General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days Rss Feed  
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2013-11-09 12:24 PM


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Subject: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Not really 'triathlon talk' but wasn't sure where else to post this.... Mods, please move if somewhere else more appropriate.

I'm looking to run back to back half marathons (Saturday and Sunday) in April. I'm currently running 4X/week averaging 25-30 MPW and have 5 monhts to build up. I've tried to find a training plan for running 2 half marathons in 2 days, but haven't found any. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Robin


2013-11-09 12:38 PM
in reply to: rab27713

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
I did back to back marathons (Saturday & Sunday) and just followed a regular marathon training plan. I would assume you could do the same with the half(s). I just ran the first one a bit slower than I normally would, then, woke up the next day and did it again!

Not sure they have plans for crazy people like us...LOL .
2013-11-09 12:50 PM
in reply to: rab27713

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days

Are you looking to PR in one of these races or just to finish both?  You can focus on one and take it easy on the other and probably do quite well, but to actually Race both might be a challenge.  Personally I've done a half marathon per day 4 days in a row, but of course each one was just a little slower than the one before.  So I guess what I'm saying is you can take one really easy and race one, or do equally well on both but that will be below your full potential.

Anyways I doubt you are going to find a double HM training plan, since it is so infrequently done.  Personally I would follow a full marathon training plan.  2 HM's are much easier than a full so that should put you in great shape for your double HM.

2013-11-09 12:54 PM
in reply to: rab27713

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Just find a half marathon plan that has a long run one weekend day and a short or rest day the other.
Then take the combined weekend mileage and add a bit and then run about 40% on Saturday and 60% on Sunday.
If you can build up to 9/Sa and 11/Sun, I'm sure you'd be fine with 13/13 as long as you don't go out too hard on Saturday.

Alternatively, you could just follow a full marathon plan (especially if you'd want to run one of those a bit later). Once you have built up to 20+ mile long runs, back to back 13's is not too hard.
2013-11-09 1:23 PM
in reply to: rab27713


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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Thanks for the suggestions. This is a definite 'just finish' for both races, no PR intended. Fully expect day 2 to be slower, just want to make sure I stay healthy and have a sufficient base. Thanks!
Robin
2013-11-09 1:56 PM
in reply to: rab27713

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Check in the libraries of Krypton. Ask for Jor-El.


2013-11-09 4:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Training for a weekend event like this should be more like training for a marathon than a half marathon. I'd pick a marathon plan but spread the mileage out more evenly, building to weekends where you do at least 10 miles each day. Ideally you'd want to build to about 50 miles per week from where you are now- but make sure you build gradually.

Edited by jennifer_runs 2013-11-09 4:48 PM
2013-11-10 8:45 AM
in reply to: jennifer_runs

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days

I agree that it's more like a marathon than a half, but I would add one thing (that I think is implicit above, but want to make explicit).

While the mileage should bump higher than a HM plan for you to more comfortably finish both without spiking your injury risk, I would watch the length of the long run.

Going 20 is VERY different, IME (and I know others disagree here), than going 10 and 10 on a weekend (or even 12 and 12).

Some folks just go by weekly totals for training stress, but FOR ME, I've always found those last miles at the end of a long run to be where the best most training stress occurs (not the only place, just the most concentrated).  Great if you're pushing mileage for a single long run, but also where the injury risk bumps.

Just my opinion and, as always, YMMV.

Good luck - sounds like a crazy fun weekend!

Matt

2013-11-10 5:53 PM
in reply to: rab27713


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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Thanks. This is really helpful. Lots of different ideas. Putting together the above, I'm thinking of digging out my old marathon training plan and modifying it by splitting the long runs over both weekend days as suggested, and going from there. Trial and (hopefully not too much) error. It's a good starting point at least. And, I agree, it's kind of crazy, but that's in part the point!

Thanks everyone.
Robin
2013-11-11 7:09 AM
in reply to: rab27713

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Subject: RE: Training plan for 2 half marathons in 2 days
Training for back-to-back halves shouldn't be much more than a half by itself. It might be good to get your long runs in the 13-15 range instead of 10.

The key to success is your race strategy. You need to go easy enough on the first that you're still ready for the second, and that includes as much recovery time and refueling as you can get between finish and start.
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