Well, it’s less than a month until my half marathon. I can’t believe it is almost here! Figured I would share a quick update on how everything is going training for my third half marathon.
Half marathon training plan
I’ve kept to the same half marathon training plan as I’ve used for the other half marathons I have run. Not ready to possibly mess up a good thing! I’ve been using Hal Higdon’s Novice 1, which does a great job of helping me to scale up my runs and allows me some flexibility to still have time to go to classes at the aerial studio. I’ve also been taking some Peloton classes — specifically cycling, yoga, bike bootcamp and strength for runners.
I’ve reached the five mile max threshold for my regular weekday runs and completed my most recent 9 mile long run on Sunday. Tomorrow I have my last pre-race long run — 10 miles. I realized too late I should have probably bumped myself up to his novice 2 program. Ph well. Next time!
What’s different
I ended up hurting my knee around five miles into my last half marathon and I believe the main reason is that I wasn’t consistent in the final few weeks going into the race. We moved at that point. After the move I had a hard time finding new run routes while exhausted from the packing/unpacking process. I didn’t keep to thr plan. I skipped some days. I shortened a few runs. I admittedly didn’t finish the training program strong — though I did manage to still finish the race while injured before they swept me off the course. So that’s something?!
This time though I’ve followed it almost exactly — and I’m being extra careful here in these final weeks. I know now just how much it truly matters.
Equipment + gear
I realized (thankfully with some time to spare) that I was going to hit 400 miles around the time of my half marathon. Though I know the typical 300 mile max is understated and most shoes can go longer, I also don’t want to get to race day and realize my shoes are done-zo. I usually run in Brooks Adrenaline but decided to buy another pair of Brooks Glycerine. I’m still using mostly the Adrenalines for the longer runs but have been enjoying having the lighter Glycerines in the mix.
As we get later into the year, the amount of daylight in each day gets less and less. That means that squeezing in longer runs get more and more challenging. I’ve invested in a few things that have been super helpful:
- Oiselle Lightening Layer: This is such a fab piece. You can wear it on its own, over a sports bra or over your run shirt. It’s lightweight and it’s bright. SUPER bright! Way more reflective than you can tell here.
- Oiselle Roga hat: This hat has become such a fave for me that I own it in two color. The adjustable string in the back makes sure it’s snug for your run, the top is a fab breathable material and the reflective gray birds along each side helps keep you nice and visible.
- innofox 2 pack reflective lights: These lights are way brighter than what I’ve previously had. I love that you can recharge them by connecting in via your computer. No small batteries to deal with here!
Fuel
I haven’t changed up my fuel for a while. What can I say. I like what I like. I have been alternating between Honey Stinger energy gels (I’ve been using the gold but really prefer the Honey Stinger Fruit Smoothie variety I was using previously) and Clif Bloks in margarita flavor. Sadly I’ve learned the latter has been discontinued.
The race I am running sent us a code to get to try products from one of their sponsors in advance of race day to see how we like it. I’m glad they did it since it has a bit of a funky consistency and flavor, so I’ll likely be sticking to my own fuel for race day.
Wish me luck. I’ll update you on the flipside!
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