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Original poster

Anyone else training for a half marathon?

439 replies

golemmings · 23/07/2012 22:25

I graduated from c25k earlier this year and ran my first 10 race in June. A friend has told me that I can do a half marathon in the autumn so I've signed up for one.

I'm a week into the training programme (using the rw one for 2:00-2:15 finishes) and I'm finding it really hard going.

Is there anybody else who is doing a half who wants to share moral support/abuse/highs/lows?

OP posts:
Idocrazythings · 02/09/2012 11:23

Lexi negative splits are where you run faster each "lap" (I think- correct me if I'm wrong have just recently been enlighted myself!)

KiwiPanda · 02/09/2012 12:48

Yes - not every single mile in my case as a few hills but basically getting slightly quicker as you go along

Lexilicious · 02/09/2012 13:27

Ok Kiwi thanks! I like to learn the lingo!

Well I survived it. Hurting now, going to have a cool bath. Did 17k in 1:58 which is 6.59min/km. Ten mile time 1:51. Quite pleased, but after the first big climb (which was on a golf course with sternly worded signs everywhere saying private, no walkers, etc) it was more flat than hill so I am not sure it is representative of how I'll do on the GNR. However, it also doesn't have people cheering, drinks stations, or the (+ve) pressure of performing in the real thing.

onedev · 02/09/2012 14:58

Well done Kiwi & Lexi!

I feel totally fine today so pleased about that Smile.

I feel the same Lexi but like you I'm hoping all the people will help me get up the hills Grin

Issy · 02/09/2012 18:07

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request

Original poster
golemmings · 02/09/2012 22:18

I keep reading others'posts and thinking "i could have written that"...

I did 9 miles today averaging 10min miles. My target was 11 min miles. I thought about trying to make it a 10mile run but that would have involved a stonking big hill... And its 3 weeks since I ran more than 5 miles... Miles 1-4 were hard because I mostly wanted to be asleep in bed and mile 8 was hard because I was knackered. Splits varied from 9:57 to 10:52 (which is steep uphill and then over grown fp).

And this is the first week in ages that I've done all my runs.

OP posts:
Lexilicious · 03/09/2012 08:34

I seriously hurt this morning - Envy at onedev's feeling fine the day after! My knees are actually creaking. Office job too, so I will have to force myself to get up and walk around to keep them loosening off.

KiwiPanda · 03/09/2012 09:39

Lexilicious Have you got any Tiger balm? Sorry, I bang on about this stuff so much I should be on commission for them, but it really is wonderful at easing aches and stiff muscles. You can get it in Boots. Just don't rub your eyes after applying :)

Lexilicious · 03/09/2012 09:43

I have! somewhere... possibly... (rebuilding/decorating half the house so everything in boxes and v difficult to find. Doesn't help until at least 5.30 anyway, when I'll be home from work!)

onedev · 03/09/2012 12:52

I've never heard of Tiger Balm so will have to look into that.

I take Seven Seas vitamin tablets for joints (contains glucosamine) as they were recommended to me by a colleague as my knees would often hurt & my knees have pretty much been fine since.

I did keep moving for a good 15 mins after my 11 miles & stretched quite a bit too so assume that's why i was ok?

Idocrazythings · 03/09/2012 16:43

Bugger! Have been coughing for a week- just went into the sport shoe shop and practically coughed up a lung for no reason the lady who owns it said she is a pharmacist as well and that I really should get my peak flow checked!!! I've already not been able to do my long weekend run yesterday- hope it gets better soon GNR in 2 weeks Sad

onedev · 03/09/2012 17:02

I've started coughing this last week too but am hoping it'll go away - what's peak flow?

Hope you're ok.

tiredemma · 03/09/2012 17:03

My knees are battered - will try some of your recommendations. I just know that im going to run in pain at GNR.

do or die.

Lexilicious · 03/09/2012 17:29

I used to have a neighbour who was a really keen runner, had an annoying cough which he eventually got checked out.... Spent a week in hospital and another couple of weeks bed rest at home. Pleurisy. Don't be too brave and soldier-on-y!!

Idocrazythings · 03/09/2012 19:00

Don't say that Lexi!!! I have an appt tomorrow with the GP nurse. Don't want it to get worse and affect my run (or worse be some one who collapses).

Peak flow is just where they check your lung capacity- you know that little cylinder you have to exhale into to check your lung capacity? I think it's probably all the pollution. Maybe I'll start running with one of those filter masks you see on some cyclists. Hehe only joking can u imagine the sight???

