That's sort of where we're headed. Keeping a solid base all through this year by running halfs - up to 8 more this year alone if all goes to plan. We are very comfortable at the 13.1 mileage - slow, but comfortable. Took a long time to get there, but I enjoy the base long runs of 8-10 miles. What I don't like is the yo-yo training, building back up to the 13.1 capacity. So right or wrong, we thought that by running halfs periodicaly, we keep our base strong and start building to the full in the fall. Someone, speak up if I'm doing this wrong!
I guess I'm seriously intimidated by mileage that starts with the number 2!
I think that is a great plan... in fact, that's kind of what I am doing.
My two running goals for this year are:
1. Run a total of 1131.5 miles (average 5K a day) and
2. Run 13 half marathons in 2013. (Last saturday was #2 for the year already)
I started running in January 2012 and built pretty quickly to the half level - my first half was in September. I do want to run a marathon, but am intimidated by the training schedule.
So, I've decided that 2013 will be all about the half and continuing to build a good base to prepare me to train for a full.
Basically, I want to be in shape to go out and run 13.1 miles every saturday if I choose... if I had the schedule available, I think I could have run 13.1 today - making it three weekends in a row. (I'm heading out in a few minutes to go run 7 or 8)
I actually felt like I could have run 13.1 last sunday (back to back halves).
So the plan now is that 2013 is the year of the half, I'll train in winter/spring 2014 for my first full sometime in late spring and then aim for Goofy 2015.
It feels a little nuts, but I believe I can do it. I am enjoying running so much, that I also just don't want to rush it. The full will still be there when I'm ready.
Ted