Cathe: Half-marathon training help!

[muffins135]

Just wondering if you have a program that incorporates your workouts and half-marathon training? My husband and I are running the S.F. Half-Marathon Aug. 1. I have the running part down, just looking for other things to supplement my training program.
Input from anyone will be most welcome.
Thanks in advance for any help you may have.
Michele

 

[tvan_horn]

Michele,

I am wondering the same. I am training for a half marathon as well and want to incorporate Cathe workouts into the training.

I discussed this idea with an very experienced runner and his advice to me was "The only thing that will make you a better runner is running."

That is all good and fine, but I don't want to run 6 days per week.

I am currently modifying Hal Higdon's intermediate training program. I try to get in one long run each week, one up tempo medium distance run, one easy medium distance run, and one shorter run. I hate speed work, so I am using Imax 1 and 2 in place of his interval track workouts.

I also don't want to give up my strength work, so I am still using PUB 2 or 3 times a week and Legs & Glutes once or twice a week.

Don't know how this program will work, but it is what I am doing for now. I would love anyone's suggestions!

Tina

 

[Janick]

Hi!

I had the exact same questions last year as I was training for a half marathon.

I did modify somewhat Hal Higdon's training schedule. I did 2 short runs on weekdays and one long run on the weekend, as per his schedule. However, I would cross train 3 times per week with Cathe workouts. Two of these workouts would be circuit training or combined weights/cardio (as in Cardio and weights, Bootcamp) and one of these workouts would be endurance strength training (as in ME).

Although this training didn't increase my "performance" (it took me 2:15 to run the event), but it got me through the whole race.

HTH

 

[Mckmain]

Hi...I have run alot of half marathons, in fact I did one last Sunday! I do believe the Imax workouts would help with speedwork. If you have the Imax2 DVD, try Imax2 blastmania, more of a High Intensity Interval workout. In my training I never stopped weight work as I felt this kept my muscles strong and helped prevent injuries. A general rule of thumb used to be getting in twice the race distance in per week. So that would be 26.2 weekly miles for training. I only ran 6 days a week when I was marathon training. I would be interested in any suggestions from Cathe too!......Carole

 

[AndreaL]

I've never heard that "rule" Carole. That is very helpful.

I don't usually run more than 3x/week. I find more than that and my knees will get kinda sore. I did one long run, one run about half the distance of my long run, and one speed/hills run. My 4th cardio day was spinning, but any interval workout would be good. That was all the cardio I did, and then added 2 days of weights.

I would like to run 4x/week, because I do believe that more running would make me a better runner.

Have fun!

Andrea

 

[Mckmain]

Another "rule" Andrea is take care of those knees!! ;-) I have been very fortunate as a runner without many knee problems, I do contribute that to weightlifting. I think 3x a week running like Andrea schedule is great for a half marathon. It is just what I did before my last one while getting back on track from an injury.......Carole

 

[26.2runner]

Hi, I'm a seasoned marathoner and at the grand old age of 50, I no longer can run 7 days a week. I run 3 days a week unless I'm training for a marathon or half marathon when I up it to 4. I run every other day and use Cathe workouts on the alternate days. I find that high rep workouts such as the muscle endurance DVD are great for making my legs stronger and more able to tolerate the longer distances. I also like the pyramid upper and lower body programs. Be careful not to do too much mass building in the lower extremities. You want your muscles to be strong but not bulky. You will find that mixing up weights and running will increase your overall fitness and endurance as well as make you look great. Combine that with a healthy diet and you'll be flying through those 13.1 milers in no time.