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Great Advice for Choosing a Half Marathon Training Program

By Buffy Greentree


A half marathon is next in line for some runners who have already participated in many fun runs. It is always natural for aspiring athletes to step up the game. But how do you choose which programs to take during a transition like this? There are many half marathon training programs to choose from. Here are some factors to consider.

The first aspect to consider is where you are starting from. If you can already do a 10km race and are running at least three times a week, then you have a good base to build up from. If you have never tested yourself on a shorter race such as the 5 or 10km, it might be a good idea to do one of those first unless you have been training at the longer distance for a while. Also, taking the time to build up gradually to doing more sessions a week is a much better method than jumping straight from the couch to 5 times a week. That is just asking for injury.

It is much better to build up slowly and let your body accustom itself to the distances than trying to power it out over just a few weeks. Twelve weeks is a good training period for working towards a half marathon if you can already do10km quite comfortably.

There are some basic types of sessions all programs should include. But a basic program should have a minimum of 3 training sessions per week, but preferably 4-5. If you have been running for a while, you always pick a more intensive program.

The first is interval training at least once a week. Interval training involves running at faster than race pace for a short period of time and then recovering in between with light jogging or walking. The alternating between high intensity training and recovery helps develop your overall speed and strengthen your muscles.

Do some 10-12kms of easy runs. This is the second type of session. The pace should be slower than your pace in a race. This will help you maintain your technique when you become tired. Also, it trains your body to convert energy over longer periods of time. If possible try to do two or three of these a week.

The final session is a great Saturday or Sunday morning activity. It is one long run working up from 12km to 18kms. If you have a specific time in mind that you want to complete the race in, try to jog for at least that time. You won't end up doing the same distance as you will be going slower, but at least you will be used to running for that long. Remember that it should be a comfortable pace, extending the distance a bit further each time.

Recovery is an important aspect of the training program. Let your body adapt by resting in between sessions. For the middle distance runs if you are keeping your heart rate in the aerobic zone and not relying on anaerobic energy production, then you won't need as much recovery and can do them on consecutive days. The interval training sessions should be well into your anaerobic zone, and will be damaging the muscles in order for them to build up stronger. When working in rest days, the best times would be after the interval training and then after your long run if you are having two days off. This means that more recovery is required so your body can heal and process. You will perform much better for allowing it to do so.

The final aspect of a training program you should keep in mind is your nutrition. As a competitive runner there is a big advantage in losing some of your excess weight. However, you also need to keep your energy levels up. So if you are putting in all this effort to get up and train, it is worth making the most of it by feeding your body plenty of nutritious food to give it energy, but try laying off some of the junk food so it doesn't have to lug around more weight than necessary. Remember to be sensible and keep things in perspective.

The better your training before hand, the more fun you will have on the day. So give yourself the best possible start and plan your training well.




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