I told a friend I would pace her for a half marathon this fall. I have ran maybe 10 miles total in the last 4 months, but have gotten in a couple 2 x 2 mile runs this week around 15-16 minutes. I have been swimming everyday.
She plans on running 10 min miles. I want to do the race comfortably and I think at that pace its doable, but I do want to be prepared. I am not looking for a good time.
Does this sound reasonable. I will still swim once a day, but was hoping this race could be a transition back into triathlon.
Going from almost no running to running 6 days per week, with constantly increasing volume (are you going to do any intensity or will it all be “just running along” type of pace?) seem like a near perfect recipe for getting injured and not being able to do it at all.
Calling it a “mary” will anger the marathon Gods and you will have bad race Karma. The only remedy to which will be the sacrifice of a virgin on the night of the first full moon before the annual running of the Boston Marathon.
With a build up like that, I would be very careful about injury. To go from almost no running to running six days a week and topping out at 42 miles/week plus swimming everyday sounds like you are inviting injury. You may want to consider some “recovery” weeks as well. Back off the mileage every three weeks or so and pick it back up the following week.
It also sounds like you might be struggling to pace your friend for the 1/2. I pacer should be strong and comfortable running the distance at the desired pace. Is that you?
I ran a 1:27 half in February so I am not exactly starting from nothing. I guess pacing was the wrong word. It’s her first race over a 5K and needs some company/encouragement.
I think its a good idea to cut back the mileage around week 4 and 8.