Race Pace for 1st Marathon
QUESTION: Hal, you talk about doing “race pace” for shorter runs and “easy” for longer runs. I run my 5-milers at 9:20/mile; my 13-milers at 10:00/mile and did my last 18- and 19-mile runs at...
View ArticleRisky 50-K
QUESTION: I'm running Rock and Roll USA in March, and it will be my seventh marathon. But two weeks before, I may want to run a local trail 50-K. Last year I opted not to run the 50-K out of fear that...
View ArticleDiminishing Returns
QUESTION: Back in June, I started training for my third half marathon with hopes of finishing in less than two hours. My previous half marathons were 2:17 and 2:03. I looked at your half marathon...
View ArticleRecovering From Sandy
QUESTION: After training for the past six months and following your novice 1 training program, I was ready to go to New York. Unfortunately, the marathon was cancelled (as it should have been), and I...
View ArticleRain in the Forecast
QUESTION: I am running a marathon on Sunday, and the forecast is for rain with temperatures in the 50’s. How do you dress for five hours of running in the rain with the temperatures that low? HAL’S...
View ArticlePMS: Post Marathon Syndrome
QUESTION: I'm in week 3 of Post Marathon Training, and I've found that I'm about 30-45 seconds- per-mile slower than my normal training pace even though it feels like I'm running as hard as I ran...
View ArticleNew to Racing
QUESTION: I just completed my very first half marathon this past weekend using your Advanced program. My time was 2:26. I had a lot of fun both training for and running the race. I have been running...
View ArticleToo Young For Marathons
QUESTION: What age is too young to train for a marathon? My son is nine, and I told him 5-Ks are okay, but I would prefer nothing further than that at this point. He sees me training and wants to run...
View ArticleToo Fast for a First Race?
QUESTION: I am currently training for my first half marathon and am into Week 9 on The Hal Higdon Intermediate Program. I run my once-a-week long run at 8:30 minutes-per-mile pace, which feels...
View ArticleFinding the Right Shoe
QUESTION: I’m looking for some shoe advice. I overpronate and developed knee problems while running my first marathon in October. A doctor diagnosed this as Runner’s Knee. Currently I run wearing Nike...
View ArticleBack to the Future
QUESTION: Thank you for your Novice 2 Marathon training program. I followed it to a T and ran the California International Marathon this past Sunday with a finish time of 4:23. Some seriously wet and...
View ArticleFinish Line Etiquette
QUESTION: Is there an unspoken rule that says you cannot pass another runner just before the finish line, even if you are in different age groups or different-length races, such as a half marathon and...
View ArticleApril in Paris
QUESTION: I am training for my first marathon: Paris this April. I am using the Intermediate 2 plan. In Week 11, I would like to run a half marathon. Your plan suggests a half at the end of Week 9 and...
View ArticleNatural Stride
QUESTION: When I started running, I used to overstride, landing too far forward, running at about 10:00 per mile. I shortened my stride primarily because of what I read on a running forum and as a way...
View ArticleGetting Mojo Back
QUESTION: I spent almost two years exercising, running marathons and triathlons, losing over 170 pounds. Three months ago, I had an extremely disappointing marathon, my second, and since then my desire...
View ArticleFinding Time for Midweek Workouts
QUESTION: I am about to do my third half marathon; after that, I'd like to take a stab at a marathon. I believe my schedule may finally allow me to properly train for that distance, but my biggest...
View ArticleGetting Pregnant While Running
QUESTION: My husband and I run marathons—always by your book—and each one has been better than the one before. However, it is now time to start a family, and I wonder just how much I can continue to...
View ArticleRunning Inside
QUESTION: As I now live in Bangkok, it is difficult to go outside and train, mainly because of the heat and pollution. I will try to schedule some of the long runs in a park nearby to get a bit of the...
View ArticleStrength Training For Runners
QUESTION: When it comes to strength training for runners, is it better for runners to lift lighter weights with more reps, or a heavier weight with less reps? I've read conflicting answers. HAL’S...
View ArticleCutting Back on Miles
QUESTION: I have been running one year and have completed a 5-K, a 10-K and one half marathon. I am currently running about 40-K (25 miles) a week, with my long runs having just reached 19-K (12...
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