Entered a half marathon and now feel like a twat.

[zippy539]

Warning: this is long and self indulgent.
Context: I'm a short, unsporty and moderately fat 44yr old.

In a moment of madness six months ago I entered a half marathon (happening in march 2012). I thought if I had a ridiculous goal I would be motivated to get fit. I've been 'training' since October using the walk/run method designed by Jeff Galloway for unsporty and moderately fat 44 year olds. (The idea is that you use a combination of walking and running throughout training and in the race itself in order to avoid injury/improve times).

So far it's been going okay - I actually enjoy my runs though I am very very slow. I'm run/walking about 10 miles a week and apart from the odd crap run I've been feeling great. I've learnt to put up with the fact that I run at the speed of a slug and can pretty much laugh off the sideways looks I get from those that pass me when I'm out on 'a run' (eg old ladies on zimmers/people casually strolling with their dogs). Cut to today. I got up at an ungodly hour to catch the village bus into the nearest town (I was due to 'run' six miles and didn't fancy going so far down super-icy country lanes). Got into town and realised that all the paths were treacherously icy so got the bus back home again - was gutted as all geared up and had even had a nervous pre-run pee up a lane precariously close to the local high street. Back at home I decided to risk the country lanes and once the ice had melted set off at my blistering 14 min mile pace. Two miles in my shin and calf started hurting like you would not believe. I tried to run through it but ended up hobbling and had to turn around and walk 2 miles home in disgrace (and had to have another public pee up a country lane mercifully NOT close to any high street but in full view of a field of scathing sheep).

I'm on the settee now with a bag of frozen peas on my leg and feeling like an utter idiot. What in God's name made me think this running lark was a good idea? I've set myself a huge goal and even in the unlikely event that I do manage to complete the training I'm still going to be the only plonker who is running/walking and still coming in utterly last on the day. But I don't want to give up because the goal of the half marathon is the only thing that gets me into my trainers every day. Should I pack it in? Go for a more realistic goal? Just feel gutted cos I was feeling so good and now I feel like a total overweight, 44 year old twat.

No, no I'm not a proper runner at all. Had only done a few race for lifes and a couple of 10ks before.
There were people run/walking when I did it. Quite often, they would actually be going faster overall than the slower runners (of which I was one) because they would regain some energy while walking, then when they started running again they would be going faster. I know this as you start to recognise some of the people running around you, and I saw some overtake me who I had previouslly seen walking. I don't think you will piss people off by walking, because presumably you will start off running, then when the pack has spread out a bit, you will be able to find some room to walk. Unless you have put yourself down at the front, should be fine.
I only guessed you were doing Bath because that is the only half I have done, and it was in march! Tbh, I haven't been running much recently, and I want to get back into it after christmas, so thank you for inspiring me! I know the feeling of being a fattish runner well, and it takes guts (no pun intended) to be able to go out and run in public, so well done for that.

Chestnut - you have NO idea how much your last post means to me. I've been totally stressing about the run/walk thing so knowing that others are doing it during the race is a huge relief. I presumed that everyone would be running 'properly' during a proper half and that's been bugging me right through my training so thanks so much for the info.

Also relieved that it was a march co-incidence rather than you simply seeing me waddling around the BA post code :). Can't believe that I have inspired anyone tbh but if I have I am beyond delighted - maybe you should do the half - I think there are still charity places available. Go on - you know you want to.

Maybe I should enter...think it would be 2013 for me though, I would have a lot of work to do, much more than you! I don't actually live in the area, but ended up doing the bath one because it was on a significant date (without outing myself). Obviously it also gave me an excuse to visit Bath, which was nice. The good thing about big city races like that is that they attract a wide range of participants. I imagine that if you'd entered a smaller half, then it would be mainly club runners, and runners like you and me might look out of place (and slow!). Check the results, there's nothing to fear.

Zippy, thank you so much for starting this thread - if you hadn't, I would have done. Sorry for gatecrashing.

I've entered a half marathon in January, partly through bravado because DH (who is a far better runner than me) also entered.

I did the C25K earlier this year, and have carried on running since "graduating". My knees have started really playing up since I started my half training plan (I am/was following a Runners World one), so have not got my miles in this week. So I'm convinced I'll be last to finish, if I even get round the course.

