The accidental half marathon...

[pichincha]

So I have just found out that I have signed up, accidentally (long story), to a half marathon. It's in, cough, two and a half weeks.

I have a reasonable fitness baseline (cycling and the odd run - 7k, comfortable, to 10k - uncomfortable with a bit of walking). Have run a marathon and a couple of halfs in the past, with proper training and pre-children.

Those with running nous - what training? I was thinking a couple of shorter runs, a 12k this weekend, some hill sprints early next week plus a shorter run or two, and then a 10 miler next weekend followed by a taper. Yikes. Advice, please...

[runnervt]

Sounds a reasonable plan. I probably wouldn't bother with the hill sprints as I'm not sure they'll help you with the distance that much. I think you need to take out pretty easy so you don't injure yourself.

[pichincha]

Thanks - yes. And I'm sure I can make the distance - the battle is not trying to do it fast and be all competitive and injury-prone...

[ProfPlumSpeaking]

I wouldn't do the 10 miler. I would do more hill sprints. There is lots of evidence now that interval training prepares you better and is less likely to result in injury. Running 10 miles only 7-10 days before is likely only to deplete your resources.

Good luck and be grateful it wan;t a marathon!

[brainwashed]

I really want to know how you accidently sign up for something.....so the rest of us can avoid the same mistake!

[CMOTDibbler]

Last year I went out for lunch, and came out signed up for a half - the restaurant owner talked me into it!

[yankeecandlebabypowder]

accidental!? LOL!!! How did that happen!! Were you pissed!?

[pichincha]

No, not pissed! Although that might have been a better excuse. I decided to sign up a few weeks ago in a mad moment, only to find it was already full. Mentioned it to a friend, who said that she had another friend who had a place, but was injured - and if she didn't get better, did I want her place? Foolishly said yes. Even more foolishly forgot all about it. And then ended up being given the place with just over two weeks to go... Short answer is never tell anyone about your crazy plans.

I've been manic with work so the last week hasn't been used wisely, although I managed 15k on Sunday so now not so worried about it. My word, it's going to hurt, though...

[Serpico949]

I just did the same thing! I was signing up for the second half marathon in a series which is June 8th. When it told me I was on a wait list I thought it was strange. Come to find out I signed up for the first half marathon in the series which is April 6th. Oops! Of course it's non-refundable. So, I guess I'm running it! I've been mountain biking and just did 6.8 mile run last weekend and I feel good. So what's another 6.5 miles on top of that.