3 Half Marathons in 3 weeks

[Runwayqueen]

I've just been offered a chance to do Cardiff half but I already have Royal parks half and possibly another one the following week (I hadn't planned on entering till late just incase I wasn't fit enough). I'm up to 9 miles. I try to run 2 club sessions a week, a small tempo run by myself, a longer run and 1 or 2 weights sessions. I can't always do it because of the way mine and dp's shifts fall but so far it's going ok and I'm seeing my stamina improve (albeit slowly). But really am I taking on too much?

I'd absolutely love to run Cardiff but royal parks was always my dream Half and I worry I could be jepodising it by doing Cardiff. I've done 2 halfs but didn't train as I am doing now and basically winged it.

So conflicted, it really is a fabulous opportunity and I really want to take it knowing I don't have to do the 3rd half (local event, won't sell out). Is it doable though?

How long have you been running for?
What's your average weekly mileage?
And what is your pace?

Sorry - I wouldn't risk it unless you are seasoned runner and are doing at least 30 miles a week average.
Or do one very gently as a long training run and race the next one.

Thanks for your reply. I had considered treating Cardiff as a normal run and then run royal parks at race pace. I certainly don't think I could do both at race pace. I ran 9 at race pace last Saturday and averaged 10.30 per mile, not fast but better than the 12.30 I averaged on my first half. Hills and speed work are helping. All my miles on that run were in the 10 minute range too so I'm seeing more consistency over a distance.

I've been running properly again for 17 months having not run seriously since uni. Average running miles are between 15/20 a week, with the same being done on the exercise bike.

I don't think I would if I were you.
It's a long time to be on your feet. And miles between 10 and 13 are always really tough in my experience.

But only you know your own body.
I know people say that it takes more out of you when you are a fast runner - but in my experience - is the amount of time on my feet that gets me, and you need to factor in the time getting there and then getting home again.

Cardiff next year??

I really appreciate your honesty, thank you.

Cardiff next year

Id have a go! Go on! You can pullback on pace if needs be.

Run walk it?

I did two in 4 weeks and it was tough. Not enough time for my body to recover and build up again.

I run half distances weekly. But at easy full marathon pace, not competitive half pace. I think it's doable for you. But I'd be switching some of those bike miles for foot miles - you need to get your feet impact-proof.

I am doing two halves in a week but know the first one I am going to take it easy and enjoy the atmosphere (Great North run) and almost see it as a last long run for the half the week after

Could you walk them? If your body would walk 13 miles 3 times in 3 weeks I'd have a go.

You will always wonder otherwise.

And consider a run:walk split. It's revolutionised my long running. I run 9 mins, walk 1 min.