If you include last week, then I’ve got sixteen weeks until my Half in September, which seems like loads of time. But it’s a big ask, this attempt to get faster.
When I really got into running around ten, eleven years ago my half marathon time went from 2:23 to 1:56 between 2014 and 2015. Over the last couple of years when I’ve done a few more marathons, my half time has generally stayed slow, and I was lucky if I got under 2:30. Getting older sucks sometimes.
With a bit of extra work especially before the Liverpool half, it is now in the late teens – or has been the last couple of times, so I would really love to take it down by at least ten minutes for the next try. I haven’t got a specific plan in mind, other than to do some sort of hill work most weeks, and either an interval or a threshold workout most weeks. Plus, weights twice a week on most weeks.
I keep saying ‘most’ weeks because I need to build my excuses in early, but the intention is there. I guess I also need to do long runs too, but for now that can be every fortnight or so.
As I said in my last blog, I do still need a new pair of neutral long-lasting shoes, alongside my hot pink Hyperions, and as the nearest proper running shop is in Wilmslow now, I may have to resort to the on-line route. Not sure how you’re supposed to try them out though, as my house isn’t very big.
My first two weeks have started off okay. I’m off to Valencia this coming weekend, so I can’t see Week Three panning out quite as well, but I’ll try not to be broken-hearted.
Week One
| Mon | 40 mins weights and mobility |
| Tue | Tail running for a 6-mile trail race – so a nice conversational pace. |
| Wed | |
| Thu | 12 x 100 metre repeats |
| Fri | 40 mins weights and mobility |
| Sat | Jog to parkrun, slightly faster jog at parkrun, and post bacon butty jog, totalled nearly 9 miles |
| Sun | 5 x 30 second hill sprints with slow jog down recovery – hopping on the spot at the end |
| 24 miles total |
Week Two
| Mon | 40 mins weights and mobility |
| Tue | 7-mile handicap but I was running with someone a bit slower, so not an effort. |
| Wed | A 5K to try out my new hot pink trainers – neither slow nor fast so probably not good – plus a bit of hopping at the end. |
| Thu | 40 mins weights and mobility |
| Fri | 5 x 30 second hill sprints with slow jog down recovery – again with the hopping (8x each leg) |
| Sat | A threshold effort at parkrun |
| Sun | A very slow not-long run – just over a 10k. On very tired legs. |
| 23.5 miles total |
theleadlesspencil 
good stuff. I’m starting getting my life organized enough to just train…..my dad passed away a week ago, and for the first time in probably 3 years I had a week that was almost normal….and of course I’m watching the live feed of a T100 triathlon in Vancouver and I’m thinking way too far ahead
Oh that is very sad news Warren. I hope he died peacefully. You sound a lot more committed to your craft than me, but take your time and give yourself a little grace for a period.
Most importantly, enjoy Valencia and try not to worry about the running for a week.
Training sounds like it’s going well. I will subscribe and watch with interest!
Thank you. I just need to stay consistent 🤞