Anyone else training for a half marathon?

I used to have a neighbour who was a really keen runner, had an annoying cough which he eventually got checked out.... Spent a week in hospital and another couple of weeks bed rest at home. Pleurisy. Don't be too brave and soldier-on-y!!

My knees are battered - will try some of your recommendations. I just know that im going to run in pain at GNR.

do or die.

I've started coughing this last week too but am hoping it'll go away - what's peak flow?

Hope you're ok.

Bugger! Have been coughing for a week- just went into the sport shoe shop and practically coughed up a lung for no reason the lady who owns it said she is a pharmacist as well and that I really should get my peak flow checked!!! I've already not been able to do my long weekend run yesterday- hope it gets better soon GNR in 2 weeks

I've never heard of Tiger Balm so will have to look into that.

I take Seven Seas vitamin tablets for joints (contains glucosamine) as they were recommended to me by a colleague as my knees would often hurt & my knees have pretty much been fine since.

I did keep moving for a good 15 mins after my 11 miles & stretched quite a bit too so assume that's why i was ok?

I have! somewhere... possibly... (rebuilding/decorating half the house so everything in boxes and v difficult to find. Doesn't help until at least 5.30 anyway, when I'll be home from work!)

Lexilicious Have you got any Tiger balm? Sorry, I bang on about this stuff so much I should be on commission for them, but it really is wonderful at easing aches and stiff muscles. You can get it in Boots. Just don't rub your eyes after applying :)

I seriously hurt this morning - at onedev's feeling fine the day after! My knees are actually creaking. Office job too, so I will have to force myself to get up and walk around to keep them loosening off.

Well done Kiwi & Lexi!

I feel totally fine today so pleased about that .

I feel the same Lexi but like you I'm hoping all the people will help me get up the hills

Ok Kiwi thanks! I like to learn the lingo!

Well I survived it. Hurting now, going to have a cool bath. Did 17k in 1:58 which is 6.59min/km. Ten mile time 1:51. Quite pleased, but after the first big climb (which was on a golf course with sternly worded signs everywhere saying private, no walkers, etc) it was more flat than hill so I am not sure it is representative of how I'll do on the GNR. However, it also doesn't have people cheering, drinks stations, or the (+ve) pressure of performing in the real thing.

Yes - not every single mile in my case as a few hills but basically getting slightly quicker as you go along

Lexi negative splits are where you run faster each "lap" (I think- correct me if I'm wrong have just recently been enlighted myself!)

I found this great calculator to work out estimated finish times based on age and previous times etc? race calculator

Wtf are negative splits?!?

I am about to go out for 10-11 miles. Big hill at 2 miles then lots of flat (old railway line) and some undulations near the end. Have been sitting in my Lycra waiting for enough charge on my phone to last all the way round. Getting cold, but at least I have drunk some water and I had a very long night's sleep.

Just back from 11 miles. I even did negative splits. Woo hoo!

Lexilicious Re going quicker downhill/slower uphill - i actually run pretty consistently at the same pace, I don't think it's a bad thing, it means you are attacking the hills and recovering on the downhills if you keep the same pace!

Hi - sounds like your splits are really good golemmings really consistent, what a high!

onedev well done on your 11 miles! hope you are feeling okay today.

I have had a little bit of a rough week. My right knee has been playing up a little and I have been concerned about my running. I decided to miss a 3 mile run training run this week to give my leg a rest. However, today I managed my 9-miler slower than I have been doing with my splits all over the place (usually I am quite consistent, not intentionally) but I was pleased to finish. It was 30 degrees when I ran, but fortunately not too humid.

I've got 5 more weeks to pick up my pace, I bought new trainers today which I am hoping will give the cushioning for my knee.

I'm sure you're right - I'm probably just making excuses really! Just feel a bit chicken (& that's not normally me as generally I am confident & don't let things hold me back!).

Onedev I'm 36 in a few weeks! Running clubs are usually of very mixed abilities. Mine ranges hugely. I like to think they are for people who like running, rather than people who are fast at running ..!

Well done go!

I'm really worried about the hills as there really aren't any around here to practice on for the GNR - every hill has a flat or downhill immediately after & they last no longer than 0.1of a mile so not much practice of them - so hoping I can make it!

Maybe laugh is a bit harsh but I think I'd feel embarrassed joining a running club now (unless with a friend) as I imagine I'm probably doing it all wrong

I'd like to join a running club but at 36 I imagine they'd just laugh at me . Enjoy your bath & all the best for tomorrow.

onedev I went to running club this morning and trained really hard. Then DD1 made me run races with her to the train later and I could barely keep up. And this girl is NOT fast . Need to have a very hot bath and apply tiger balm ASAP or tomorrow's run is going to be more like a hobble..!

Should say have fun tomorrow.