Enough base for a HM? (Read 693 times)

I guess I just need some opinions about whether I have enough base mileage to handle a HM. It isn't scheduled until December and I should have around 500 miles under foot by then. I've done 2 5ks, a 10k, and a 10 mile run to this point. Looks like I'll probably do another 5k and 10k in the months before the half. Don't know why I'm suddenly unsure about my prep, but I am. I'm not looking to win the half, just finish in something around 2:10. Input?

Thanks, runningwild. With the schedule I'm on to prep for the half, I'll be running 25-30 mpw in the last month and a half before the HM. I'm trying to not add too much, too fast, but I agree that my mpw needs to be higher. I have never run before I started in April, so I'm wide open to suggestions.

That makes me feel a bit better, thanks. Looking at your log, it appears you had between 500 and 600 base miles, too, when you ran your half in April. Thanks for the encouragement.

Take a trip back in my log to March 2007. Look at my mileage before that half. I wouldn't recommend it but it can be done.

Same thing for me prior to September 2007. I'll recommend anything, but I'm not exactly of sound mind. Good luck.

I had to look back, but you're right about where I was when I did my first half last year. It can be done, and 2hrs is possible. Be smart, and go for consistency, run as often as you can. That helped me a TON for my second one. That said, I wish I would've waited a bit longer to start going for the longer races. If I could do it all over again, I'd focus on getting faster at the short distances before moving on to the long races. Again, if you're going to do it, don't get too hung up on weekly mileage, try to run most every day. The mileage will naturally follow.

Thanks, Simon. My long run the week before the HM will be a 12 miler.

I personally think you should hold off and get your mileage up a little bit more unless you are going to run the HM as a training run, and if thats the case, just hit the back of the pace, chuk your distance and enjoy the training.....

The emphasized part is the plan. As I said in the OP, not trying to win, just looking to hit somewhere around a consistent 10 m/m pace. Basically a long run that happens to be a HM.