Question:I've found out about this exciting looking half-marathon which will take
place in Northern Germany eight weeks from now. I'd love to run it.
My long run is currently at 11 miles, weekly mileage just below 25. I know there isn't enough time to seriously prepare for a peak racing effort - but
see, I don't care about my time, I just want to survive the distance & finish with a smile. :) I've never raced anything above 10k so I'm just
really curious about the new experience.
Question - do you guys think I'm setting myself up for failure, or is there enough time to get into reasonable shape? - Training wise, it's obviously
too late now to follow some 'official' training plan, so I've been thinking about continuing to gradually build weekly mileage and LSD distance, and do
some 'tempo' runs at a pace slightly faster than my normal training pace (which would be what I'd hope to run the half at); I'll race a 10k 3 weeks
prior to the half & then taper some. Does that sound reasonable?
Answer:
So you already runs longer on a regular basis than I had ever run before my first half (in 1:53 as far as i remember). I had a crisis
the last couple of kilometers, where I switched over to survival mode, knowing that starting to walk would be a disaster.
I half is only 13.2 miles or so, so there is plenty of time to get in shape for a decent time. I think you are too afraid of failing, rather than thinking "I can do
it", "I can do it"....
Positive thoughts helps a lot in this sport / activity
You can run a half right now if you want - and if you decided not to push to hard you'd even finish it in comfort. So I say go for it! A
bit of "speed work" and a couple of long runs of about 13 miles and you'll be well away.
You are right in saying that you'll probably not be ready for a peak performance, so you have the correct mindset.
You have eight weeks to prepare, so I'll give you the obvious advice to bump your long runs to the 13-14 mile range, just to have the confidence that you
can go the distance...but also give yourself a couple of weeks to taper and be rested going into the race. This will be a hard effort for you but you will be
able to do it.
There's not a lot I can add to what everyone else has said here. I would
however,like to reiterate Povl's comment on positive thinking. You
definitely have the training (or will do) so be upbeat and confident about
your training and managing the distance, I reckon having the right mental
attitude goes along way.
