Time Commitment for Training for Half?

[cwnhokie]

I'm thinking about training for the half in January. How much time does it take each day/week? We have three boys and are very active in sports, cub scouts, school activities, and church. I'm a stay at home mom but volunteer a lot and work two days a week. Not to mention having a toddler. I really want to join up with Team in Training to run the Half in January, but I want to make sure I have time in my day to train before I commit myself to this goal. Thanks!

 

[VernRDH]

There are many different training programs, Galloway, Bingham, Higdon etc. The program I used was 16 weeks for the half, with short runs (2 or 3 miles) 3-4 x week, and one long run on the weekend. I am an early bird, so I run at 5:30 am before everyone else is even going. I do my long runs on Sunday morning, again early (like 6am usually). So even my longest run of 11 miles is done by 8-8:15 am. I would check out different plans and get some info from TnT about their program. They may do group runs you want to plan on as well.

Good luck!

 

[scoolover]

If you set it as a goal, you will find the time.

 

[rubato]

I'm doing a 10 week training program for my first half. I'm on week 6 now and am devoting a lot more time than, say, week 1. My program has 2 short running days a week which average between 3-4 miles each time. Then, I have a medium run which ranges from 3-6 miles. Then, the long run once a week starting with 4 and working up to 12. My busiest running week will have 26 miles total in it. For me, I run 8 minute miles. That's almost 3 1/2 hours of running for that week.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[Creativebeth]

The first thing you need is the desire. Then you have to create the time. I work, have 2 active kids, and husband......and no time at all. I have committed myself to be healthy, so I get up at 5:00 to run before work. It is usually the only time to get it done, since the family has many different requirements for my evening time. I keep in shape for a 1/2 marathon all year round. I usually do 6 1/2 marathons a year....so I am always in training.

It is really difficult for me to get up every day. I am not a morning person.
But, it is something I HAVE to do at this point. Running has saved my life in many ways.....it helps me keep the weight off, and keeps me sane.

You have to build in the time for exercise. You may need to sacrifice some other things.....but it is so worth it.

 

[liznboys]

The program I used was 10 weeks long. Now, in hindsight I would recommend something longer/more gradual, but it is doable. As far as amount of time per week, I mostly ran 3-4 times per week. And I even got injured and sick and missed a couple entire weeks in there. My longest run was around 11.25 miles. Despite everything I was ready for the Half and finished just fine! You can do it if you really want to.

 

[cwnhokie]

I found that early morning running is not really an option since my little guy gets up anytime between 4-7AM. Right now I am doing my running on the treadmill during nap time on the days I don't work. I am up to 3.5 miles for my long run, tomorrow will be 4 miles. I am following Galloway's half marathon plan right now. He suggests doing the long runs on the weekend, but I find the weekends are even busier than the weeks. My husband coaches and helps run the league that the boys are in so he is usually there all day on Saturdays and I run the kids back and forth. I think right now I'll keep plugging away at it and see how it goes. Thanks for all the info.

 

[Creativebeth]

I in the same boat.....my long run is usually Thursday or Friday (kids in school, I am usually off work). Weekend are impossible for me to run long, especially since baseball season is right around the corner!