I am taking comfort from the other posters on your thread . DH did a 15k today, and the back runners were averaging 17 minute miles, so there is hope for both of us!

Neither - lovely to hear from someone who's in the same boat! Very pleased with news of the 17 minute miles. I think I'm scared because I've only done a race for life before and EVERYONE was walking/mucking about. I've got a vision of a ha;f marathon being populated by lithe 5-minute milers in little running shorts.

zippy, I have the same vision too . Like you I've only done family fun runs before. But a friend of mine who is an experienced half marathon/triathlon person and is getting over an injury did a half a few weeks ago alternating running/walking and said her time was similar to her previous running times.

There was a great quote on the FB page set up for DH's 15k yesterday (which was two loops of a local park): "it was great to cross the finish line at the same time as the winners - pity I still had 5 miles to go". The man posting that had done less than half the run, in the same time that the winners had completed it. I will be that person in January.

Neither - can you come back here and let me know how you get on in January? Good luck!!!

You'll be fine, especially at a big event! I've done loads of races and never been in one yet where there weren't people run/walking.

I'm always in (I'd say) the last 10% and there's a great camaraderie. I did the Chester marathon a couple of months ago, and was aiming to finish in 5:30. When me and my friend got to the starting pens there was no one in the 5+ hours pen. In fact there was no one in the 4:30 + pen! But we went round at our own speed, and passed loads of people who had set off too fast, and ran our own race.

And don't do yourself down, if you finish in 4 hours you've still finished 4 hours ahead of the people who never made it off the sofa.

Thanks monkey - will take your advice and run my own race- if I end up in the last 10 percent I'll be delighted. I checked out the results for last years bath half as advised and had a heart attack - I run about a 12/13 min mile at best and the person who was last in 2011 averaged an 11 min pace. Dh reckons the stats must be In Kilometers rather than miles - giving the last finisher a time of 4 hours. Is he right? My maths are crap when I'm calm never mind in a panic. Anyhow - off to make another tempt on 6 miles tomorrow. I'm stupidly nervous and hope to avoid any public peeing (possibly the only event in which I can challenge Paula Radcliffe )...

2011 results the last finisher was 4hr 1 min. I don't know where you are looking, but it doesn't give a mile pace on this page.

chestnut - if you click on the little arrow to the right of the individual listing it opens a second page which gives a breakdown of timings and pace. Unfortunately.

If you look at that breakdown though they are giving distance and time in kms. Look at distance run - 21 kms, not 13.1 miles (look at the bottom two lines where they give a time for the 10k, which is nearly half way or just over 6 miles, and then a finish time).

Even a 15 minute mile would have you finishing in 3 hours 16 minutes, which is not going to be last!

Thanks Monkey - that's what DH reckoned (about the pace being in kms) but I believe NOTHING he says! I'll take it from you though. :o

Zipppy - I was bamboozled into doing a super sprint triathalon by my too 'd'friends ( one of whom is a PT and the other runs 13 miles for 'fun!) I was very sporadic in my training only did a few bits of swimming...but the atmosphere on the day was absolutely amazing and I came in bottom of the top half of people iyswim. It was such a great feeling and I burst into tears as I went over the line as I couldnt believe I had done it.

I swore I wouldnt do it again but guess what have signed up to do it again for next year!

Sorry got very carried away there...meant to say keep plugging away you have loads of time until March and you WILL finish it to prove to yourself that you can do it and you will feel amazing!

kingfisher - that is incredibly impressive - bloody well done.

Actually feeling a bit bad now about being so concerned about coming in last because SOMEONE has to come in last in every race - even if they are a very fast person racing other very fast people. Why shouldn't that 'last' person be me? What would actually be so bad about coming last - it would be worse to chicken out, not run thereby not come last but also to achieve absolutely nothing.

Okay - feeling better now. Thanks everyone. Off to get the bus to attempt those scary six miles...

Hah! Kneel before Paula Radcliffe - did my six miles. Now on settee with bottle of wine at my lips and bag of frozen chips under my calves but did it. Onwards and upwards - thanks all.

My (clinically mad) DD has got herself a place in the London marathon. I went out with her a few weeks ago on her first training run and she was crap. She's been slowly plugging away at training in spite of asthma doing it's level best to stop her and I went out with her again today. I haven't seen her train in the interim and I was amazed at her improvement. She can't see it but I can. Do you have anyone running with you OP? I bet they can see your improvements. My dd is half your age and only churning out 12 minute miles so your timing sounds pretty good to me.

