Half Marathon thread

lelley why don't you reduce one of the 5ks to an interval run/Hill reps and then increase another to 6/7k? Then keep increasing the distance on your longest run? That's what I do but I am no expert!

I tried to run 5k this am (I do my long run in the week). I totally copped out ended up a 4k run/walk. It was so hot I don't regret it! Have to try harder from now on though. I'm struggling with this return my distances are all over the place and naturally my speed and endurance is down. I'm aware I need to make more commitment to effort now.

mum I'm so sorry to hear about your fil

I'm running my first HM at the end of November - 13 Arches in North Manchester.

So far my long runs are 7-8km but will hope to add distance as I get nearer. For the first time this week, my total weekly distance was a HM (22km), so I'm pleased with that!

All I'm worried about as I go on is a) boredom - I find it hard to keep my mind entertained on the longer runs. And b) finding new routes - I'm already getting a bit bored of my regular ones! I don't really have a running buddy (or not one who wants to run 10k+!) and I wouldn't feel safe going running in some of the places I'd like to (quiet countryside paths), so I feel kind of chained to running on busy roads...

Parkrun is a free weekly timed 5k that takes place all over the uk (and world now).

Saturday at 9am. All you need is a bar code.

Well I try to run 5k three times a week and then a longer run over the weekend. The plan was to keep upping my mileage each weekend. I'm only up to 9k though as struggling with time and energy.

lelley that's how I feel but don't worry you really do have plenty of time! What distance are you up to? Increasing distance usually gives me more confidence.

Ooo I'm running my first half in September and I feel really sick about it! I had all my training planned and I've just not stuck to it. Really sporadic and then I feel really guilty and worried. Struggling to find my motivation and energy.

Can I sneak in?

Did my first half last month - local run so right at the back at 2.40. I did run 21k in my final training run as that was Parkrun plus run home. Helped my confidence at least.

Now aiming for Great Birmingham in October and would love sub 2.30 which might be possible for a road race rather than mixed terrain. I might also manage to stick to my pace plan rather than go off too hard at the start!

Need to make a vague mileage plan for my long runs around life. Generally I do a 5kish club run, some speedwork, another run and a longer run plus Parkrun when I can. Then try to do weights etc but find running easier to do as I have to plan it around childcare while I figure I can just do weights whenever and never quite get around to it!

My biggest issue is being disciplined about pacing and not going off too hard on a downhill start!

Asics, not Asians! 😡

Hi, I'm doing a half on 15 October and following the Asians training plan with predicted finish time of around 2hr 15.

Just wanted to say to Pikachu that I don't think you have to run the full distance in training. My asides plan only has me running a mixture of 3m, 4.5m, 6.5m and 8.5 miles until four weeks before the race, when I do two 10.5m runs. I run three times a week, do a 60min personal training session with weights and some sprints plus Pilates (historic back issues from pregnancy).

Good luck to everyone with you training!

Well done everyone on all the training. pikachu you definitely will be able to do it in time. All my runs are hilly too but that can only benefit us in the long run (pun intended).

I've been out for a few runs this week but no structure ato the moment.

Sil and I had our 12 week emails this am, we are both crapping ourselves but trying to act nonchalant.

She has a game plan. I don't! And the dc are soo whiny this am I can't even make one in my head. Going to do a tempo ish 5k tomorrow then make a plan. Like pikachu 3 months ago my long run was 16k but it's all fallen apart since, just trying to get it together again. Also I'm holding back a bit too much because I'm so scared of over training again

@Outinthegarden mines on October 8th too!

Where is yours?

I'm struggling with training, but fitting in runs when I can. My father in law has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is deteriorating quickly so my DH is spending as much time as possible with him understandably.

Hello! I'm running a HM on 8th Oct. I'm not getting much training in at the moment because of childcare, but DH should be at work less soon.

Pikachu we are big fans of ice on injuries in this house. Also what about your shoes? Do they need replacing? My knees have only been bad once when I got shoes that correct my pronation, now I always get neutral shoes.

pikachu I think it really helps to plan your route and know what distance you're going to cover before you set out, but that's because I shorten my runs unless they're a set route.

Near me I've a 3k loop, 4.5 & 5k not loop but almost, 6k loop, 8k loop, 10k, 12k, 14k, 17k and 21k, I've found these by mapping local roads on mapmyrun and they all include hills of varying degrees

Hey Pikachu KT tape works as far as I know - never used it though- what's the furthest you've ever run? A rule of thumb is to add 1k on a weekly basis to your longer runs, so 8 weeks would take you to 20k which is basically HM :)

Did run part of fitness test this morning after 4 weeks of bootcamp took a full minute off my previous 4 min time

Well done on your runs everyone! I can't wait to get back to it after my marathon hike on Saturday!! Missing the running so maybe a week off is a good thing to make you realise you actually do enjoy running !!

Revolution - that's great! Maybe I will just stick with what I'm doing and aim to get a bit quicker and stronger! I've never run further than 10 miles yet!!

@LaFlottes I basically did a couch to HM in 5 months with no real training plan nor outside coaching beyond a FB group

Thanks Revolution - my routine works for now but I keep reading these proper training plans with all different kinds of speed work and long runs being long one week and then shorter and then even longer....it's a bit mind boggling isn't it!! It makes me feel like my current training isn't right, but maybe it's actually ok?!!

Mammy - I can't stand treadmills - I'd rather be running in the pouring rain and freezing cold! I just can't do it on a treadmill, too much temptation to stop!! Map my Run sounds good - I didn't realise you could do that!!