Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
I would like to sign up for my 1st marathon. I was thinking about Toronto's women’s 1/2 in May 2015 as I run many of the Toronto women’s series races in the past ( 5,8 and 10k) , however I am not sure if I have enough time to train given that the training may not be very consistent through the winter . Also, my longest run currently is 9k and because of my numerous chronic injuries, my mileage will not be increased as fast as the training programs indicate. I can’t even follow a training program as I will not do any speed work for now. I would like to run the ½ to complete it and I know that I will be slow ( probably will take me over 3 hrs). Any suggestions regarding which race to sign up for? I prefer running fall races however I feel that I better sign up for 1/2 now before I change my mind Also, I prefer medium size races. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
There's the Island Girl Half marathon in September (on Toronto Island).
If you're only at 9K now and you know that your training won't be consistent over the winter months, then you're better off setting a goal for a fall 1/2M rather than one in the spring.
ETA: http://www.islandgirlrunning.com/
If you're only at 9K now and you know that your training won't be consistent over the winter months, then you're better off setting a goal for a fall 1/2M rather than one in the spring.
ETA: http://www.islandgirlrunning.com/
Last edited by La on Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
I can't speak to which Toronto race to pick. However, if your goal is just to finish then I wouldn't stress about speed work at all. Just put in the miles. As La said, if you can't put in the miles, maybe wait for a fall race so you can train when it is easier.
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
I did the Scotiabank Waterfront Half this past October and it was a good race. It has a really neat finish line (big crowds cheering you on) and I liked that the bibs had your first name on them, so people could cheer you on by name. The course is nice for the most part and there was good support. My only beef was that most people were "plugged in" to some kind of phone/music. I thought that was a waste, as I race to experience the race and crowds.
I stayed at a hotel (Novotel) within walking distance of the Start/Finish areas.
FWIW - I am not from Toronto (or even Ontario) but I was in the area for work and decided to race.
I stayed at a hotel (Novotel) within walking distance of the Start/Finish areas.
FWIW - I am not from Toronto (or even Ontario) but I was in the area for work and decided to race.
Colleen
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Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
I ran my first half at Hamilton Marathon Road 2 Hope on November 2. I really like this race (I did the 10k there last year).
November 2 - Hamilton Road 2 Hope Half Marathon (First half)
June 7, 2015 - Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon
June 7, 2015 - Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Thank you all. I am now thinking to perhaps do the fall race to give myself more time to train. Also late fall is my favorite time to run.
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
There are so many fall half marathons in the region, that it's really hard to go wrong. I agree with La's suggestion of the Island Girl half. Even thinking I might do this one this year!
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Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
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Introducing 2017
GoodLife Half Marathon.
TBD
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
ok...I am thinking now. I want to get my long run up to 15-17k before signing up for it !
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Bear in mind that most beginner half plans top out around 18 km for the long run. I would be more concerned about being recovered from your injuries before ramping things up.
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Joe Dwarf wrote:Bear in mind that most beginner half plans top out around 18 km for the long run. I would be more concerned about being recovered from your injuries before ramping things up.
Thanks Joe.This is so try for me. Because of my chronic injuries I always sign up for races at the last minute because I never know if I would be able to run them.
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
So I did! I run MEC HM. Very Slow but completed it. Now on to the next goal...speed
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Vic wrote:So I did! I run MEC HM. Very Slow but completed it. Now on to the next goal...speed
Congratulations!
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Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
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Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Vic wrote:So I did! I run MEC HM. Very Slow but completed it. Now on to the next goal...speed
Congratulations! Fantastic accomplishment.
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50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
Thank you all I will soon start asking questions about how to improve my pace/speed Stay tuned....
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
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Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
congrats on the halfM. :)
When I was in your position, I found that each halfM was faster than the last simply due to consistency and adaptation. You may not need to make big changes yet, just keep doing what you're doing until you start to plateau, and then look at changing things up.
When I was in your position, I found that each halfM was faster than the last simply due to consistency and adaptation. You may not need to make big changes yet, just keep doing what you're doing until you start to plateau, and then look at changing things up.
"You're an ultrarunner, normal rules don't apply to you." (Doonst)
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
Re: Suggestions for first 1/2 marathon in Toronto/GTA
ultraslacker wrote:congrats on the halfM.
When I was in your position, I found that each halfM was faster than the last simply due to consistency and adaptation. You may not need to make big changes yet, just keep doing what you're doing until you start to plateau, and then look at changing things up.
Thank you ultraslacker. Yes it was true for me as my 5k time has improved just a bit after I run the HM but I really would like to run a 5k in 30 mins. I never had a speed goal before due to chronic injuries but going forward I can hopefully attempt to work on it.
Running is cheaper than therapy...
------Running gives me hope.............
------Running gives me hope.............
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