For awhile now, I’ve had my eye on a half marathon that’s coming up in March. I’m not going to tell you about which race it is, or anything like that, because I don’t want to get my hopes up for it. I’ve been thinking about running it for awhile, but given my (perpetual) injured status, I’ve just been quietly thinking about it. Wishing and hoping, but certainly not planning.
A few weeks ago, I told my Physical Therapist about the race. I told her that I wanted to run a half marathon in March. Given my slow progress, I told my PT that I thought a half-marathon probably wouldn’t be possible.
She said, “Well, could you make it a run/walk thing?”
I hadn’t thought of that! I paused for a second, before responding. “I guess so,” I said.
She gave me her blessing to complete a half IF I make it a run/walk thing.
Now, since that conversation, I’ve continued wishing and hoping as before, but haven’t made any plans. I’ve still been following my Physical Therapist’s instructions for recovery, with no real plans of running this race.
But, now I’m realizing: The race is in 10 weeks. So, if I want the race to be a possibility, I’ve got to start planning and training.
The problem is, I have no idea how to train for a run/walk thing. I mean, it certainly doesn’t make much sense to do speedwork for a half marathon that you’re going to walk in, right? So the FIRST plan I wrote about earlier this week really won’t work in this circumstance.
Then, brilliance struck, and I realized that there are probably TONS of run-walk half marathon training plans out there. I Googled, and found some.
There were just two problems with the plans I found:
1) They’re typically 16-week plans, whereas I have 10 weeks to prep.
2) They’re made for non-runners who are just trying to finish a race. They’re not intended for a runner recovering from an injury who is simultaneously trying to finish a race and get back to steady running.
So, I put my thinking cap on and came up with my own plan.
Here is my self-created plan:
The main thing for me is that I KNOW I’m going to have to be strict with myself about truly making this a run/walk thing. Right now, I’m thinking of trying to run/walk the half with a ratio of 3 minutes running to 1 minute walking. I’m also hoping to be able to run 30 minutes steady 2 weeks from now. But we will see. I’m willing to adjust this schedule as needed. If I’m feeling good and recovering well, I might start doing the longer training runs with 4 minutes of running to 1 minute of walking. Or, if progress is slow, maybe I’ll stick with 2 minutes of running to 1 minute of walking, rather than increasing my running. Either way, I’m going to be okay with it. I’m going to have this as a loose “plan” with complete openness to adjusting it along the way. I also am going to go into the race with clear rules about when I’ll be running and when I’ll be walking. And I will not break these rules. Promise. I also don’t plan on signing up for the race until we’re much closer to the date.
So, let’s see how things go!
Any thoughts on this self-made plan? Have you ever done a run/walk thing at a race?
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Falon
January 8, 2013 at 9:56 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
In “marathoning for mortals” they give run/walk plans for a half and a full. I think this is similar since it is written by the same folks. http://www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/pdf/train_halfrunwalk.pdf
Tasha @ Healthy Diva
January 9, 2013 at 7:02 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Looks like a good plan to me! I have never trained to run/walk a race, but a lot of people do. If it means you can run the 1/2 marathon in March go for it.
Ali Mc
January 9, 2013 at 8:06 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Argh!!! I totally feel you. I have this on going pain in my hip/groin. Injuries are no fun at all. Right now my foot has been KILLING me during and after runs. I think it might be PF….but I have to get my ass into the PT.
I think you can do wonderful things with a walk/run plan. I’ve even seen people PR that way. It sounds like a great way to get yourself back into training
I’m happy for you!!!!!
Lauren
January 9, 2013 at 9:21 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
What half are you planning on run/walking? I know you will be a very responsible run/walker
runfundone
January 9, 2013 at 6:29 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Ha! Thanks! I will try to be a responsible run/walker!
Abby @ Change of Pace
January 9, 2013 at 12:33 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
This is really exciting news! And it looks like a smart plan.
Injuries are seriously the worst. I think the most frustrating thing is not knowing if you’re risking further injury for small reward.
I hope all goes well for you!
runfundone
January 9, 2013 at 6:29 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Exactly! I want to keep living and doing active things, but I always wonder, “Will this set back my recovery?”
Amanda @RunToTheFinish
January 9, 2013 at 2:39 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
what a smart PT, not saying no! I haven’t ever done a run/walk because i am always afraid once I start walking I won’t stop
but I would certainly be game if it got me going again from an injury
runfundone
January 9, 2013 at 6:28 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I hear ya! I’ve always been in the no-walking mindset! I know it will be a challenge to make myself walk, but I’m going to do it! No more injuries for me!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
January 9, 2013 at 8:07 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I did do the run/walk thing for one race (run a mile/walk a minute) and for me, it was more of a mental thing. It was hard for me to stop running and then start again. But I think it’s different for every person and know that it’s worked well for lot of people. Your plan looks great!
Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
January 10, 2013 at 4:55 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I think that you can definitely do it!! I was thinking of signing up for a half marathon at the end of this month!! I haven’t been officially training, so I wouldn’t be going for a PR or anything, but I think I might be able to do it anyways!