I did a 1/2 marathon with Team in Training back in 2006. The training was from Nov-April. I ran mostly on the treadmill because of asthma issues. I finished the race in a decent time but have always known I could have done better.
2 kids later I am back in the running game. But I also do Power Yoga 3x a week and plan to still do that.
Sunday is available for my long run. I ran with the double jogger at a hilly park on Saturday.
Is 3 runs a week really enough? I was looking at some online plans and "crosstraining" was put in a couple days a week. So in my plan I will do Yoga and run 3x a week (more if I can fit it in).
This time I will push myself more and do much more outside. Pushing the stroller every couple weeks seems like a good way to push harder.
I am comfortable with 4 miles right now.
Re: Doing a 1/2 in 11 weeks advice?
Hi! You sound just like me -- I ran my last half in 2004 (also a TinT event -- the Indy Mini). 2 kids later, I am back to running, scheduled to run another 1/2 in September. I also run with my stroller 2x a week (just one kid though), and do my long run on Sundays w/o my stroller.
IMO, 3 runs a week is fine. My runs usually looks something like this: Tues:4-5 miles, Thurs: 6-7, Sunday: long run (currently 11). I also lift weight M-F for an hour and plan to throw in 30 minutes of cross training on Friday most likely.
To be honest, I actually feel much better using this schedule than I did with any of my other training plans (I have run 3 halfs). I am less fatigued, my recovery is faster, and I am FASTER! This may be due to the stroller running and a pretty hilly course that I run on, but I am very comfortable with my ability to run a half.
Good luck!
ETA: I see your race is in 11 weeks and you are up to 4. I would keep one run at 3, one around 5, and build distance right now -- I think you could safely add a half mile a week to your long run until you get to 7 or so, then add a mile a week until 11. Take it easy that last week before the race. I am no expert though.
Also, considering your time line, I would not worry about beating your last time or PRing. I would concentrate on distance. Trying to improve distance and time simultaneously when you are getting your feet wet again is a recipe for disaster.
DD #1 born 9/07 ** DD #2 born 7/11 ** Operation Take Back My Body has begun 10/11
Upcoming Races
Gobble Wobble 5K 11/24/11 - Abington, PA 29:40
Superbowl 10K 02/05/12 - Allentown, PA 54:28 PR!!!!
Broad Street 10 Mile Run 05/06/12 - Philadelphia, PA 1:30:44
Rock and Roll Half Marathon 09/16/12 - Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia (Half?!?) Marathon 11/18/12 - Philadelphia, PA
Thank you!
Ditto Shorty. If you haven't yet, check out the Hal Higdon Novice 1/2 marathon training program-I want to say the long runs start around 3 miles and the plan does a great job of slowly increasing your mileage over the course of the program (which I believe is 12 weeks). I've used it in the past and really like it. Good luck with your training!