Running questions galore!?

Question

I quit smoking, and signed up for a 1/2 marathon. I've always been very athletic and all training comes very easy for me. I can't get past the 5 mile hump, and am training pretty poorly. I am also on my feet at work 10 hours a day, so all training has to be in the a.m. I'm up to 5 and think that i should get a water belt to help. Within the next month i will be training up to 12-14. I am 5'2", 120 lbs... Most running equipt. does not fit properly on me. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If you can't run more than 5 miles, then you're running too fast. Just slow down and take walking break if you have to. Also, start following a definite  half-marathon program, like this one:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/...

Running in the morning is actually a very good idea, because of lower pollution and the fact that most races are also in the morning. You should always train the same conditions as the race.

You don't really need a water belt unless you run in a very hot environment or when you run more than 70-90 minutes non-stop. Just drink something before you go out and you'll be OK.

Answer 2

First of all, make sure you do your long runs on the weekend, when you're well rested.  If you can't get past the 5 mile hump, add 1 mile on your long run each weekend, go as slow as you want, but keep running.

Go to RunnersWorld.com, they have some good training plans there.