Is this an unrealistic goal?

[Deleted User] · January 2006

I am training for my first half marathon which is in mid march and am really hoping to complete in under 2 hours but am wondering if this is an unrealistic goal. I ran 10 miles recently in 1hr 36 min 9s and when I put this into a race calculator it reckoned I'd be 2hrs 7 mins for a half marathon. I have about 5-6 weeks left to train - is my target possible and any good tips?

My aim is to increase my long run by 1 mile a week through Feb so I've run 14 about 2 weeks before my race and then taper off - is this a good plan?

All advice appreciated - I'm new to all this! Thanks.

[Deleted User] · January 2006

Was the 10 miler in a race or in training? If it was in training, you'll probably find the race day atmosphere and other runners around you will give you the "missing" 7 minutes....it's only 30 seconds per mile you need to run faster (!)

Just don't go off too fast....it'll feel like a good thing at the time, but will pay you back with some really slow miles later...

[Deleted User] · January 2006

Hi

Thanks for the advice, the 10 miles was just in training - on my own - so hopefully like you say I'll get a boost on the day!

Ink Blot · January 2006

I agree with HH. The difference between a training run and a race day can be quite big. In a training run I can't do 10k in less than 70 minutes but my recent 10k race time was 64 minutes. As HH says, just don't go too fast or you'll pay for it later on (says her who's never done a half before, 1st one in two weeks!)

[Deleted User] · January 2006

is the half flat? i did my first half in 2h 05mins and it was very hilly and very hot in july and used to run appro the same sort of times in training for 10 miles

[Deleted User] · January 2006

yes it is a fairly flat course

M.ister W · January 2006

Running 14 two weeks before the race is perfect. Make sure you get plenty of rest during the week before and you'll be well set up for sub-2.

[Deleted User] · January 2006

I'd say you are well on target if you can do that on your own. As others have said just do not go off too fast. Better to be 10 seconds per mile slower than target pace at the start and pick it up.

FetchHendo · January 2006

Jaskamc - my long run training pace is 10min miles and my half mara PB is 1:50. It's all different on race day - go for it!

[Deleted User] · January 2006

My first half mara was 1:59 after 5 months training from complete beginner. My longest training run before the race was 10 miles, 2 weeks before race. My race time was 50 secs per mile faster than in training. Sounds like you'll achieve your target! Like everyone says though - don't go off too fast, you can always make up time later but not when your legs are gone from too much effort too soon. Enjoy! (My half mara PB is 1:46 2 years on)

[Deleted User] · January 2006

I ran my first half last year in Sheffield, my one any only 10 mile prep before that took me longer than yourself. true what the other guys are saying, start slow and let the atmosphere carry you through. get to the half way stage and go for it best you can. Good luck.

Stump · January 2006

Jaskamc - You will do it no problem. I did my first half at york a couple of weeks ago on about the same training and managed it.

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Is this an unrealistic goal?

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