I Have a Question for the Sub-1:13:00 Half Marathoners on here

I haven't run a half marathon yet, and probably would not break 1:13, but I'm not too far off that shape. With that said, if this is your first half marathon, I would go with a negative split. It is much easier mentally, and, again, assuming this is your first one, you'll be less likely to blow up if you go out conservatively.

5:30/mile and hold on. Neg split.

The closest I can come is a 54:45 10 miler (pretty much 1:13 pace). Negative splitting seems to be the best way to go. I started that run around 5:40 pace and was hitting 5:15s or so by the end. Give your body a few miles to get into a good groove, and if everything goes right, you should be able to start really rolling by the time you hit 5 or 6 miles.

I've never run sub-73 (74-low was the closest) so ignore my input if you like.

I don't think I've ever managed to negative split a half, and I don't know why that is. I've negative split every other race distance at least some of the time (even 800 and the marathon, although only once for each), so thinking about this, it strikes me as a little odd.

However, the distance isn't the same as the full marathon, where trying to "bank time" in the first half is sure suicide. In my case, the splits have gotten a little slower toward the end, generally, when I've opened with roughly what I expected to run or maybe 2-5s/mile faster. I wonder how much of a difference it would make to open more conservatively, which I always do in shorter road races.

I've run 1:09. I personally would rather race even splits throughout the race, from the start. But then again, never had any luck running negative split races, unless it's the marathon distance. 1/2 marathon I typically run even, shorter races probably go out a little faster and the marathon negative.

Mine was a flat as a pancake out and back course. I went 1:12:57 (36:30/36:27).

I think that I was in better shape than that at the time, a guy that I usually beat ran sub 1:09 at Las Vegas on the downhill course

Many years ago when I was YoungXCguy, I ran 1:12:08 in the Philadelphia half. The course is mostly flat. I got in a pack with guys going at 5:30 pace, and just kept clicking off the miles. It was one of those days when everything just fell into place.

Elaphantitis wrote:

What's the best way to run the 1/2 marathon? By negative splitting, running even pace, or positive splitting?

Please advise!! I'd like to run Miami in 1:12:00 or under

I would agree with the previous posters who said even splits is the best way in theory. The reality is getting in a good group going close to your pace would be much easier than basically time trialing it. I happened to check the Miami results and there were a few guys the last two years about the pace you want to run but fairly sparse considering the field size. There is a slim chance I'll be toeing the line for that one but if I do I'll be shooting for 1:17. I have run 1:12:30 a long time ago in my first half but with heavy positive splits. Since then, I've found it easier to have a rough goal pace in mind and once the race gets sorted out, get in with a group.

even splits for the first 10 then try to pick it up the last 5k. i went 1:11 in nov and thats how i felt it was the best wasy... though it all depends on how you do workouts. if you generally do even splits go for that, but if you normally go negitive the whole way i would say go for that.

I ran my first half marathon with a negative split and have never gone back. I started 5:30 pace for the first 5 miles and then dropped the pace to 5:20's and then 5:10's. It felt good.

After that I started faster and still negative split but only by 10-20 seconds or so it was practically an even split.

Every PR except the 10k has come from negative splitting.

I have run quite a few 1/2 marathons in the range you are talking about and ones that seemed the easiest were the ones where I was in a pack racing. If the pace in the pack changes make sure you stay within your capabilities, there is nothing worse than bonking in a 1/2 marathon.

good luck

on downhill short courses

you know better Billy

You 2 guard homo's need to get along as neither of you can break 1:14, this thread is about sub 1:13!

So, If I had run 1:13:04, I would be inadequate at answering this question?

The OP has a question for the "sub 1:13 half marathoner," so yes, you would be inadequate at answering their question.

The OP has a question for the "sub 1:13 half marathoner," so yes, you would be inadequate at answering their question.

Thank you all for the replies. I'm still trying to figure out, though, why everyone (between 1:10 and 1:13) at the Miami Half marathon ran such ridiculous positive splits last year. As you can see below, at 10k they were all at 1:10 pace or well under. Yet, they finished about THREE minutes slower than that.

10k split, 1/2 marathon pace based on 10k split, actual finish time

31:27(1:06:21 pace) 1:10:24

33:07(1:09:52 pace) 1:11:44

32:43(1:09:02 pace) 1:11:54

32:46(1:09:07 pace) 1:12:05

33:09(1:09:56 pace) 1:12:19

33:42(1:10:05 pace) 1:12:50

Not sure where they are on the course, but I know there are a couple large causeways (FL version of hills) that could explain some of the differences in the opening 10k and back half of the course. Check the course map.

Also, could have gotten considerably warmer towards the latter part of the race as often happens this time of year down here.

Could be one the other, a combo of the two or just a bunch of guys going out a bit too hard.

Either way, best of luck.