The idea of walking before I have to is something I need to remember. Maybe run 3 walk 1/2?

 

[minniebeth]

I am so sorry for your loss~ hang in there and keep at it the best you can.

I completely understand how you feel, I was training to run just the 5K and was doing well, and then my mom passed away a week ago, and the world seems to have stopped for me.

Best wishes to you!

 

[johde]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Good luck in the Half. I think deciding walk/run interval plan is a good idea. I would suggest taking the next couple of weeks to play around with several variations of the intervals you're thinking about. Trying not just Run 3/walk 1 and run 3/walk 2, but also run 1:30/walk :30 and run 1:30/walk 1:00. That way you can see not only what you like the best but also what makes you the fastest and keeps the legs the freshest.

 

[papaof3]

So sorry to here about your father. I know the feeling as mine passed suddenly when I was 20.

I'm running the marathon for myself and myself only. Maybe you were too.

I think you now have a cause to run for. Don't go out and hurt yourself, but do it for him and you. I bet you'll be surprised at what you will be able to accomplish.

Best of luck with your training and running at Disney!

 

[deleckidesign]

So sorry for your loss!!

I had signed up for my first half last May...and due to my grandfather passing and my uncle having to have emergency heart surgery and nearly passing, I only ended up with 6 wks of training, but was determinted to still COMPLETE the race. I finished in just under 3 hours.

It can be done~ just don't do too much too soon. I made the mistake of running the first 6 miles, then having the walk the rest very slowly. But still finished. Take it slow and steady and have fun!