Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
I'm signing up to do a 1/2 marathon in October. Never done anything close to this before. Any advice on footwear and training? :thup:
Running (marathons)
- Thread starter Stuart_Wales
- Start date
shewy
Journeyman Pro
You've got to be disciplined and follow a plan, get the right footwear from a specialist shop.
Also vaseline will be your friend!
Is it the Cardiff half? Best bet is to get yourself up to 30 mins running before taking on a 12 week plan, runnersworld.co.uk have a few free running plans and there is some good stuff on bupa's website as welll.
Also vaseline will be your friend!
Is it the Cardiff half? Best bet is to get yourself up to 30 mins running before taking on a 12 week plan, runnersworld.co.uk have a few free running plans and there is some good stuff on bupa's website as welll.
Akie
Head Pro
If possible get at least 2 runs in of 15 miles so your body is used to running further than the actual distance, best piece of advice for the actual race is to pace yourself and not let the adrenaline of the first mile make you go to fast otherwise you'll pay for it in the final few miles.
Hooper
Head Pro
You have got plenty of time to complete the training and the major advantage to a Autumn race is you train during the summer. Get your plan sorted asap, (12-16 weeks normally), and then work on your base training up until then. You need to set realistic goals for your race time and this can be based on your best 10Km speed. There are formulas on the web to help you. The main reason for this is to avoid over training. Many inexperienced runners just increase (especially fast twitchers) their distance and speed over the course of the plan too quick and dont rest properly. All good plans will only increase this by ~10% each week with cut back weeks every 3-4 weeks. Overtraining will lead to injuries and your inability to peak on the race day. If time is restrcited for training there is a tried and tested 3-week plan I can send you if you PM me but you need to work hard on every session. A very well known runners magazine has an excellent website with people far more experienced than me for advice. Good luck and well done for signing up. Once you break the ceiling you will be hooked.
Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
Brilliant. Thanks all. Hooper, have you got any links I could follow up.
Also, how much will a pair of trainers cost and last? Would it be silly to spend on a 'top pair' now for them to wear come october??
Also, how much will a pair of trainers cost and last? Would it be silly to spend on a 'top pair' now for them to wear come october??
i would also check out the race route, to see if its hilly or not.
I did a half Marathon a couple of years ago and only did a 6 weeks training, all on flat ground!!!! it was a shock top the system when i did the race as most of it was uphill
I did a half Marathon a couple of years ago and only did a 6 weeks training, all on flat ground!!!! it was a shock top the system when i did the race as most of it was uphill
Hooper
Head Pro
I would not advise against getting a good pair of shoes. I know they can come in quite expensive at £80-£120 but it's worth it IMO. I went to a specialised running shop and got fitted a few years ago with a neutral shoe and I have purchased the same pair for the last few years. Sometimes when I see them on offer I buy 2 pairs to keep me going. Depending on how many miles you do prior to your race will depend on how many pairs you need. ~500 miles/pair is a good indicator.
If you are a fast twitcher then this plan might suit you. I will assume you are already a fit and healthy person.http://www.marathon-training-program.com/training-program-for-half-marathons.html If not then you may need to look at a beginners plan that builds up very slowly to avoid injury.
I have used the full marathon plan several times with success and this is my preferred method of training but think carefully of how much time you can spare trainining per week if you decide to go down the >3 sessions per week plan. Bite off too much and you might pay for it later. If I were you I would not decide yet on how fast or the plan just yet. Look at splitting your time between now and the race into 2
1) Base training - Starts now and builds you up to a solid 10KM run with 3 sessions per week. Maybe do a 10Km race at the end.
2) Marathon Plan - Starts 1-2 weeks after base if you include race. Assess where you are and what your times might be and then you can decide on what plan to use. If you like the 3 option then go for the one I have posted.
As stated runners world has a great forum with some real experts that will guide you as you progress. These are just some things to think about as a good run is always the result of a good training plan. If you train well and run well you will enjoy it more and who knows 2014...London Marathon here you come.
Vaseline. Joggers nipple is not funny
Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
Thanks for the detail! This is exactly what I was after! Cheers!
Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
I did a half Marathon a couple of years ago and only did a 6 weeks training, all on flat ground!!!! it was a shock top the system when i did the race as most of it was uphill
The Nairnshire Challenge, by any chance, Patrick?
Akie
Head Pro
A good pair of running socks are important as well, dont want training derailed by blisters etc.
No John, it was the Global Half Marathon in March. all up the back of Scargooie and Fairways. The only flat bit was the start along the river and the finnish. the only uphill running i did was the canal path from the Ruby pitches
Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
Any suggestions (brand etc?)
Hooper
Head Pro
I would suggest get fitted at a specialised running shop. Be open minded with regards to brand. I run in Nike which are not considered one of the top brands (no surprises there) but these still come in at £75-90. Don't skimp as you will be doing alot of miles in the shoes so you will need a good pair that you can rely on to last. On the other hand I don't think you would need a £100+ pair just yet but you may get the running bug. Good luck.
Stuart_Wales
Assistant Pro
Socks I was asking about mate. When I read £75-90 I nearly cried! haha!
Hooper
Head Pro
HaHa. I must read posts better in future.
Get these when you get fitted. I use adidas ones and they last forever. A runners starter kit will cost you about the same price as a new driver. 