Well done zippy!

I love your thread title! Woman after my own heart.

Firstly well done on actually getting yourself running - sod your pace, you will speed up in a race. When your leg feels better, concentrate on banking the mileage, don't worry how fast you run. If you can get up to around 9 miles before race you'll be fine.

All us runners start somewhere, you are giving yourself a goal which you WILL do and when you've completed it, the sense of achievement will be huge. I did my first ever half marathon in September and it's changed my whole life around. I've done 2 more since and have entered another 2 in Jan and March and also a marathon in April. Yes, I am a bit crazy but just shows you what you can do if you want to. You get back out there and don't worry what anyone thinks.

Great to read this thread.

I am 37 and fat with the mahoosive boobs known to man....I'm built for comfort not speed!

I have just agreed to run a half marathon in October. I have never run anywhere...not even for the bus!

You will be my inspiration!!!!

Ooh, can I join in, or would I be a fraud since I don't even have the courage to enter a 5k? This is the first running thread where I've thought "yay, people like me". I am 46, after 4 months of "running" (as I like to call it in my moments of self-delusion, aerobic waddling might be more accurate) have got my weight back to a BMI of spot on 25, and am finally sort of enjoying it. I have no idea how long it takes me to cover a mile (I am deliberately not timing myself). I know lots of lovely, supportive, encouraging runners but they are good (sub 3 hour marathons, running up Welsh mountains while pregnant), and it would be nice to hang out with people who understand what it's like to run v. v. slowly.

Hello all

Fanny I've been lurking on the Runners' thread to draw inspiration for my half marathon in Jan. I was slavishly following a plan, but that has gone to pot with the run up to Christmas. And when I started it I didn't clock that 2 of the weekends when I was supposed to betting the miles in were Christmas and new Years. Hey ho.

chimchar - you have loads of time to prepare!

Lurcio - good to see another slow runner!

I got out of work early today so did a long (by my standards) run - 8.25 miles. I also walked just over a mile as a warm up, as I've been getting sore calves. So I'm a bit more confident that I'll be able to go the distance, even if I don't run it all

Hooray!!! I get back from a Christmas visit up north, check in on MN and find LOADS OF CRAP SLOW RUNNERS!!! (apologies to those who are just giving it some false modesty).

hell - good for your DD - and doubly brilliant given the asthma (I run with an inhaler in my pocket cos though I'm v mild the winter air gets me). It's lovely to know that other folks notice an improvement when the runner doesn't - I bore dh with my paltry stats and he tries to be interested but you actually running with her and clocking the difference must give her a huge boost.

neither Thankyou!!!! :) Now gearing up for a 7.5 miles and cacking myself all over again! Very in awe of your 8.25 miles - that's HUGE. You are so going to be able to do it. What date is the race?

fanny - what an encouraging post - thankyou. Totally in awe of your perseverance. It's good to know you've kept it up - that's my secret fear (apart from the half itself) - that I'll do this and then pack it all in and retire to the settee. Maybe I should start looking for something later in the year just to keep my motivation up. Did you sign up for the others off the back of the first or did you have a break?

chimchar - WE CAN DO THIS!!!! Okay, I've had a bit of christmas bubbly and I'm feeling uncharacteristically positive but once again WE CAN DO THIS. Have you thought about what training plan you're following or are you doing your own thing?

Lurcio - you sum it up. I've got a lovely mate who runs and says 'come out with me, I'm really slow" - then does a 5k race in 28 mins. If I did the same in distance in 40/45 mins I'd be doing a victory conga. I love your 'aerobic waddling' - that's what I do except I'm not even sure it's 'aerobic' . BUT it makes me feel better than I have in years. That's brilliant about your BMI - DON'T time yourself because now you're in good nick you might be faster than you think and then I'd have to stop talking to you. Obv. Though you should enter a 5k - loads of them are really friendly/relaxed. Is there one coming up near you any time soon?

Hi zippy! Hope you had a good holiday break. My run is on 21 January . I've also signed up for a 10k on 7 Jan as part of my prep . I would have run today, but it's raining and blowing a gale outside so will have to wait for tomorrow

Altogether now We can do this!