to think I can be a good runner? Any runners out there?

[aimingforpb]

I've recently taken an interest in running, but am very competitive and am sick of getting average times in half marathons. I finish anywhere between 2 hours 20 and 2 hours 40. When I train I have no structure and don't really know where to start.

Basically, I need help. Really badly want to break 2 hours but the idea of having to shave up to 40 mins off my run is scary!

Any tips? AIBU to think that as a woman in her mid 30s I can become a brilliant runner?

I've been doing 2-3 mile runs from about 2 months pp about 3x a week

OP sorry if I've got the wrong end of the stick, but is this your training before your HMs? If so it's not nearly enough to get a faster HM time. Training schedules would have you running up to 30km-40km (18 to 25 miles) in the weeks leading up to the race.

Your once-a-week long run also needs to be somewhere in the region of 10km up to 18-19km just before.

A 2 hour marathon means you need to be running at - very roughly - 5.45-5.50 pace ( that's minutes per km). I've been training for my first official Half, have only so far done the distance out training on my own as I hurt my back just before the big day. My plan was to run the first 3-4k at 6min per km pace, and then increase to 5.45.

So when you have upped your long run distance, I'd suggest you try to build up to being able to comfortably & consistently run at 5.45 pace. When you can do that for a distance you'll know you are getting towards the sub-2hr HM.

I did my very first 10k last October which took me about 1.05; when I ran it again a couple of weeks ago I knocked 7 minutes off my time so it is totally doable. I wasn't even going for it, just running within myself.

I know you said you can't work with your dad but if I had someone that good & that experienced I would find a way to make it work! Could you ask him to write you a programme, that you can then adapt to fit in with your lifestyle & commitments? Good luck. You can do it.

Well done for getting back out there so soon after giving birth. It took me over a year.

At 5 months postpartum and still bf you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Your body will be still recovering, joints will be loose and you will probably be storing calories for breastfeeding. I know I was.

I got my half marathon pb when dd was 3. I went from 2.30 to 1.51 but it was only when I stopped breastfeeding, got her sleep established and sorted regular childcare that I could start proper training. You aren't going to get good times when you are only running 2-3 miles in training. You need to be out for 2 hours plus and that isn't easy to do with an ebf baby. We can't all be Jasmine Paris!

Also I got my park run PB yesterday and I'm 44. My friend who is 49 and whose children have just gone to uni has got a PB over every single distance except 26.2 since January (and she's working on that one ).

There's plenty of time.

Just to add, the training does take time & consistency - that's what will make the biggest difference. Why not focus on shorter distances for the time being (5 & 10k) where the training isn't so time consuming? My HM long runs take me a good 2 hours (sometimes even more if I do a hilly route), once I've warmed up & cooled down. That's not easy when you've got a busy life to fit it around.

Don't beat yourself up if you can't give your running that at the moment. As the PP poster says you have got years of fun with running ahead of you to work on that Half PB!!

The thing I find most frustrating is having all this free time during the day but nobody to have DS for me. I could get a running jogger they're expensive and I think it would be too much running with him. I'm also a single mum so his dad isn't around. Struggling! I need some me time but don't feel like that's possible.

@Daisydoesnt I've tried! He's autistic (not an excuse but a factor) and just isn't good at coaching. If you knew him you'd understand. Very hard to explain!

OP in that case I think you are doing very well, given the lack of opportunities you get to put the miles in. I am sure it will get easier once your son gets older.

Buy a running buggy...a few miles with that twice a week will increase your strength which in turn will help with running speed and endurance. A long run once a week, plus several shorter runs consistently will all give you improvement.

The good news is that there is a tried and trusted method to get faster. The bad news is it hurts!

You need to do interval training once or twice a week. And you need to do a tempo run at least once a week. Intervals will train your body to run faster and tempo runs train your body to go hard for extended periods. You also need to do your long runs, at a relatively gentle pace, to build up the stamina

And make sure you get plenty of rest

When I was in your situation op (well sort of, young baby, Dh working long hours) I bought a treadmill. It was the cheapest motorised one at decathlon , I think it was £250, but it was probably the best investment I've ever made in myself. I don't use it nearly as much now because it is dull compared to running outside, but it means I can always 'get out' for a run. If you have space and funds, maybe that could be an option?