Are you ready to start training for the 2013 Two Oceans Half Marathon?
The key to running your first half marathon is building a good base at the beginning of your training. You need to peak at the perfect time (race day!) and avoid injury.
Your first phase of training is called ‘base training’. This gradually increases the amount that you run, building aerobic fitness and minimising the risk of injury.
Ensure that you include at least one full day of rest during a week – but conversely, too much rest (e.g. two to three consecutive days without running) may impact your rate of improvement.
Beginners Training Programme: December 2012
This programme is aimed at people doing their first 21km, or if you have not been running in a while and need to build up your fitness slowly.
| WEEK STARTING | MON | TUES | WED | THUR | FRI | SAT | SUN | TOTAL |
| 26 Nov | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7* | REST | RUN 30MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | 1HR10 |
| 3 Dec | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 35MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | 1HR20 |
| 10 Dec | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 7-8 | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 8 | RUN 40MINS RPE = 6-7 | 1HR45 |
| 17 Dec | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 7-8 (Hilly course) | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 8 | RUN 50MINS RPE = 6-7 | 2HRS |
| 24 Dec | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7 | REST | RUN 20MINS RPE = 6-7 | RUN 40MINS RPE = 6-7 | 1HR40 |
| 31 Dec | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 7-8 | REST | RUN 25MINS RPE = 6-7 (Hilly course) | REST | RUN 25MINS (with 10mins RPE = 8) | RUN 50MINS RPE = 6-7 | 2HR05 |
*RPE = Rate Of Perceived Exertion
Do the majority of your base training easy or slow. RPE is one of the best guidelines to use regarding intensity of training and is based on your perception of how hard you feel you are running.
| RPE | Description | Explanation | % HR |
| 6 – 7 | Easy | Breathing easily, and able to talk. | 60 – 70% |
| 7 – 8 | Moderate | Only able to speak a few words at a time due to heavier breathing. | 70 – 80% |
| 8 – 9 | Hard | Unable to talk and breathing hard. | 80 – 90% |
So if you are doing easy sessions (RPE of 6–7), and especially during your long run, you should be able to hold a conversation comfortably. If you are unable to talk, you are running too hard. Alternatively, if you are running too slow, you will not be working hard enough to test your physiological systems and your body will not need to make any adaptations, which will mean that you’ll remain at the same level.
Is this programme too easy for you? Check out the experienced training programme here.
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About the coaches: Training programmes by Kim & Richard Woolrich, a husband and wife team who both work as biokineticists and coaches at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. Richard has a 21.1km PB of sub 70 minutes, and Kim a best under 90 minutes.
Looking for a different training programme? Visit www.adidasrunning.co.za for training programmes designed by Dr. Ross Tucker.
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Is there going to be a follow up program what to do after Dec 2012?
Hi Elrie – yes, we upload each programme month by month.
I can’t find the January program anywhere. What’s going on?
Hi Kagiso – you my need to refresh your browser if you’re not seeing them, they are up. Here’s the January programme link: http://www.runnersworld.co.za/two_oceans/two-oceans-half-marathon-beginner-training-programme-january/
Please shout if you need any further help.
When during the above programme does one do strength training? I.e gym work, etc?
great thanks, i will keep an eye out for the link on facebook!
So good to have this programme again! Did my very first half marathon (Two Oceans) last year following this programme.
Last year though there was a link that took you to a very handy PDF version which had the RPE chart and training pace guide on one page – very handy to print out and put on the fridge- would you be putting such an option on again?
Hi Tania – yup, we’ll be uploading the PDFs this week!
I only started running a week before the start date of this program. On Saturday I did the 30 min run and did 4.3km in the 30 mins. Is that any good (for a beginner)?
Should I be doing other forms of training on the rest days?
Hi, I cant seem to find the program for January. If I click on the link it takes me to the program ending 31 December. Please help.
Entries still available for two oceans half marathon, real first first time two oceans half marathon running. Please confirm if entries are still available.
Thank you