Half Marathon thread

I'll be running my HM as a run-walk of hopefully four minutes/one minute. I've read about it quite a bit and it seems that it should result in the same or faster times. Certainly it helps psychologically to know you can break the run up into segments.

I'm really frustrated this week.

I've been out twice, 1 five mile and 1 four mile run. Given that these runs are less than half Sunday's epic 11 miler - why are my times not faster?

I could swear I was moving my legs faster!

I worry about good runs being flukes too but in reality there are good and bad runs and I think on the day the conditions carry you on.

Thanks mines worried the 10 miler was a fluke but it's the first race I've ever done and enjoyed (I've done 1 5k, and 4 10k so not many) and I loved every second. That's whay made me enter the half but the reality of four weeks to get to an acceptable standard is worrying me!

Good luck long. You've already done 10 miles so you will be fine!

thisgirl if you run you're a runner! No matter how far how fast or how hard it is. All pbs,targets and achievements comes down to the individual.

I aimed for 9 miles this am. First 6 were good (maybe too good?) but ended up in some kind of pathetic run,walk,run,walk after that and stopped at 8 miles.

Now in such a lovely rewarding warm bath just wish I deserved it a bit more.

Am I worried about doing 13.1 miles? Yep

Do I still have my new zen like mind? You bet!

trigirl I think of those mid week runs as kind of putting in mileage/maintenance too!

Can I join in? I stupidly entered a half marathon in four weeks with zero training. Have been out this week and done a slow 10 mile race and a 10k on my own but I'm worried I've bitten off more than I can chew! Aiming for 2.5 hours

...quietly slipping in at the back as I'm having a week off due to a stinky cold first HM in March so really interesting to read about your training and events. I'm not a natural runner and just about manage a 6/7km run (although was up to 10 just before summer hols hit) so this is a big jump for me

I need to figure out some sort of training programme that fits with my schedule but for now I'm just focusing on getting out 4 x a week with 1 long run (currently working back up to 10km) and the other 3 shorter runs.

rosettes 😀

I prefer 6am "fasted" runs too it's my fav time to do 10-12k run before life wakes up. Got a swift 5k in tonight whilst my DD was at her club. My mid-week maintenance run I like to think .

hoolit don't you go any where!

So much to catch up on! mammy well done on your super speedy times.

Good luck rosettes you will be fine. Oh and I was NEVER sporty. At all. I still thinkI'm bluffing.

moggle excellent news I wondered how you got on. You only bloody did it!

Regarding wishing races were at 6am. I frequently wish they were on Saturdays so I can relax the rest of the weekend

Since I started thinking about future running I am no longer nearly as nervous as I was. I lost a few nights sleep last week! I've decided this is meant to be fun and am finally looking forward to it. I am in a good place despite two really shitty runs this week. Wonder how long it will last...

Abra1d she would probably fritter away all the food shopping money on some overpriced running jodhpurs then go on to win the half marathon

Rosettes think of Jill (I love those books) and ask yourself what she would do. She's one of my favourite role models for girls.

Just a short one to keep legs ready but did my first sub 10 min mile

Hoolit don't leave we need your experience & encouragement

Rosette I didn't find running until I was 27 - 7 years ago until then I just thought I was the black bookworm of the family

Well done Mog I was watching for you using your fabulous description but sure I didn't see any tall scottish hat wearing singing runners

I have dropped them an email see what they say, two people I have spoken to their chips did not start at the right time one said she started at the race start and she definitely didn't she was a long way back so they do have issues they need to iron out.

HRH 1600 isn't many but plenty space for you to settle into your own pace.
Sounds like you are well on track Rosettes that cake would go down well at my work if you're stuck

I should probably leave the thread now as I have no intention of doing another hm, 2 is more than enough ! 10ks are my limit!

Oh and mogglemoo - sounds like you did amazingly!!!

mammymammy it's going to be a cake baked out of love with a generous helping of emotional blackmail

I know you're right and I could walk the last 4k if required - think it's the years of "not being sporty" that's knocking my confidence

Rosettes of course you'll master it, your training has gone according to plan you've less than 4K to add to longest run, your weekly mileage will make this happen. Cake sale or simply a bribe to sweeten them up?

Wow moggle well done you, running every step is my goal for Sunday too.

Would love a 6am half marathon too but I've trained myself into going a bit later on my long runs with just a slice of toast or similar before I go. Mine starts at 10am.

Yah!! Moggle you did it! Fantastic

Well done moggle! You did it!

I'm very late but can I join? I'm running the Royal Parks HM at the start of October and really doubting myself! Not sure why as training has been fine, but I haven't run the full distance before, ever, and won't do before the day now. I've already done the longest run on my programme (110 minutes taking me to 17.5k). I THINK I could have managed another 4-ish k on the end but it's stressing me a bit that I don't know!

I also still have a good chunk of money to raise before I'll be allowed to run but hoping my chocolate loaf will inspire some colleagues to donate at work tomorrow...

Thank you, moggle. That's good to hear.

And there was a mini sprint at the end!

Also itching to do another in the future.

It's uncanny how much like childbirth this running malarkey is: just after you swear 'never again', but the pain resulted in something amazing and was all worth it...