I realized today that the DC Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon I signed up for a is only 9 1/2 weeks away. YIKES. I ran 8 miles on November 27th (thank you DailyMile) and aside from that I have not ran more than 6 1/2 miles in any given time : ) Woops. I hopped on RunnersWorld.com and used SmartCoach to make a training plan for me. It claims that following it I should be able to run a 1:51, which would be an average pace of 8:32 and a 4 minute PR from my current half time (Zooma Half Marathon). On the books for the week SmartCoach has me doing the following:
Week 1: 21 Miles
| Tue | Jan 8 | Easy Run | Dist: 3 Mi @10:06 |
| Wed | Jan 9 | Rest / XT | |
| Thu | Jan 10 | Tempo Run | Dist: 6 Mi, inc Warm; 4 Mi @ 8:38; Cool |
| Fri | Jan 11 | Easy Run | Dist: 2 Mi @10:06 |
| Sat | Jan 12 | Rest / XT | |
| Sun | Jan 13 | Long Run | Dist: 10 Mi @10:06 |
I’m not positive if I will actually be able to follow this for a few reasons. Running a 10 min mile doesn’t sound fun… I understand the value of running easier some days and I am definitely the type of person who pretty much has 1 speed. I really don’t vary too much in pace at all, I range between 8:30 and 9:15 pretty habitually. I also think I’d just feel slow! (I am not saying 10 min/miles are slow, this is all relative to me) We will see. I will try to hang at 9 maybe and see how it goes…
I am committed to trying to do this training plan, I have it taped up at work so I make sure to check off the runs and work outs! That 10 miler on Sunday looks daunting to say the least, it will be in the mid 60s on Sunday though so that is awesome.
Don’t forget to enter my AMRAP Refuel Bar giveaway, they are amazing almond paleo protein bars!
Q: Do you use a plan when you train for races? What?
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Categories: Half Marathon Training
Insanity Day #1 and Pan Chili 
Rock N Roll Half Marathon 
Rock N Roll Expo and Eats 
Skipping a Run 
Food & Fitness 
Yey I’m excited for RNR USA!! Except yes I agree that the timing came up fast! Good luck on training! We are back to our full fledged training schedule this week..I’m excited!
Are you running it too!!! We should definitely rendezvous or get a training run in together!
Taking it easy some days is actually really beneficial. Just keep telling yourself that it’s preparing you for that half marathon and you’ll be able to do it. Ten miles is no joke!
I don’t run any more but have been toying with idea of a half. I did chi marathon a long time ago and used Hal Higdon’s schedule and it worked great. Not sure if there is one for half marathon, but maybe that can be used?
I wish you had signed up for Shamrock half instead. Boo. I was just talking about fitness being a collection of workouts versus just one…many people start from scratch to run a half in that amount of time. You’ll be there really soon.
I’m sorry! I have never had people to cheer me on before and my bf and friends said they would bring signs to the rock n roll. I like to feel special what can I say : )
Ahh! Love the race anticipation! I definitely plan my pre&post workout fuel. It keeps me looking forward to something haha. Mapmyrun is also a great tool I’m starting to love. Have a good Tuesssday!
Heck yes I use a plan! I used Hal Higdons beginners plan for my first half, and right now I am using Hal’s intermediate plan for the half I have next month! Good luck with your training!
You tooooo!!!
Sometimes its definitely good to take it easy but I totally get what you mean about too slow. Sometimes when I’m too slow its just boring. Good luck with your training, sure youll be fine!
Thanks! My back actually bothers me a bit if I force myself to go too slow. My posture changes and its more of a bouncy walk than a run or something. I managed with a 9:15 today though so it ended up okay.
Yes, I have to use a plan otherwise I feel like I”m not prepared. I have a half and a full plan that a friend gave me and I just modify them for each race. I am super jealous that you are doing a RnR. I need to find one this year!
Come to DC and run with me!
I’ve had my eye on that race and NO. I will look into it!
I start my training plan in a few weeks for a half marathon in May! I definitely need a plan..as I don’t typically run often and don’t really know how to train myself!
That is so exciting!!! You should come do the DC Rock N Roll now that you live so close : ) We can make Holly jealous…. haha