***** Waving Shell !! ******* You will love this group, lots of great and talented runners to share advice.... Enjoy your Journey!

Thanks so much! I'm really looking forward to being a part of this 1/2 marathon community! From what I've read so far, there's LOTS of good info. here! I agree that there are too many factors to really call it... weather is a BIG deal here in FL. I've upped my mileage (and intensity of training) quite a bit since my 10K last October and have even run a faster 10K during training runs... it's also A LOT cooler now. I think I'm going to stick with the 2 hour goal. If I run it faster so be it and if something happens to where I need to run it slower, so be it. It is my first one, afterall! Enjoyment is key, right?!?

Hi, Shell! Sorry it took me a while to see your question. Your question was interesting to me because my goals were so similar to yours: I wanted to break two hours and thought I was running too fast at the outset of my half. I knew I should be running 9-minute miles but was closer to 8:45 and 8:30s . . . but some race days are good like that. I ended up with my 1:50. Train like a bear--run lots of race-pace tempo runs (okay, not lots; don't injure yourself, but teach your body how to run that pace)--and if you have time, stretch out your long runs. What pace to run your tempos? I wouldn't be legalistic about it--run them between 9:10 and 8:24. The important thing is to teach your body to sustain that pace without too much effort, for six to eight miles. If you can do that on training day, you'll know a lot about what you can expect on race day. I took two Gus in my last half, one at mile 5, one at mile 10. I know your training is so different from ours because you have to squeeze in your biking and swimming, but do try to get your speedwork in if you intend to race this one. And then, pray for good weather. Which race are you running? I'm going to be in your corner of the woods on March 1 running my first marathon . . . I'm scared out of my mind!

You guys rock... Thanks again! MrPH... I would looove to be able to get in more mileage. I love training for the run more than either of the other two tri elements. Unfortunately, with tri season looming only 2 months out, it's nearly impossible right now. This year, however, I have vowed to cut my tri season short (mid-summer) and start training for my first marathon this fall (Philly). I imagine the mileage will make quite a jump! Vixi... thank you so much for your support. You and MrPH both mentioned the importance of practicing race pace. Will definitely look into that. You know that I'll be PRAYING for good weather. I keep wishing that this cold stuff that we're having now would carry on to Feb 15th. I would LOVE that! I'm running the Sarasota 1/2 Marathon- Feb 15th. You are probably running the Gasparilla Distance Classic, right? I hear that's a really nice race! I 'almost' opted to do that race as my first 1/2, but ended up signing up for a 60-mile cycling event on that date instead. I love Gasp. Distance Classic logo! They should have great t-shirts! Good luck to you! Can't wait to read your race report!

Boy, you keep a stacked racing schedule, don't ya! No wonder you can't slack on your tri training! Maybe I"d be in better shape if I cross trained too . . . first marathon this fall, huh? Can't wait to follow your training!

LOL! Ya know what all of this cross-training gets me? Very tired legs... My long run yesterday was wicked tough over the last 2 miles or so. I feel amazing cardiorespiratory wise, but my legs just start to fail me. It's unnerving to say the least as I'm beginning to get worried that I'll feel this way during the 1/2... only earlier in the race! *gulp* This week I am attempting a new strategy just to see if it affects next weekend's long run. I'm cutting out cycling completely and doing absolutely no lower body weight training. The only thing going on this week will be running, swimming and core work. I also think that I may be timing some of my strength running (like this past week's hill work) too close to my long run. Something to think about once this 1/2 marathon is over and done with. I think I mentioned in my original post that I've been working with a runner-trainer from my gym and she's been compiling my workouts for me. For my next go-round, I'll be attempting to do things on my own with the advice from RA and from some print sources. Keeping my fingers crossed that with a little trial and error, things will get better all around.

Shell, A couple of things I would suggest. You're doing too many hard workouts while trying to get the mileage up. This brings up the 2nd piece, you need to start tapering. Most workouts that I see is that you start to taper two weeks before the half, but in your case since you are training for tris, your workouts are more intense. So here is what I would suggest. Start tapering a bit this week, no hard workouts, no strength training (you've either got it by now or you don't). By tapering a bit this week, you can rest up and try for the 13.1 this weekend which would be two weeks before your race. Then you need to taper for the next two weeks. Do you have a schedule with recommended tapering for a half? If not ask and we'll get some plans to you. Personally, at this point, I wouldn't worry so much if you actually run 13.1 this weekend or not. Looking at your log, you did 12.5 and that is enough to get you through a HM providing you run a smart race and you are well rested. As you said, you had no problem with the Cardio, so it's all in the legs. They need to learn to take the pounding that comes with the distance, but as I said, you are there, so don't kill yourself this weekend. If you feel good, then run it if not, don't be afraid to cut it short. Then taper/taper/taper, your legs need to be rested for the race. I know you have other race experience under your belt (tris etc) so you also know about the adrenelin rush you'll have on race day that will also help carry you through. Just don't try to overdue it on race day, make sure you're rested, have the nutrients you need, and hopefully you've plan for the right nutrients for your needs for during the race. So don't worry, you're right there and you'll do fine. Larry

You certainly seem to have a good handle on everything, your expereince with Tris and your training for the HM will carry you through no problem as long as you run smart. I'll have to check a book I have at home for a tapering plan to suggest to you. Larry