Half Marathon- Suggestions/Ideas...

Why are you planning on running only 2 days per week?  In general, I've heard that the long run should be less than 50% of your total weekly mileage to avoid injury.

When I ran my 1/2 marathon last year, I was running far less than you are now.  If you're running over 7 miles comfortably, I don't think you'll have a problem finishing the 1/2 mary.  If you want to win, on the other hand, you might need more training

While it could be done, it's probably not the best idea. If you can/want to only run 2x's a week, a half marathon is probably not "the thing" for you.

Why not focus on some speed work? Seeing how fast you can run a 5K? Or why not sign up for another tri? After you do one, you will think, "I can do this better", and want to do another anyways.

Why only 2 runs a week???  Mostly because of time...  I have 2 kids work a second job and still like to swim run and lift weights.. Did I mention I also teach martial Arts as well.  ALSO, I dont really like running.. I used to hate it ,,,now I don't like it.  But as I run and set goals for myself running is getting better (slowly)..

Also always wanted to do a 1/2 and it looks like I am almost there with the Tri training..

Why not another sprint?? Well the water will start getting colder soon and I dont want to invest in a wetsuit this year.  My goal for next year will be an OLY.  If I run the  1/2 mark I know I will be able to finish the Oly run....

Why do you say that it may not be "my thing"...??   2 runs per week really suit me fine....Do I really have to do more???

Well you can rent a wetsuit if you wanted to do a tri when the water got colder. I figured out that at $45 a pop for wetsuit rental, I would come out on top renting vs. buying.

Hey, you can very likely do a 1/2 marathon on 2 days of running a week. I'm sure many will chime in and say that they did.

Each person is different. I know I couldn't only run 2 days a week and be ready for a half mary. That's me. Then again, I'm only running 3 days a week to get ready for one.

if you don't like running, doing a 1/2 marathon may not suit you.  when i trained for my first one, i was running atlest 3-4 times/week.  it could be done on 2x/week, but i wouldn't . . i wouldn't feel ready.  when i trained more seriously for my 2nd half, i ran 5 days/week. however, a lot of those runs were 3-5 milers, which will take less than 1 hr by the time you figure in showering, stretching etc.  it was actually a lot easier for me to run 5 days/week then it is to distribute my training between s/b/r. . .

Rent a suit... Perhaps... ???

But I think I only have one more event in me this season..  For some strange reason I want the 1/2 mary more that another sprint...  And running is the least fav of all 3... I know.. Go figure..  I guess I am forcing myself to improve on my weakness.. Good thing right?

Who thinks I will be ok with 2 runs a week..???  Looks like the short run will be between 4.5- 5 wednesdays and the long, 7-10.(miles)..On sundays...

Another thing... I notice when i do too much of something I lose interest quickly and dont want to do it. I think 3 runs a week may push me over that edge at this point...

I hear ya man. I really do. Running is the weakest sport for me and I have never really enjoyed it. After 5 years I'm FINALLY starting to understand it.

I just think if you are going to do a half marathon you need to train for it properly- to get the FULL experience. Training is part of the experience.

3 runs a week really isn't that bad. Seriously. You do a short run, a middle distance run and a long run. The long runs are what suck the most- sure, but it's only once a week.

I'm a girl who said, "I'll NEVER do a full marathon unless it's at the END of an IM". Well I did my IM... and then 4 months later I signed up for a marathon. HA! Never say never.

Everyone who knows me was shocked- because I hate running.

So I did the training as it was laid out and you know what? It wasn't that bad. In fact, compared to IM training, it was enjoyable.

Why not find a training plan for a half mary... and TRY to run 3 days a week. You have other interests to keep you entertained (I understand the one sport boredom factor- which is why I do tris!) and 3 days a week is really easy stuff.

You might be surprised!

Get the full experience. Train for the half mary and know that you trained properly and put your full effort into it when you cross the finish line.

It sounds like you are just looking for someone - anyone! - to tell you that running 2x per week will get you to the finish line. It probably will, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Training gurus like Hal Higdon recommend for a Beginner Half Marathon Training Plan:
The above schedule assumes you have the ability to run 3 miles, three to four times a week. If that seems difficult, consider a shorter distance for your first race--or take more time to develop an endurance base.

3x per week... Ok,, ok I'll think about it.. But I know myself and i know i wont want to do it...  Remember not just want, I have many family and professional demands on my time.  Just one more run will cause issue with other things in my life...

No I dont want somebody to tell me that 2x a week is great... Just looking for suggestions.  This stuff is only 10 weeks old to me...

