Anyone else training for a half marathon?

lexi I like your thinking on your potential HM. That was how I decided on mine ... but I've just discovered there is actually one supposedly quite big hill in the middle, oops.

golemmings I think you could be exactly right. I have been thinking I need to do some strength exercises for my quads (which would help protect my knee as well). I guess it is all a fine balance.

I've been going to a bootcamp two mornings a week, but I wonder if I might be better off finding a gym and doing some basic weights strengthening exercises. I have been enjoying the boot camp though as it has made me train areas that I have always ignored (arms and tummy) and I am actually noticing the difference and I fear if I go only to the gym I will just ignore the those bits as I am lazy-- find it too hard

oooh interesting. I think my muscle fitness is better than my CV, because I don't really tire in the legs until 10 mi but can't pick up the pace even in the early stages. I am definitely going to join a running club soon.

I am using the runnersworld training plan (loosely) which is on their website. it is the 10-week half marathon at 1:50-plus (ha ha!! I couldn't find one that said 'under 2:30'). This week's plan was:
Tuesday: 3-4 miles easy on soft ground (didn't do)
Thursday: 1 mile jog, 5mins fast, 5 min slow jog recovery, 5 mins fast. (did tuesday's instead)
Friday: 4 miles easy on grass (will do around park)
Sunday: 9-10 miles slow (instead of MIL's cooked breakfast)

final week:
Tuesday: 3 miles easy off road
Thursday: 1 mile jog, 1 mile at race speed, 1 mile jog
Friday: 2 mile jog.
Sunday: RACE DAY

This morning I did 3.3mi on pavement as I can't find enough soft ground around work that doesn't have horses or cows on it. That was 5.3km at 6m14s per km average pace or almost spot on 10min/mile - could do better but happy not to do any worse.

I don't think I can step up to a marathon for a while. There is a 10k race at the end of Sept which I'll do, and I fancy the Grand Union Canal HM in November (Uxbridge to Watford) - principally because canal paths, correct me if I'm wrong, are pretty flat!!!

Thanks! I should probably plan those last two weeks in advance or I'll end up doing too much. I have a 10k race this Sunday which I want to try and break my PB in. Do no long run for me this weekend. i much prefer long slow runs to 10km race pace. Don't tell my DH but I'm so doing a marathon next

Hi, I did another good run today, my splits were consistent at a tinsy bit under 9 min miles, except for the one with the small hill which was 9.11. So it was good to get that done.

golemmings well done! I am interested in your intervals, I've never done intervals ... I fear that it would just become too complicated or I might injure myself. I am wondering if my "pace" run is similar to what others called a "tempo" run. I am also a little concerned I am running my long runs faster than I should and that might be why my knee is playing up ...

kiwi my training program says that the week before I do a 3 mile run, 2 mile pace run, 3 mile run and then no running for 2 days before. The week before is just a continuation of the previous week 3,5,3 and 12 mile. This is different from a previous program where the longest run I did was 10 miles the week before.

Can I ask, you guys following a proper programme, what does it suggest doing for mileage in the week or two before the race? Presumably tapering a bit but how much/ how many runs etc?

Week 8 of 12 week training program for my HM.

I had a really good run today in my new shoes. It was a 3 mile run. My splits were all under 9 minutes. I think the combination of my new shoes and a couple of days not running really helped me mentally not to get stressed about injuring my knee. Everything just felt right

Tomorrow I have to run 5 miles at the pace I would like to run the HM. Hopefully I will feel just as good tomorrow.

Hi everyone.
Oh no Ido I hope you get better quickly, usually once you are on AB's you are on the road to recovery.

lexi I think it's better to be at the back, I have started my first (only) half marathon right at the back. It means that you find your own rhythm/pace better, rather than shooting off too quickly and also people space out well. Also I found the runners I started with seemed to be a friendly bunch too and had the same nerves as me!

Woo hoo. We'll be neighbours lexi I really can't remember what time I put down- I think about 2.40 apparently it's a real cram to start with so maybe better to be at the back, get into your rhythm and then go a little faster as the crowd settles down; rather than get caught up with everyone who races off ahead and ends up exhausted within 30min (unless they are a gazelle and keeps on racing). That's how I'm looking at it

Doughnut-munching race prep. I love it!

I have read the bupa booklet properly now. I was right about being in the very last pen - pink K!

