Runners, training question for you

[banslug]

If you don't mind, runners, may I ask you a question?

When training for a half marathon (or even full or other distance in between, for that matter), do you ever do a TRAINING RUN equal to your race distance? In other words, if training for a half, does your training include a 13 mile run? I've trained and completed one FULL marathon and know that my training topped me out at 22 miles. I'm currently training for a half on 09/13 and am wondering if I should take my training long runs up to the 13 mile distance.

THANKS for your input!!!

Gayle

 

[karenvictoria]

For me it all depends. When I trained for my 10 miler I trained my long runs topping out at 13. I had a better base when I began and to me the added three miles didn't hurt me since I began training with no injuries nor did I feel any as I trained. Now for my half last year my longest run topped out at 12 miles. I had taken time off and was coming from a base of almost nothing. Wanting no injuries I didn't pass the 13 mile mark on my long runs but if I would have had a better base I may have topped off at 14 miles.

Now I'm training for my first full and I'm debating what to do myself. Should I top my longest runs off at 20 or go to 22. I've asked and have gotten many schools of thought as well. I have heard the longest needed is 20 and the excitement will carry you though. I have also heard to run the full 26 because if you want to run 26 miles then you train 26 miles. I'm not going that route . An older friend of mine has done the gamet and now keeps his longest runs at only 18. He said the extra two miles didn't hurt or help him in anyway other than maybe causing him more injuries. So ultimalty for a half I see no problem with training above the 13 miles as long as you have a good base and no injuies you are working though. Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[MadnNatsmom]

Hmmm. My longest training run was 22 miles before my full marathon and I'm glad I did. Knowing I can run 22 miles helped me run the last 4.2. But, if I'd run the full 26 I may have said on race day "Why bother?"

Finishing requires mental preparedness as well as physical.

 

[CollinsMom]

Hmmm. My longest training run was 22 miles before my full marathon and I'm glad I did. Knowing I can run 22 miles helped me run the last 4.2. But, if I'd run the full 26 I may have said on race day "Why bother?"

Finishing requires mental preparedness as well as physical.

Excellent point!

Gayle, thanks for asking this question because I have been wondering myself. My half is Nov. 8th and I am currently side-lined with an injury and was beginning to worry about the amount of time I have to build up to 10-11-12-whatever miles!

 

[banslug]

I agree with the MENTAL perparedness. It is so true. I was just telling my friend that NO MATTER what distance I run, the last mile is ALWAYS hard......today my feet were scuffing as I finished up that last mile even though I felt GREAT!

Thanks for all the input and opinions. It's nice to hear the different opinions and methods!

Gayle

 

[Sunshine1528]

Gayle I know you are asking for advice from runners here on the forums, but have you gone to runnersworld.com and set up a training program there?

I have only done a 10K but swear that training program had me going 10 - 11 miles on long days for a couple of weeks.

I'm sure there is a "top" for much longer runs, but thought it might be just some additional info to help you decide?

And let me add:


YOU GO GIRL ! ! !

 

[TXGin]

Gayle~

I have done 5 half marathons and the most enjoyable ( and maybe my PR, but don't remember) was the time I followed the intermediate training schedule on www.coolrunning.com. I didn't particularly follow the training during the week, but did closely follow the once a week long runs. The longest being 15 miles. After you have done 15, 13.1 is a party!!
Now, a full marathon training is different IMHO. I never ran more than a 20 miler in training.

Enjoy and YOU GO GIRL!

 

[Mckmain]

Hey Gayle...I do agree a lot with what Gin said about running 15 miles during HM training makes the HM a party!! But it has been awhile since I trained for a half. I feel that any distance race before the Marathon you should probably do the actual distance in training at least once. A rule I used to follow before I focused on just marathons was to run weekly, double the distance of the actual race. So for a HM try and get in at least 26.2 miles a week. For marathon training I also do at least one 22 miler and then 2, 20 milers for my longest runs. I am following a Veteran Marathon training now that has you run a 22 miler and 3, 20's during training...

Good Luck in your HM and I can't wait for your race report......