Want to hear someting funny.. I used to run a bunch of races 5k and 10k's with absolutely no training...  And I woud do just fine.. I remember one 10k coming in at a 7:30 mile.  I was a little younger and  did do a lot of cardio for my martial arts..  But not bad for a non runner...

Are we not doing these types of things for fun???  Training for me is an enjoyable experience to some extent, but I really like the challange of a race.  3 runs per week will most likely cause me not to do the 1/2 mary and as a result miss out on a good experience, so this equates to a lose lose.  But if i run 2x per week and do the 1/2 Mary it will be a win, win.  Win cause I am running 2x per week as opposed to nothing and win cause I just accomplished a goal. 

What will one addition run per week do for me.?  I am asking honestly. 

Please somebody please tell me the benefits on one more run per week.. Again, this is a serious question....

Running once per week (ie, just a long run on the weekend) is a great way to hurt yourself.

Sorry run 2x per week vs 3x...???

Everyone is different and has different expectations.  Listen to your body.  You can run 2 days a week and have some sort of preparedness for a half marathon.  Will it be enough to finish probably.  Will it be enough to finish in the fashion you hope to, thats for you to determine.  Just be careful.  You dont want to get injured.  If you push yourself too hard it doesnt matter how many days a week you train you ARE going to get hurt.

You make some good points... Last year i suffered a serious injury from running to fast too soon.  This year I increased my run distance slowely and I am perfect.  I am up to 7.5 miles for my weekly long run.  This places me at approximately week 7 of a 12 week 1/2 mary training program..  With 5 week to go its set me up nicely for the 1/2 Mary..As far as timing is concerned...  I was just running 2x per week for my tri (this sunday)..  I just have to decide if I can fit a 3 runs in per week?? Honestly a major prob for me...

How about this....????

Wednesday's= Short run (3 miles)
Thursday's= Mid Run (4-5 miles)
Sunday's= long (7-10 miles)


Would it be bad to do 2 runs back to back... ???  This may be my only possible option...

Two runs back to back is fine.  I run four days each week for marathon training: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Yes, you can do it. What is your goal time? How fast do you run now? What pace are you doing your long runs at?

It sounds like you're reasonably fit. Finishing a half marathon isn't a huge challenge if you can run at least 10 miles. Your plan is not ideal, but it will get you to the finish.

I used to hate running too. When I started triathlons it was my weakest event and the one I didn't like to train. I didn't train the run because I wasn't good at it, and I wasn't good because I didn't train. That sounds similar to what you may be going through.

I broke out of that mindest because I wanted to be more competitive. As I trained more my running got better. As I got better I started liking it. Last year I ran more than 2500 miles. Now the run is my strength.

This close to the half marathon running 3 days as opposed to only 2 may not make much difference at all. Developing speed and endurance is a process that takes much longer. You can finish. Be realistic with your goals and have fun!

Awesome advise... My pace for my long runs is about 9 min miles...  I have been very careful in my training bc of the injury last year.  My longest run so far was 7.5 miles.. More than enought for my 4.4. run portion of my sprint this weekend. 13.1 will be by far the furthest I have ever run.  So my goal is to finish.  I just don't want to have to walk at any point. If I stay healthy, I think I can do a 10 min mile for this distance.  I will be proud of my new distance.  And yes, like you.. I hope this new distance will cause me to like running more.  If I am sucessful.  I will run more in the off season, as a result my tri's next year will be that much more fun.. I already like biking and swimming.  But the run... My stars...  I rather bike for 3 hours or swim 2 miles then for run for a 1/2 hour...  But I think if I can add a 1/2 Mary to my resume it will help take me over that hump...

While running is a huge challenge for me, I think swimming is the hardest for people to pick up as an adult.

To run you just go out and run. Of course, there are injury issues that pop up, but if you don't have perfect form you can still make it happen.

With swimming it's ALL ABOUT FORM. Poor form = poor swimming = being slow. Plain and simple. To get better at swimming and to work on form, most people need to get a swim coach. People can get faster at running without a running coach.

While the bike and swim are easy for me... and running is not... I am so glad I didn't have to learn how to swim as an adult.

I agree with Karen, but I'm also sure there are those out there who think the bike is the hardest. Just "consider yourself very lucky" that you can do all three to some degree.

i used to hate running. . had shin splints for probably my first year. . yeah, no fun.  however, my theory was if i run more, i will start to like it.  sure enough, i saw improvements, got faster, it felt easier.  now i like it! what i especially like is how simple running is.  you can change your clothes and go, going biking takes a lot longer (getting gear ready, pumping tires etc), and typically, i don't ride less than 1.5 hrs.