6 X 1 mile repeats -- avg 5:39/5:40 -- half-marathon race coming up

I think if you can provide any info at all about any tempo/LT runs you've done would be very helpful. Based on the workout and your 5k PR, I would ballpark your half marathon potential to be somewhere around 1:22 +/- depending on some other parameters. I think your endurance is there, and getting down to sub 6:07 pace is tough but doable based on your PR.

if it's your first half, just race it competitively and don't worry about time! Your 2nd half can be where a certain goal can be put on the table.

I would ballpark you at 17:10/36:20/1:21 shape, but you'll certainly have a shot at it. Good luck!

Thanks, Jgosali1!

My most recent tempos were (1) 11k at 6:02/mile pace and (2) 15k at 6:08/mile pace. Admittedly, I was pushing a little more than I should have for a tempo effort on both runs, but wasn't going all out.

I can do that workout and ran 1:15 for a half but that workout was fairly relaxed kind of hard. Why do mile repeats for a half marathon? Tempo seems like a better gauge as to where you’re at

With those mile repeat times, I think you might be able to go 1:18. Your main issue is lacking seasons and seasons of distance training. You might not be able to keep pace for over 13 miles as a result. But those repeats are faster than I run and I've completed several sub 1:20 halfs. My two cents.

brain paint wrote:

With those mile repeat times, I think you might be able to go 1:18. Your main issue is lacking seasons and seasons of distance training. You might not be able to keep pace for over 13 miles as a result. But those repeats are faster than I run and I've completed several sub 1:20 halfs. My two cents.

-I agree with this. I was looking back to when I ran a 1:19:00

-I ran 6x1mi (60 sec rest) 12 days out, and averaged 6:02/mi

-I was averaging about 55 mi/week and ran a 14 mi @ 7min/mi 2 days before the workout

I would think you should be able to go out around 5:50s...

jgc551Tashacole5 wrote:

-I'm 29 and am new to running as of November 2018.

Be gone, time traveling demon!!

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I really appreciateit.

Also, thanks Raysism for the catch -- I meant to write Novermber 2017.

Jeff

Ez Marz wrote:

brain paint wrote:

With those mile repeat times, I think you might be able to go 1:18. Your main issue is lacking seasons and seasons of distance training. You might not be able to keep pace for over 13 miles as a result. But those repeats are faster than I run and I've completed several sub 1:20 halfs. My two cents.

-I agree with this. I was looking back to when I ran a 1:19:00

-I ran 6x1mi (60 sec rest) 12 days out, and averaged 6:02/mi

-I was averaging about 55 mi/week and ran a 14 mi @ 7min/mi 2 days before the workout

I would think you should be able to go out around 5:50s...

You ran your mile reps like a p#ssy. Which is okay, there is a time and place for that, but it doesn't mean that people should put much stock into your anecdote.

jgc551Tashacole5 wrote:

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I really appreciateit.

Also, thanks Raysism for the catch -- I meant to write Novermber 2017.

Jeff

In all seriousness, I feel like you are definitely ready to run sub-1:20. I ran 1:22 earlier this year, and am in much better shape now (recent race times of 17:35 and 37:00 -- hoping to get near 1:20 this fall), and there's no way I could do that 6 x mile workout... The only thing working against you is your inexperience, but I think if you start conservatively, you'll be okay.

jgc551Tashacole5 wrote:

12 X 800m

Some 1500m runners do two or more 800s at 1500m pace. Marathoners on letsrun often do 800s at Marathon pace. Since out of college and 100% in control of my training, I only do 800s @ 3000m race pace. Details please regarding your 12 x 800m workouts.

I would target 1:18. I often find myself doing mile repeats in the 5:40s and 5:30s and then running 1:16-17, but with more overall mileage and frequent 5M TMill tempos and hard last ten of a 20 miler. I've been training with limited hard efforts of 400-mile, but coming a lot closer to HM and M pace in workouts and can sustain those paces well.

Ironside -- I usually average 2:42-2:44 on the 800m repeats.

That's with 60 seconds rest on the 12X800

jgc551Tashacole5 wrote:

I am curious to know if a sub 1:20 half in three weeks is a reasonable goal based on my fitness.

Yeah I would say to aim for 1:19 or so pace based on the information given. once you get to 9 or so miles you can try to hammer the last 4 if you are still feeling ok. Also if you are still over 2 weeks out try 4x2mi with 3-5min rec, what you can average for that you can average for the half.

(ref I ran a 1:18 last spring)

- RunnerSam

I would say yes to sub-1:20 unless your long runs/long tempos are really lacking. Can you do 2 x 3 miles or 2 x 4 or 5 miles at 6:00 pace. A 10 miler in 60? Or 8 @ 6:00 pace?

I ran 1:16 after averaging a little quicker for 8 x mile w./ 1:00 standing rests. I think I might have been able to go quicker given some of my other workouts but I would think 6 x mile @ 5:40 gets you sub-1:20 if the rest of the training adds up.

I think your 5k could be faster given this workout as well. If it didn't feel all out, you should think about 6:00/mile pace.

I did a similar workout shortly before my first half (~race pace, was aiming for 1:15). Ended up running 1:13 low. Good luck!

1:17:56

I'm going to say No. Based on 17:41 a little over a month ago, I'd say you probably raced your workout to prove how fast you could go. Running less than a year with a shallow distance base, I would be surprised if you have the stamina to hold the pace for 13 miles. You said you were pushing 11/15k tempos at essentially your goal pace. You'll need to hold that for the last miles without fading. I think you'll get close but fall a bit short.