Half marathon advice - south east

[wintersdawn]

Hi on a post major series 10k run high I'm considering signing up for my first half marathon and was after knowledge from anyone who's run them in the south east as to which are the better ones for first timers.
The barns green one near horsham isn't to far from me but a friend who runs marathons said that was a really hard one due to terrain etc so looking for something slightly flatter to start with!

[orangeflutie]

Hi I ran the Eastbourne half in March which was my first half. It was mostly flat apart from one steep hill about 4 miles in but it wasn't really a problem and plenty of people walked it. I would happily run it again. There is also the popular Brighton half every February which would be ideal.

I'm trying to think of halfs later in the year for you. You could try looking at the Runners World magazine or website which regularly reviews half marathons.

Another option although it's only 10 miles is the Portsmouth Great South Run which normally takes place in October. I ran it in 2006 and enjoyed it even though it was in wind and rain

[wintersdawn]

great south run is a great idea, hadn't thought of that it's a good trail for a half marathon. Thanks for the tip

[CantStopEatingCheese]

I've signed up for the Hackney one, it's the first one they do this year. Not sure if that's convenient for you but I heard it's very flat. Also my first one after running my first 10k in feb. Good luck!

[Joules68]

I'm dithering!

I'm more central uk. Looking at Milton Keynes half

But is a half really really hard? Furthest I've run is 11 miles

[pancakesfortea]

Bexhill in Sussex is a lovely one, but not till November.

[EauRouge]

Joules- if you can do 11 miles then you can do a half easily. I only did 10 miles in my training.

I'm doing the Great Eastern in Peterborough in October. It's flat and all on roads so it's meant to be good for first timers. I think MK is flat as well though, and probably much nicer scenery.

I did my first half on a mixed terrain route (ie lots of mud but it was flat at least) and it was really tough, but doable.

[smartiepantsgirl]

Agreed. In a half training plan you do to tend to run more than 11 miles so you'll def manage 13.1. I did a half in MK last month - great mostly flat route on roads and traffic free. Fab atmosphere and well organized. Also plenty of parking

Go for it. Sounds like you'll be fine

[smartiepantsgirl]

Gah. *don't tend to obv!

[Joules68]

My time is rubbish tho!

What times are all you halfers coming in with?

[EauRouge]

Don't worry about your time compared to other people, there's always going to be people faster than you. If you use one of those race time predictor websites then it should give you an idea of a time to aim for. I aimed for 2hrs 30 and did it in 2hrs 29

[smartiepantsgirl]

Yeah really don't worry about your time. I'd love to do a sub 2hr but the 2 halfs I have done were in 2.07 and 2.16. So much can affect your time on the day is my plan now is always to go and just enjoy it. Have read an interesting article this week on actually ditching the watch and just listening to your body - apparently a lot of people get their pb's this way. Good luck!

[BlueChampagne]

Joules have a look at Flaming June half near Cambridge, mixed terrain.

[jellybrain]

I'm doing my first half at Worcester on 4th of May. Did my 1st 10k last October. Didn't know there were time predictor thingies.... might take a look

[OhOneOhTwoOhThree]

I'm thinking about the MK half in May as well Joules

[Joules68]

Not long to go now! I'm still undecided

I ran 12 miles last weekend in 2 1/2 hours. Could have gone faster but not by much. I'm rubbish when it comes to speed

[OhOneOhTwoOhThree]

I am usually around the 2:20 mark for a half

I have not done much running lately, but will try a long one this weekend and then decide about MK.

You just have to tell yourself that it's a 10 mile run with a PR tagged on the end