A couple of years ago I was struggling to break the 2:00 mark and joined a thread with lots of other helpful forumites all aiming to do the same. Some great advice and encouragement.
I can't find a sub 1:50. I'm sure there must be one. Anyway if not I'll start one, if there is someone will guide me to it.
Currently have a PB of 1:54. I ran a cold hilly half last Sunday in 1:55 but struggled to breathe due to cold. Was tired in the afternoon but have done 2 10mile runs this week with no issues, 2nd one was faster than my normal 10mile.
Running 3 times a week.
LSR 13-20miles. Done at around 10:00/mile. I think I should step this up to 9:30/mile
10mile average 9:10 mile with some sections of flat at 8:00/mile and some slow steep hills.
4mile as fast as possible. Currently averaging 8:00/mile. Again with hills.
So anyone want to join me in trying to break this.
Comments
Just 7miles mainly off road today with 2 miles at 8:00/mile thrown in. They're tough!
I struggled with two HM's a year apart at 2:06 and 2:09 (worse the second year with more running!) - then I grabbed the runners world full marathon training plan for sub 4 hours (modified it a bit, but kept the long runs). 3 months later managed a 1:46 with a couple of "stops". I also ran 5 days a week rather than 3.
The full marathon plan (or rather the long runs) worked for me as I lacked the endurance - and the psychological advantage of considering 13 miles a "short" run by the end of it helped massively. First HM of the year next Sunday, not as fit as I was back in Sept, but hoping for a sub 1:50.
Run 5 times a week and your times will drop.
Would help if I read all the replies. Like Daeve said. Also increase the length of the 8 min miles.
Yes jog on.
I had good results with this RW plan, extending some of the long runs to over HM distance:
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/racing/rws-10-week-sub-150-half-marathon-schedules/97.html
Hopefully a few more people looking to go sub 1:50 will join in with how they're approaching it.
I pretty much just use this 3 runs a week formula for half and full marathons just increasing the long run and medium run for the fulls.
I'm sure it's not the distance, it's the speed of the distance if that makes sense. I can run a half at 8:45-9:00/mile with no issues at all. Dropping to 8:20 is a big difference.
Tell you what, DF3, if you beat any of my HM times at Reading I will promise to post you the medal I got for whichever race time you beat (or other race memento if no medals).
I'll let you know if you beat it.
I'm sure I can work up to a GFA for London by the time I'm 50
In the Sub 2:00 there were a few of us all posting race times as we approached the 2:00 mark and reporting on training runs etc. It was a good thread. I'm just surprised there aren't loads of people aiming for 1:50. Maybe they're all trying to jump from 2:00 to 1:45!
Maybe everyone is more concerned with "The Marathon" at the moment.
I can easily achieve a 7:30 mile, just not for very long. Maybe 8:00s are the way to go.
....goes off to find sub 1:45 thread...
Can't see any, and I can't change the thread title so I'l have to stick with this one until I'm consistenetly under 1:45 then...
what do you have to do to be an improper runner?
Ah yes, I'd better start polishing up those medals just in case.
I ran a 1:57 in 2011 on a course and returned the next year and "ran" it in 2:35. Mainly die to the heat and migraine that hit me at 3miles. If I've paid my money - I want my medal!