12 weeks to the starting line – I’m running a half marathon
19.7.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Back to basics is my motto for the next three months. After taking a break of several years, I want to run a half marathon again. Interested in how I’m preparing and training for it and which products I’m using to help me reach my goal? Then this series of articles is for you.
I like running. I’ll typically go two to three times a week and do around 10 kilometres, depending on how much time I have, my desire and mood. Running has been a welcome balance to all the water sports I do, as well as good base training.
A few years ago, I had run a few half marathons. For the most part, I did so rather spontaneously without any special preparation. At the time, running the 21.1 kilometres took me between 1:37 and 1:44 hours. I’ve also stumbled across the finish line of a trail running half marathon only to learn I’d finished first in my age group – to my great surprise. However, that was more than ten years ago. Back then, I was younger and faster – and trail running wasn’t yet so trendy, so the number of participants was much smaller than at today’s races.
Trail running brought about the motivation for longer distances
Since March of this year, I’ve had running fever again. How’d it start? It was at a workshop with trainer Nathalie von Däniken from Up2Peak that I got infected. Since then, I’ve participated in several trail running training sessions in central Switzerland. Each time, I was thrilled by the winding trails, the beautiful views, and the fun I had running over hill and dale, uphill and down.
Source: Up2Peak
I quickly realised that I wanted to run further distances in the mountains. And if I want to participate in a longer trail run of around 40 to 50 kilometres, I need to significantly improve my running skills and basic endurance. Simply running «whenever I feel like it» won’t cut it. So, I decided to use the half marathon as a first step and prepare specifically for the 21.1-kilometre distance. And since I live near Lake Hallwil, the half-marathon taking place right in my backyard was the obvious choice.
Running with a training plan on my wrist
On the Friday that I signed up, there were exactly three months left until the half marathon. And because I want to get away from my «whenever I feel like it» training philosophy, I downloaded a free training plan on my Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. Conveniently, it features a plan that should prepare you to run a half marathon in under two hours in 12 to 14 weeks. Perfect.
The plan started with a benchmark run. I was supposed to «run strong» for five minutes. What exactly it means to «run strong» wasn’t explained in more detail. I just assumed that I should run briskly but not go full throttle. My result? A pace of 4:28 minutes per kilometre. For real runners, that’s certainly a snail’s pace, but for me, it’s a good way to know where I stand.
Easy jogging for a fast race
I’ll be training four times a week from now until the half marathon on 14 October. So far, I’ve been relying on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 on the roads around Lake Hallwil, but I’ll be testing other shoes soon to see if I can improve my pace, comfort and performance. On the trails, I’ve been wearing the Asics Trabuco, which give me good grip on slippery terrain. But again, I’ll be testing other models to see what works best for me. I’m already testing the lightweight Dynafit Alpine Wind Jacket – detailed review to come.
Initial easy training sessions require a change of mindset
So far, I’ve had two «easy» training sessions – each with a goal pace of 6:07 to 6:44 minutes per kilometre. This was very slow for my taste, but following a training plan also means following the instructions. For the record, I enjoy running both fast and slowly. If I now get to experience the running adage «run slow to run fast» first-hand, all the better.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be testing other shoes, additional gear like hydration packs as well as training and recovery aids (like compression socks). Three months is a long time, but if everything goes well, I’ll be able to finish the run in under two hours on 14 October – and feel ready to tackle the next steps on the road to a longer trail running adventure. Stay tuned!
Header image: Stefan Munsch
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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