Run a Half Marathon in under 1:30
by alex
Running Journey Overview
Follow this step-by-step running journey to see real progress updates, challenges overcome, and practical experience.
Progress Updates (5 total)
Update #1: Run a Half Marathon in under 1:30
Run the B.A.A. Half Marathon in under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Challenges Overcome: I have been running since December. I ran my first race, the B.A.A. 10k, in 44:48 in June. I decided the next great running challenge will be the half marathon! I signed up for the B.A.A. Half Marathon which will take place on Nov 10.
Update #2: Learning Balance!
15% completeI have been working on incorporating my martial arts training and some strength training into my running. I’ve been running around 12 miles per week during this time and doing this is 2-3 runs per week. I have been trying to focus on having a big run on Sundays and have enjoyed that. I think my next big step is to incorporate more smaller runs into my schedule so I am running 3-4 times and about 20 miles per week.
Update #3: First 20(ish) mile week of training!
30% completeI had a great week of training this week. Got in 18.7 miles this week over the course of 4 runs. It’s definitely hard to balance my Martial Arts training and runs, but my improved sleep and diet have aided my ability to do more. I want to keep pushing the mileage as I am 12 weeks out now!
Update #4: Good distractions!
40% completeI have definitely hit a little bit of a road block with training. I have started training Ju Jitsu more and now have begun coaching volleyball again. This has definitely made it harder to train but I have tried to allow myself some lead way on this so that I am not forcing myself to train when there are other things I want to do. During this time I have kept up around 10-12 miles per week. I have started get back into running more now and just put together a 26 mile week! Favorite run was an 8 mile long run. I was able to keep my heart low at a decent pace. Feels good to be back to running. I think I haven’t made improvements since my 10k but I have been able to maintain my conditioning well. I have about 7 weeks left until race day so I will keep pushing towards my goal!
Update #5: Came Up Short but Learned!
75% completeThis was a great race! The course was super hilly but it made it very fun. I feel that I paced it very well and really put out my best effort. I finished with a time of 1:35:52 (according to my watch) and pace of 7:19 per mile. It didn’t hit my initial goal but I think it was a great performance based on my training. If I want to hit to 1:30 mark I need to put in more time and more effort, especially at higher intensity to help increase by speed. I will try to run another half sometime this spring and give it another go!!