I was wondering if it would be possible to do a sub-90 minute half marathon in 6 weeks after some “layoff” from training? What type of work outs would you do?
Some background info:
Not a lo lot of training in the past months due to a 4 month old. I run 1-3 times a week with 6 miles at the longest. All runs are at 8 minute pace. My PR in the distance is 1:27 and 1:35 in HIM. It would be great if I can have another PR like 1:25 but who am I kidding.
When was your PR relative to now? I have a similar PR, but it is old-old-old and I couldn’t touch it now.
Yeah, if your longest runs in a while are 6 miles or so, you’ll have a difficult time moving the 8 min-miles to beat the 90 min pace in 6-weeks. Just sign up for another one 6 weeks after that.
It is possible, just maybe not probable. I think there is a 40% chance or so that you could do it. You essentially have 4 weeks to build up the miles and intensity and then 2 weeks to recover.
Not a chance.
Depends on how long ago was your half PR. If it was this past fall - I think you could get back into shape in a month. Much longer than that… I think you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
“I was wondering if it would be possible to do a sub-90 minute half marathon in 6 weeks after some “layoff” from training?”
Yes, it’s possible.
The larger question though is, what would be the point?..So you can say “I minimally trained for this race and ran a time way slower than I am capable of, but it was faster than a time I pulled out of my ass 6 weeks ago so I am a success.”? The most likely outcome though would be that you tried to accelerate your training load at a quicker rate than you should and end up injured. I would say this outcome is far more likely than you coming away from the race with a satisfying result.
If breaking 1:25 is a goal, then come up with a realistic plan for doing it and enjoy the process.
Good luck!