73-70minute half improvement

That much of an improvement by June is going to be tough. But given your overall lack of mileage I don't think it's unrealistic to get there by fall if you continue to build.

I dont know what climate you live in, but I live in Florida. And running a half marathon to PR by 3 minutes in June is a tall order from 73 to 70. I agree with the other poster about doing it in the fall. You'll have more time to train. Less risk of injury since your ramping your training in less than 4 months. I think you can definitely break 70 for the half if not this June definitely in the fall, but i think you should consider all factors.

If you really want a big drop at that distance, the obvious way is to ramp up your mileage over 80. How much do you want it?

there's no indication that you will run 70:xx. That's a huge jump in fitness from any of your PRs.

71:xx would be a very good run. I hope you do some tune up races to see if the higher mileage makes you race better across the board.

Reed, you didn't read. Ha. Consistent 73s without any long runs + faster shorter distances + long runs= faster than 73.

I, unlike you, race consistently. That's not a putdown, just fact. I've followed your training, you should be running

Bdubs wrote:

Reed, you didn't read. Ha. Consistent 73s without any long runs + faster shorter distances + long runs= faster than 73.

I, unlike you, race consistently. That's not a putdown, just fact. I've followed your training, you should be running

Your current underdistance doesn't indicate 70:00 is in the cards, so you'll need to get all around better, not just make minor adjustments to your long run. IMO it wasn't hurting you if you were consistently hitting 12-13, anyway. I would keep the training similar but build mileage, maybe 70 mpw or so for this cycle.

P.S. this board can't handle the 'less than' symbol (a bug that has persisted for years).

Bdubs wrote:

Reed, you didn't read. Ha. Consistent 73s without any long runs + faster shorter distances + long runs= faster than 73.

I, unlike you, race consistently. That's not a putdown, just fact. I've followed your training, you should be running

...shots fired!!!

well, i didn't really mean it that way.

We'll have to see how 3 years of consistent mileage pays off with long runs. I've got 4 in, and plan on 6-8 more. I won't get out of the 70s in such a short time, so perhapsdialing in 525-530s is the way to go.

If it doesn't come in good training...force it! Yeah!!! That method works less than 20% of the time.

Sorry but I have to concur with the majority, a tall order indeed. Especially if you mean you're 39 1/2 by "closing in on 40" If only 36/37 not as much a factor. And going into a fall (relatively cooler) race rather than a spring could only help your slim chance. Good luck and do check back in with an update. Like many who lament on here, I hate not knowing the ending...