Thanks everyone it's nice to have your well wishes . It would be embarrassing to have to walk the footpath- but I think you have to be doing something like a 17min mile (however in my present condition?)

You've got time Ido, so hopefully you'll have a speedy recovery.

I put a slow time down as well so I'm starting in J Orange (or something like that) so think I'll be at the back with you.

What worried me was the talk about the street clear car & if it passes you then you're out of the race & have to finish on the footpath - how embarrassing! Really hope that's not me!

Oh Ido you poor thing. Rest as much as you can, will keep fingers crossed for rapid recovery but do take it easy

Oh no, really sorry to hear that.

Crap and bugger!!! Just got back from GP's armed with antibiotics and a ventolin puffer (and tiger balm to rub on my chest). No running until Sunday and only if I am 100% it's only allowed to be a gentle run too. Have to go back next Tuesday for another check

I didn't read the run pack very carefully (was too busy grumping) but my race number is 55xxx because of my very very cautious estimate of finish time! To explain - I went to get a spit sample thing sent from the AN web page from a link on one of the Ailidh prayer threads, and saw they had spaces for the GNR. Blithely signed up, immediately thought OMG what have I done. I last did this sort of distance in July 08 on the Bewl Water 15 mile (x-country) which I did in 2h15 but I was superfit then, but after that I haven't run hardly at all since getting pregnant later that year. Starting from doing absolutely no exercise whatsoever (first training run was 8 July), I estimated I would finish a half in 3 hours. Hence I am probably going to start in a group with the litter pickers at the back!

Oops sorry I meant lexi. That's what u get for being up too late hiding the iPhone light under the bed covers and trying to muffle your cough?

Issy That's ok, I'm not spooked!! (I'm sure I'm fine) The coach will be dropping me off at the start point then I'll be by myself too until the race starts as they recommend family stay on the coach to go to the finish- at least you get to go to a tent! everyone will be in such a good mood you'll probably meet heaps of people! What wave are you in? I'm pink j (right at the back).

Tiredemma re: Knees - I also wear a patella strap when I do the longer runs knee strap. I had forgotten about using it until I started doing the longer runs and my knee began to hurt.
I take glucosomine when
I replace my running shoes about every 300miles.

I am pleased to report after my 9 mile run on Saturday I don't have any pain in my knees (yey!), I haven't worn my new running shoes yet. I will take them out tomorrow for a 3 miler.

I was also told by a Dr friend of mine, don't run with a chest infection because the risk is that it will get worse. You are better to take a few days off and go back out when you feel better.

I also recommend Tiger Balm, but whatever you do make sure you wash your hands before you touch any sensitive areas!

lexi what a shame your DH can't come and meet you, I can appreciate the disappointment. Hopefully it will make coming home more special. They will be so excited to see you.

Issy I am living in the US at the moment. DH is away this week but I am still hoping through some miracle (and the help of some friends) I can get out and do my runs.

Sorry, didn't mean to spook you quite so much! That was probably not helpful though. My neighbour probably did run with something like a chest infection but was so superfit that it didn't knock him out like it would a mere mortal.

Well today I have received in the post the info about the Anthony Nolan stand at the end of the race and what they lay on for their charity runners. Got the bupa pack earlier and my wristband for the coach service. I have chucked the info pages on the official AN 'cheering points' because DH has informed me he's not even coming up to Durham now so there is no chance of a little surprise of himans DS popping up on the sidelines somewhere. It is fair enough really because of my cockup with the b&b meaning travelling back on Monday morning that he cant miss from work, but I am hacked off and miserable because it means I am on my own for 48 hours. I would have liked to be met and congratulated at least in Durham. Still, it sounds like there will be lots of people in the B&B doing the run, and I will meet people on the coach I guess. (hate meeting new people really, want to curl up in a corner and not be noticed)

So, scuse me while I have a bit of a grump.

Just dont run with a chest infection! lexi maybe that's what your neighbour did..? Not good at all. I had one a month or so ago and couldn't have run if you paid me but also took ages after to get back on track, even when I felt ok I couldn't run. So don't overtax yourself ..

Don't say that Lexi!!! I have an appt tomorrow with the GP nurse. Don't want it to get worse and affect my run (or worse be some one who collapses).

Peak flow is just where they check your lung capacity- you know that little cylinder you have to exhale into to check your lung capacity? I think it's probably all the pollution. Maybe I'll start running with one of those filter masks you see on some cyclists. Hehe only joking can u imagine the sight???