Half Marathon thread

Me to RMC

Went out to do either 8k or 10K as I know that a couple of short(er) runs during the week makes to long one so much more pleasant. I didn't manage to run more than 2.5k, despite doing more than 18k on Saturday.

I know that, psychologically, I expect to be able to fly/float through shorter distances (it's only 8k), but during long runs I completely accept that the first 8k are harder and then, and only then, do my legs seem to go on autopilot and I am happy with my leg/breathing co-ordination works.

On a nicer note: for those who listen to music, what are your best songs, with a good beat?

I saw my nephew yesterday. He is part of my support entourage for the GNR and told be where he would be on the course so I could look out for him. I asked him to give me an 'energy hug' to help me finish. He told me that that would give me a slower finish time 😜, and I needed to make sure I could do a 'sprint finish'. I asked for clarification how far a sprint finish was (may well be crawling over the line), and was glad to hear it only needs to be three steps.

I'm now aiming for a 'sprint finish' at the GNR- can't disappoint a six year old.

Moggle love those. Frantic here at the moment so only managed a 3 miler today. It felt harder than the 7 miles I did on Monday!!! How does that happen? How can I feel so comfortable one day and shit the next time?
Need a pep talk as all my can-do attitude is evaporating right now!!

Moggle they're fab!

Short glad you're taped, hope it helps

I've been perusing water vests - need to invest for longer runs and fed up of the waist pack. Such a leap though!

Love those moggle

Yes I'm taped Bubble

I'm a FF and have 3 of the Panache sports bras. I love them.
Love the Matalan leggings and Karrimor/USA pro tops from Sports Direct. Deffo ordering Tikiboo's soon though. They look fab.

They're amazing! Definitely an incentive to keep going

My trainer tags have arrived...

Saw them, told my husband to order them (that way I get presents that I want and like), and he chose what to have stamped.

I'm now going to have to finish.

I like Freya bras for my e cup

Asics for shoes and shorts/tights

Race tops for running in. Stopped getting the ladies fit though as I prefer baggier

I use Panache or Shock Absorber like to feel like I'm corseted in!

It's funny how we're all so different in our product preferences isn't it?

For me so far its:
Trainers-nike
Bra-shock Absorber
Leggings-Elle sport
Tops-I like the race tops or dhs rugby training tops I look like a sack of spuds but so comfortable

I went sports bra shopping again the other day. And came to the conclusion the only bra for my E/F boobs is the ultimate run bra by shock absorber I've been using for 2.5 years. Love it.

I get tshirts and vests from TK Maxx mainly. Bottoms I have a couple of pairs of Nike leggings, but my favourites are by Tikiboo.

I used to run with Asics trainers and never had any issues. I went to the running shop to get a new pair, but in a bigger size.

They videos me running and suggested I needed even more support and I super over pronate in one foot and over pronate in the other. They suggested Brooks Adrenaline. I tried them on (they are very pretty), but I was unsure as they were not as 'bouncy' as the Asics and I did worry that my knees wouldn't take it. But they have been fine and I don't seem to have as many back issues on a long run.

They were expensive (£115), but while I was in the shop I did hear people saying what their budget was and there's always last season's colours which are always cheaper. My husband needs new trainers every 3 months due to the miles he runs, and always keeps an eye out for sales or last seasons and has been known to stockpile.

I think trainers and running bras are the most important and getting them right can be life changing. Currently using Brooks Fiona bras which controls the 'puppies' nicely. The science behind sports bras must be fascinating.

All my other gear is still the original stuff that I bought when I started running 4.5 years ago. I see these as familiar, old friends and are very comfy. Although I don't buy yellow running tops. They make it easy for family to see you when you're running a race, but with my height I felt it would make me look like Big Bird from Sesame Street.

I liked my brooks, but found them too narrow. I went into new balance wide fit and loved them. I have since discovered that brooks adrenaline GTS come in a wide fit though, so am going to have a nosey round some shops this weekend as I need new trainers. People I know get over 500 miles out of theirs, but I'm a heavy heel striker, and overweight, so I tend to kill mine around 250-300 miles.

Thanks! Going to look this weekend

Do you have an outlet place nearby? I go to an Asics outlet and they are good value

Asics three times.

Neutral. I do usually look on sports shoes but there's a New Balance outlet near me I'm going to check out. I've never really looked at Brooks before you recommend them? I've has asics twice, Nike twice and mizuno. Honestly the Nike ones were the best but can be pricey.

What do you wear at the moment? Neutral or support ones?

TK Maxx near me had two different styles of Brooks for £40, as they were old season. Sadly the support ones I needed weren't in my size.

I've found cheapest way to get them is to look online. So for instance the Brooks Ravenna's are now on V8. But V5 or V6 are reduced to £40 on some websites in certain sizes. They're still amazing trainers.

Does anyone have recommendations for cheaper trainers? I normally spend about £40 which I don't mind doing again but anything cheap but good?

Said

I know but I'm skint . That sad I should be able to replace them this weekend

mines definitely get them replaced! I've been running since Feb 2015 and always know when I start getting a niggle my trainers are in the way out. My current pair are from March, and I've done just under 300 miles in them, so I'm think that's the cause of my shin niggle and am off this weekend for new ones! Go get yourself sorted!

bubble my trainers are worn which definitely doesn't help! I've been running for 4 years and have had every injury and foot problem possible. It's all led to experience on dealing with these things though!

sirzy well done on the 10k

Sirzy, the right running club is amazing. mine is so laid back and supportive. I love it.

Mines, I signed up for the Big Half in the spring, just brought it forward. And yes, it was definitely ok enough to do another!

Are you sure your trainers are right? I have never had a blister whilst running. I wear karrimor socks, or run mummy run ones. I have slightly bruised toes today, but I know that's because my trainers aren't long enough - I need to go up half a size or so now I'm doing more than 5-6 miles. But I don't have any real difference in my feet (wearing flip flops today) and I'm sure it's down to the trainers.

Good thing with hilly races is there is no pressure for times!

I did a local 10k on Sunday, didn't get a PB was about 5 minutes off but as my pace has been way off recently I was happy with how it went.

Joined a new running club last night too which is much more suited to my slower pace so feeling a bit more confident now.

cherry you are a half marathon graduate,unlike me,so stop putting yourself downow missus! You can definitely do this, yes fitness may have decreased but you'll get it back it sounds like a psychological battle you're fighting.

To those of you looking at hills my first 10k race is known for being horribly hilly but as I went up the first hill another runner said 'it's mind over matter' and also showed me the best way to head up them (smaller running steps,pumping the arms so they do the work). Yes I do struggle with hills sometimes but this advice has definitely helped.

bubble it couldn't have been bad if you're looking at doing another!

shortaris sorry to hear about your foot. Seems a few of us are suffering niggles at the moment. My quads are a bit sore so I've started to do a little walking on steep declines etc to preserve them!
I've burst a blister though 😨. I hate my 'runners feet'. Calluses, blisters and the occasional black/lost toenail. After the half I'm going to treat them nicer...

Lol at moogle singing carry on if it works for you crazy lady lol