The number one thing I think about after a big race is what is my next BIG goal? I’ve been thinking about what my post marathon goal would be for awhile now and knew I wanted to focus on a shorter distance. The sub 2 half marathon is a pretty common goal for runners and I’ve known for awhile now that I wanted it to be the next thing I tackled.
As you can see, from this picture (finishing 10 miles in about 1:45 chip time), I have a ways to go to get to sub-2. However, I’m really confident that I can do the work and get there. I haven’t yet decided on a training plan or a goal race, but I’m definitely thinking a flat, fast, fall half marathon should do the trick. I know that going sub 2 is a goal that is within reach for me. I think that by focusing on speed and backing off the distance training, it will allow me to really zero in on my pace.
If you google “sub 2 hour half marathon” you get a TON of results. The challenge is filtering through the junk to find a plan that you can stick with. I loved training with the Potomac River Running group this winter and if my budget allows (because y’all! this is a post for another day, but I’m taking Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and WOW. budgets are awesome!), I will train with them again this summer.
Any recommendations for a fast fall half in the DC area? I do realize that flat and DC do not mesh, so don’t let that deter your suggestions! 🙂
You can do it! That’s a great goal and with hard work and determination I know you can do it!
I am always SO overwhelmed at the number of training plans. I tend to pick things in my comfort zone but know that in the fall I need to go big or go home with a plan that’s a little scary 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…It’s My Birthday {and a giveaway!}
Thanks Karen! Oooh, what’s your big goal for the fall?? Gonna join me in sub 2 land? 🙂
You can definitely do it!! Hmmmm flat fast fall half in DC, well definitely NOT Baltimore, Annapolis is hilly too! Maybe the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon? I’ve only run the 5 miler, so unsure of elevation in its entirety.
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I’ve been thinking about Navy-Air Force. It’d have special meaning because my dad is retired air force!
Great goal, and smart plan
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Thanks lady — what’s your next big running goal?
VA beach has plenty of flat course. As you know Shamrock is flat and fast but that wouldn’t be till next year. The Crawlin Crab in Oct might be a good one for you!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Disney’s Pasta in the Parks: Why We Did It Again
Looking into crawling crab right now! Except now I’m also thinking about the Runner’s World half in PA — ah let the race planning begin 🙂
Just to let you know, I went to RW last year and that course is NOT flat!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Disney’s Pasta in the Parks: Why We Did It Again
You can definitely do it!!
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Thanks lady for all the encouragement!
thats a goal i can get behind and even possibly join you in
Yeah! We can train together!!!
That’s a great goal! I have the same one, for the half I’m going to do in May.
Sorry, no suggestions for DC races but if you need someplace in Southern California I have quite a few!!
Lindsey @ OneMotherofaDay recently posted…Monday Food prep + meal planning: week of 3/23-3/28/14
Woohoo — what race are you doing in May?
OC Half in SoCal. It will be the 4th time I will run this race!
Lindsey @ OneMotherofaDay recently posted…Monday Food prep + meal planning: week of 3/23-3/28/14
I’m excited to watch you train for this goal, because I know you will crush it! Even with the hills in DC.
DontBlameTheKids recently posted…I Signed Up For My First Race. I Feel Sick.
Thanks! I’m looking forward to working towards this new goal!
If you are looking for the fastest, flattest half marathon, I HIGHLY recommend you travel to New Orleans for a race. Being below sea level means hills do not exist (which is why I can’t run up even the tiniest hill!). Records are set at races down here because of the flatness.
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Hmm, New Orleans is a great city — thanks for the recommendation!
I actually ran a Sub 2 in Richmond! Byrd Park was the only part that felt difficult for me with the small rolling hills, but really the only other hill in the half course is Boulevard and that’s right in the beginning. I guess there is the slight uphill on E. Grace/E Franklin at the end, but that was manageable knowing the downhill/finish was next and I’m pretty sure that downhill really helped shave a few seconds off my overall time. Anyway, I think it would be completely manageable in Richmond especially considering I trained for that one while living in Ohio and my training runs were mostly flat overall! Speed work is key!
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Richmond is such a great course — I’m kinda thinking about running it again this fall 🙂
Awesome goal – you can totally do this! I’d also recommend the Navy Air Force Half in September. It’s very similar to the Cherry Blossom course, so relatively flat especially compared to the Rock N Roll Half that has those huge hills (or at least did the last time I ran it).
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Thanks for the support Colleen — I’m really thinking Navy Air Force is gonna be the race. The race page has been down, though, so I haven’t registered yet.
You can do it! I would love to get to a sub 2:30 half marathon time. I actually run faster when it is a hilly course. I have no idea why but when it is a flat course I feel like I just can’t get going. I can’t wait to see what training plan you go with!
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Sometimes hilly courses feel easier because you use different muscles running up and down hills — it helps keeps those muscles fresh!
Crawling Crab or Navy-Air Force. Put it this way, I did CC in 2:09 and I barely trained for it (wink, wink) I PR’d the Navy 5-miler until I beat it a couple months later in a Turkey Trot.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Mmm, Mmm, Good!
I’m leaning towards Navy-Air Force. Local races for the win!
ok, let me know! it’s on my short list for an MCM training run 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Mmm, Mmm, Good!
This is my next goal too! I have no suggestions for any half marathons in your area, but I would say to go for a smaller race. My best time has been 2:09 and it was a race in November and there were less than 1000 participants. I was in my zone and moving at a great pace without any interruptions.
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I enjoy both smaller and larger races — I guess I just like races, period 🙂
That’s pretty much my one running goal! I feel like I’m so slow (and still not TOO far off). You can definitely do it!!
Ahh that’s my new goal, too! I broke 2:05, so now I’m after that sub 2! I’m pretty sure tonight I am signing up for the Shell Yeah! challenge during Crawlin’ Crab weekend 🙂
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oooh so close — I have a bit more work to do — I’m about 15 minutes off…Crawlin Crab sounds so fun!
St. Michaels half marathon is May 17th. Super flat and not to far from the DC area! You can use the code ambkristenjo to save 10%. My fastest half is Annapolis half and that took me 2:15 I’m hoping to get closer to 2:00 at st. Michaels! Good luck with your race planning and training!!:)
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Great goal! Is Philly flat? Or St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore – that must be flat?
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I think Philly is mostly flat? I decided on Navy / Air Force — it’ll be fun for my goal race to be local!
What a great goal to go after, Courtney! I wish our area offered more flat races, but alas, we have to drive a couple of hours to find flat courses. That just means more weekend getaways and racecations!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Half Marathon Bucket List
I’ve think I found a good one — Navy /Air Force 1/2 is mostly flat and I know a couple folks who first broke sub 2 on that course. AND it’s local 🙂