Half marathon under 2 hours

28 replies

Travelisfun · 30/03/2023 15:09

I completed my first half marathon in December in 2 hours 29. Since then I have been doing around 3 4km runs (speed of 5.30/km) a week with the occasional 6/10km run.
I went on a 7km run today in just under 42 minutes (6 minutes/km). I have signed up to another half marathon in 10 weeks. Do you think it would be possible to get under 2 hours given how long it took me the first time?
I am unsure if I am being unrealistic with my goal!
Thank you :)

OP posts:

xsquared · 30/03/2023 15:20

If you train well, yes.

You can manage 5:30m/km for 4k and you 5:41m/km ish for a half.

Moveforward · 30/03/2023 15:19

I was capable of a 2hr half on my first attempt but went out too fast and did a 10 mile pb, then just hit some sort of wall and ended up limping over in 2.33.

So be very careful of that on the day.

Also, my inexperience showed as I'd never run more than 10 miles before. So, I'd recommend increasing a weekly long run by a mile each week to 15 miles before tapering for the half. Not sure whether that's possible on your current schedule. Don't increase any more as injuries are more common.once start to increase.

My second half I did in 2 hours having run up to 17 in training, before tapering for the race.

Personally I'd not get too fixated on a time but do your best regroup after, and apply for another. It's fab exercise and you'll get there if keep on training and avoid injury!

Good luck.

seperatedmum · 30/03/2023 15:19

It took me approximately 3 years to knock 15 seconds off my HM PB to go sub-2 looking at strava and this was when I was cross training loads and club running across the week speed work etc etc so unless the conditions are completely opposite say very boggy muddy trail in December and track in ten weeks and you've turned into a beast then I wouldn't expect to go sub 2 but maybe you'll surprise us? beast mode on! 👊🏽

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