My very first half is next Saturday. Up until a few weeks ago, my training was going brilliantly and I felt well on my way to a sub-2:00 result. Then I got sick and it knocked me out for a week. Since April 1st (my first run after I was sick, which happened to be a 15K race), my training has been woefully inconsistent and I'd love to know if there were people here with less-than-optimal training during the weeks leading up to their longer races who still had at least decent results, even if you missed your goal time.
Good news:
1) I've gotten all my long runs in (longest was last Saturday at 11.5 miles) and felt great during every single one!
2) I was traveling for a week last week and managed to run on most days - a big confidence boost for me.
3) This is pretty much the flattest half course I will ever run, so it's the type of course that could be a longtime PR for me if all goes well.
Bad news:
1) I have been doing no speedwork this month.
2) I have been running 3-4 days per week instead of my usual 5, and the distances have been inconsistent at best - 4 miles here, 6 miles there, 3 miles here, 5 miles there...totally not prescribing to the HH plan I was using before I got sick.
I'm really competitive with myself and am annoyed at myself that I think I let my sub-2:00 goal time slip away from my hands. I still think I have an excellent shot at sub-2:05, but I would love to see 1:xx:xx on the clock at the finish. I definitely need an attitude adjustment before next Saturday, that I know.
It would just be nice to hear stories of solid results after inconsistent training. Hell, I'm even willing to hear nightmare race stories if only to make sure I keep my expectations realistic and accept that it end up being a lousy race, but one I can learn from. Thanks!



Re: Long vent: inconsistent training for half
You might surprise yourself!
I've "finished" a half with training (if you could call it that!) once a week. It was not pretty and it was painful but I finished!
I also PRd a couple of weeks ago running 3 days a week. So I think the fact that you are running a bit more you might surprise yourself!
You know your training and what you have been doing so set your goals realistically. If you are running at a goal pace for under 2:00 then you will probably be successful. If not then readjust your goals accordingly.



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