Anyone else training for a half marathon?

I run with a basic garmin (110) and an i-pod shuffle. My i-pod has a selection of mostly embarrassing songs which help to put a spring in my step at different times. e.g. I have a couple which are 10 minutes long, which I use if I'm flagging in a long run, while telling myself that if I get my act together I'll have another mile under my belt by the time the song has finished .

Because I listen to the same stuff over and over again must get some new songs I sometimes end up running without noticing the music. Like Lexi says, that's the bit I like best.

Oh meant to say also that I quite like the nothingness of running without music. I love music in many forms (always have it on in the car, for example) but as running is almost the only time I get absolutely to myself, I really love just being alone with my thoughts, trundling through what's rattling around in my head seems to sort things out and put them into place - like defragmenting my hard drive. :)

Sometimes it turns out there's not a lot in there either. That makes for a lovely relaxing run. Me and my blank mind...!

I carry my phone when running, just to track my pace on GPS. I don't like to listen to music because I need to hear what's going on around me if I want to cross roads etc. or am off the beaten track on my own (e.g. lots of woods near me). Endomondo sounds interesting with the logging in to shout things though! I may look into it when I get home.

Ido I've heard v good things about London Beat.

Actually that reminds me - do you guys all listen to music on runs? I do on training runs but not on races but am thinking that ifI it's allowed I might well take iPod shuffle on the half marathon. Just cos of length/ boredom/ keeping tempo up etc. any thoughts?

Ido - good to hear you are feeling OK with your decision, which I'm sure is for the best.

humble - where do you run?

Sorry to hear that Ido, but you've done the right thing. I've never heard of London Beat but it's great you have something to aim for. Hope you feel better soon.

I've put it all into perspective and am pretty much ok with it now.

Shredded that sounds amazing I'd love to run around central park you're very lucky it's close to you. I get loads of people run past me- I just call them gazelles (in a special tone in my head)- and keep on plodding

Ido I'm sorry you aren't well. It really sucks. However, I do think you are doing the right thing. London Beat 1/2 sounds like it would be a lot of fun, if not that one, I am sure that there are others as well.

Thanks everyone, it means a lot. I did have a second opinion today, she said it wasn't pneumonia as my whole body isn't affected by the infection, but my chest is still very noisy. She highly doubted I'd be able to get around the course even if I did lots of walking, and advised me not to do it. She is quite young and a runner herself so understands how important it is to me. So, I've followed her advice and pulled out.
They'res a slight possibility I can get a place on the London beat so at least that's something.

Ido - sorry to hear that you are so poorly, and that you might miss your run. how disappointing, but as others have said your health is more important. Is there another run coming up you can do in a few months so you can set yourself a new goal?

humble - I'm still in 2 minds about coming back for the marathon. Mainly because I'm not sure whether I'll manage the training.

I was going to have a sofa evening, but DH dragged me out with him and I ended up running 5 miles. Central Park was heaving with runners this evening, most of whom ran past me .

Sorry to hear that Ido but I echo the others as your health is more important.

I'm away with work this week so not ideal prep for the GNR but hopefully should be ok.

Good luck to the rest of you.

Ido you poor thing. Please get a second opinion. I echo what the others have said, it is more important for your health to not run and to find something else that you can aim for in the next month or so. Just think by this time next year with all the running you will have under your belt you will probably be able to do it even faster than 2.20!

Lexi I also had a good run this morning. It was just 3 miles, but it felt great. I think after the long run at the weekend it was just what I needed.

Thanks kiwi; that's what I'm really torn up about- and I'm asking myself if I do it (even just to participate have given up on my 2.20 goal) will I make my recovery time even longer and put myself out of action for weeks/months. Might try to get another opinion tomorrow as its not like I'm laid up in bed or anything.

Sorry to hear that Ido - you know you can defer your GNR place to next year don't you? It is not worth risking your health if pneumonia is a possibility right now. Not at all.

Oh Ido I'm so sorry. You must be really gutted after all the training that the prospect of pulling out looms. But remember that your health is most important thing and there are plenty of other races. If you do have to pull out then find another race fairly soon and enter it so you don't loose momentum too much and feel like it was all for nothing?

Huge sympathy though x

Been a little sad to check in last few days…might have to withdraw from GNR been back to doctor now on a second course of antibiotics and he mentioned the "p" word (pneumonia). I wouldn't let him tell me I couldn't do it, but Im really not sure, today, if I will. I don't feel particularly sick just coughing. Going to have a 15min run tomorrow, see how I feel after that, then decide what to do

Back in blighty... ... It's still a bit hot this week. I just did a very pleasant evening 5k that (massive hubris alert) didn't tax me at all - splits either side of 7min/km. two more light runs on Thursday and Friday and then it's the race this Sunday! I am right now quite unexcited. Mostly because I am trying to ignore the fact I am not organised about travel etc. I know everything is booked that needs to be, but haven't actually read all the info.

neither are you heading back to the UK? and would you fly back for it?

My training seems to be going okay. I also didn't read up on SI Half before I signed up, I hear the 8 mile hill is quite big but the rest of it is okay. I have heard it isn't very pretty ... oh well ...

DH picked up both our bibs on Friday.

I do qualify for the marathon, but sadly we are leaving the US in March.

So, how is your training for SI going? Today was my first time out in 2 weeks. DH has just been looking at the course and reading bits out like "hilly at mile 8" and "you pass the finish with a mile to go". Friends of mine did it last year and said how tough it was .

It was a perfect day for the Bronx run. I got my +1 yesterday for handing out bib's to the runners. When did you pick up your number? Wouldn't it be weird if I was the one who gave you your number.
You'll qualify for the marathon next year too?
Most of my 9+1's have been the shorter runs as well. I signed up for the mile, but I have friends in town and I also really want to do a long training run that day and it would be too much to do both.