Sprint vs half Marathon

With a 7.5 mile long run out of the way, you could slide right into Hal Higdons novice plan at week 8.  That would set you nice for a 1/2 mary in 5 weeks.

Edited by JC5066 2009-08-18 2:36 PM

What would be more challenging for YOU... another sprint.

As you stated above, "it was the hardest workout of my life". If you keep training and work on improving, it will be challenging, but won't be the hardest workout.

You still have room for improvement on the sprints... why not take on that challenge and smear your goal time into the ground?

Half marathon is much harder than a sprint, unless of course you cannot swim or ride a bike. Doesn't mean it's not doable, though your logs don't give a clue. How long has it been since you ran that 7.5 and (be honest) what has your weekly running mileage averaged over the past two months?

PS- The possibility of you doing a half marathon and what that training would look like was discussed in detail in the following thread:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

Just saving some people typing something that was already stated before.

Really great advice was given in that thread.

The half marathon is much more difficult to prepare properly for. The Sprint would be harder if you weren't prepared for all three. You've got time to train for either one. I'd pick the tri, because tri season ends, while the runs continue through the harsh weather.

and another thing...
If you agressively ramp-up your running training, you're going to risk injury. Training for a tri is safer in that regard becuase it forces you to cross-train.
I think you could pull it off for-sure... there's just a little more risk in going for the HM.

I am a "psuedo-runner". I say this because I have been running for 1.5 years & completed 3 halfs & 2 10 mile races ( and a # of shorter races). Did my first olympic distance Duathalon recently, so I can comment on transition from running to tri, although in reverse for you.Firstly, my Duathalon time was much longer than any race time I had ran. I did poorly, once I had reached this limit & it was tough from there. If your sprint time is 1h20mins & you expect HM to be 2 hours, then you are going to have to extend your body & CV endurance to finish strong.Secondly, If the times are similar & you have done a respectable amount of cross training, than you will be well served. Problem is, you still need time on your feet. Your long will be very important, to get you the goal distance a couple of weeks prior to race. remember the 10% rule for increasing mileage, to reduce the risk of injury.If you get your long run to the distance & look on it as "first race" & fun with no pressure, except to finish, you will probably achieve it.My $0.02I guess it depends on your present level of fitness.

1/2 marathon is harder.
Harder on your body and unless you are quite fast, takes more time.
I also think it requires more training.

It really depends... if you are a good runner and not experienced biker or swimmer, than a sprint can actually be harder for YOU.

In general, 1/2mary is tougher on your body though...