Training for Half Marathon - is this realistic?

[indigodisney]

Hi there!

We signed up for the half marathon earlier this year for Jan 2010. Since then it was discovered that I have a heart defect and that derailed our training while the testing went on and the diagnosis came in. I am seeing my new cardiologist at the end of September and at that time I will clarify that I can continue with my goal to enter this half marathon. I won't do it without approval from my doctor...

My question is -if approval is given- would October, November and December be enough time to train? I am in decent shape but would realistically need to walk/jog the marathon not run the whole thing...I have run in the past but was never able to run for long periods of time ( now I know why...) Can this be done...I tried googling but of course I don't know if the parameters apply to someone like me. Give it to me straight - I can take it

This has been a huge goal for me but I am not sure if I am trying to use this to get back to normal or if this is even a realistic goal for me.

If the doctor says no....I am guessing I lose this money. Thanks for your input on if you think this is realistic and not just crazytalk.

 

[Sandy321]

Others more knowledgable than me will chime in soon!

First - wow - what a ride you are on - I'm sure walking is going to be ok - a slow and steady start - for the Half marathon you need to walk it at 16 min per mile pace - they have "sweepers" at certain points of the course, that if you are not beyond that point - then you are directed onto a bus and driven to the end -

There are several really great books to support you in your endeavor - Marathoning for Mortals, by John Bingham is a great support - I checked it out at the library - check out his website for an idea (google John Bingham)

Galloway, Higdon, all are mentioned with great support here!

I also believe that the Marathon wont refund your money - but you could if you write/email get them to transfer the registration to next year - they have been known to do that - so keep that in mind if your doctor thinks you need to heal a bit first!!

Good Luck - and hope you post back and let us know how it goes!! (my fil had heart problems, and running once he was cleared by his cardiologists was a great release for him! He really enjoyed getting out there, signing up for races, etc!)

 

[FireDancer]

I think it is doable as long as you a) aren't starting from zero and b) have realistic expectations.

What I mean is that if you haven't walked more than a mile in 10 years it might not be realistic. It sounds from you post like you aren't in that category so that may not be an issue.

As far as realistic expectations go I just mean don't expect to finish in an unrealistic time. If you are a little concerned about the sweep and can jog or even run for a bit I would recommend starting out as fast as you are comfortable to build in some pad and then slow down after you are a few miles in. I don't mean try to sprint 3 miles but going out as fast as you can maintain for a couple of miles.

Regardless, good luck at the cardiologist.

 

[hoosmi]

Nope, not crazytalk!

I did the half with my mom last year. I did the Goofy the year before but had a baby in Sept. My mom is in good shape, but was 64 and had never run.

We started really training around October. We did 3 LRs together- never over 9 miles. We rarely went under a 13 minute mile pace. My philosophy was like yours- I'm a slow walker, so we had to throw in some running. We reached the point where it was easier to mostly run (but so slowly fast walkers passed us!)

We got our medals!

Here's how I played with the math (and I did it over and over because I was so worried):

You've got about 3.5 hours. The clock starts with the last person over the line. If you aren't that person, then you probably have a cushion of 10-15 minutes.

My mom could handle a 13 minute pace for at least 9 miles. That's shaving 3 minutes of the allowed time for each of those 9 miles for an additional 27 minutes. Take the time you just gained (27 minutes), add it to the 4 miles left, and you can finish with a 22 minute/mile pace if you have too. (And that's not taking into account the cushion from the beginning). We actually took a bunch of pictures in the Magic Kingdom because I knew we had built up enough time.

So, if you are in pretty good shape and your doctor clears you, you have a good shot at finishing.

Jen in GA

 

[wtpclc]

I think MArathoning for Mortals is a12 or 14 week program, so, worst case shoudl be that you start in week 2. I highly recommend reading that while you wait.

That all goes well with the doc!

 

[indigodisney]

There are several really great books to support you in your endeavor - Marathoning for Mortals, by John Bingham is a great support - I checked it out at the library - check out his website for an idea (google John Bingham)

Galloway, Higdon, all are mentioned with great support here!

I also believe that the Marathon wont refund your money - but you could if you write/email get them to transfer the registration to next year - they have been known to do that - so keep that in mind if your doctor thinks you need to heal a bit first!!

Good Luck - and hope you post back and let us know how it goes!! (my fil had heart problems, and running once he was cleared by his cardiologists was a great release for him! He really enjoyed getting out there, signing up for races, etc!)

Thank you so much for your reply - I will pick up that book you mentioned to read in the meantime and I will also keep walking and trying to increase my pace until the doctor gives clearance. Thanks for the information on the refund/transfer to next year.

I think it is doable as long as you a) aren't starting from zero and b) have realistic expectations.

As far as realistic expectations go I just mean don't expect to finish in an unrealistic time. If you are a little concerned about the sweep and can jog or even run for a bit I would recommend starting out as fast as you are comfortable to build in some pad and then slow down after you are a few miles in. I don't mean try to sprint 3 miles but going out as fast as you can maintain for a couple of miles.

Regardless, good luck at the cardiologist.

Thanks! I appreciate you posting and I think that I have to be realistic at this point and just make sure that I finish. I like the strategy of starting out faster and the jogging/walking as well. Thanks again.

Nope, not crazytalk!

I did the half with my mom last year. I did the Goofy the year before but had a baby in Sept. My mom is in good shape, but was 64 and had never run.

We started really training around October. We did 3 LRs together- never over 9 miles. We rarely went under a 13 minute mile pace. My philosophy was like yours- I'm a slow walker, so we had to throw in some running. We reached the point where it was easier to mostly run (but so slowly fast walkers passed us!)

We got our medals!

Here's how I played with the math (and I did it over and over because I was so worried):

You've got about 3.5 hours. The clock starts with the last person over the line. If you aren't that person, then you probably have a cushion of 10-15 minutes.

My mom could handle a 13 minute pace for at least 9 miles. That's shaving 3 minutes of the allowed time for each of those 9 miles for an additional 27 minutes. Take the time you just gained (27 minutes), add it to the 4 miles left, and you can finish with a 22 minute/mile pace if you have too. (And that's not taking into account the cushion from the beginning). We actually took a bunch of pictures in the Magic Kingdom because I knew we had built up enough time.

So, if you are in pretty good shape and your doctor clears you, you have a good shot at finishing.

Jen in GA

Jen, thanks so much - I love this - you make it sound like I could do this! LOL Your mom sounds pretty cool too. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am cleared and don't have to have surgery right now. Thanks again.

I think MArathoning for Mortals is a12 or 14 week program, so, worst case shoudl be that you start in week 2. I highly recommend reading that while you wait.

That all goes well with the doc!

Thanks so much! I appreciate your good wishes and will definitely be picking up this book. Walking fast here I come (maybe jogging )



This is the best community and I really appreciate the support!!