KiwiPanda · 03/09/2012 19:38

Just dont run with a chest infection! lexi maybe that's what your neighbour did..? Not good at all. I had one a month or so ago and couldn't have run if you paid me but also took ages after to get back on track, even when I felt ok I couldn't run. So don't overtax yourself ..

Lexilicious · 03/09/2012 20:37

Sorry, didn't mean to spook you quite so much! That was probably not helpful though. My neighbour probably did run with something like a chest infection but was so superfit that it didn't knock him out like it would a mere mortal.

Well today I have received in the post the info about the Anthony Nolan stand at the end of the race and what they lay on for their charity runners. Got the bupa pack earlier and my wristband for the coach service. I have chucked the info pages on the official AN 'cheering points' because DH has informed me he's not even coming up to Durham now so there is no chance of a little surprise of himans DS popping up on the sidelines somewhere. It is fair enough really because of my cockup with the b&b meaning travelling back on Monday morning that he cant miss from work, but I am hacked off and miserable because it means I am on my own for 48 hours. I would have liked to be met and congratulated at least in Durham. Still, it sounds like there will be lots of people in the B&B doing the run, and I will meet people on the coach I guess. (hate meeting new people really, want to curl up in a corner and not be noticed)

So, scuse me while I have a bit of a grump.

humblebumble · 03/09/2012 21:32

Tiredemma re: Knees - I also wear a patella strap when I do the longer runs knee strap. I had forgotten about using it until I started doing the longer runs and my knee began to hurt.
I take glucosomine when
I replace my running shoes about every 300miles.

I am pleased to report after my 9 mile run on Saturday I don't have any pain in my knees (yey!), I haven't worn my new running shoes yet. I will take them out tomorrow for a 3 miler.

I was also told by a Dr friend of mine, don't run with a chest infection because the risk is that it will get worse. You are better to take a few days off and go back out when you feel better.

I also recommend Tiger Balm, but whatever you do make sure you wash your hands before you touch any sensitive areas!

lexi what a shame your DH can't come and meet you, I can appreciate the disappointment. Hopefully it will make coming home more special. They will be so excited to see you.

Issy I am living in the US at the moment. DH is away this week but I am still hoping through some miracle (and the help of some friends) I can get out and do my runs.

Idocrazythings · 03/09/2012 23:55

Issy That's ok, I'm not spooked!! (I'm sure I'm fine) The coach will be dropping me off at the start point then I'll be by myself too until the race starts as they recommend family stay on the coach to go to the finish- at least you get to go to a tent! everyone will be in such a good mood you'll probably meet heaps of people! What wave are you in? I'm pink j (right at the back).

Idocrazythings · 03/09/2012 23:58

Oops sorry I meant lexi. That's what u get for being up too late hiding the iPhone light under the bed covers and trying to muffle your cough?

Lexilicious · 04/09/2012 09:26

Smile I didn't read the run pack very carefully (was too busy grumping) but my race number is 55xxx because of my very very cautious estimate of finish time! To explain - I went to get a spit sample thing sent from the AN web page from a link on one of the Ailidh prayer threads, and saw they had spaces for the GNR. Blithely signed up, immediately thought OMG what have I done. I last did this sort of distance in July 08 on the Bewl Water 15 mile (x-country) which I did in 2h15 but I was superfit then, but after that I haven't run hardly at all since getting pregnant later that year. Starting from doing absolutely no exercise whatsoever (first training run was 8 July), I estimated I would finish a half in 3 hours. Hence I am probably going to start in a group with the litter pickers at the back!

Idocrazythings · 04/09/2012 18:33

Crap and bugger!!! Just got back from GP's armed with antibiotics and a ventolin puffer (and tiger balm to rub on my chest). No running until Sunday and only if I am 100% it's only allowed to be a gentle run too. Have to go back next Tuesday for another check Sad

Lexilicious · 04/09/2012 18:38

Oh no, really sorry to hear that. Sad

KiwiPanda · 04/09/2012 18:42

Oh Ido you poor thing. Rest as much as you can, will keep fingers crossed for rapid recovery but do take it easy

onedev · 04/09/2012 19:02

You've got time Ido, so hopefully you'll have a speedy recovery.

I put a slow time down as well so I'm starting in J Orange (or something like that) so think I'll be at the back with you.

What worried me was the talk about the street clear car & if it passes you then you're out of the race & have to finish on the footpath - how embarrassing! Really hope that's not me!