Half marathon - any one doing one?

[Cherryminx]

There was a thread last year which I looked at in admiration as I struggled through C25K and then went on to run a 10K. So I can hardly believe that in a fit of madness I've signed up for a half Marathon in May.

Training starts tomorrow! Would anyone like to join me?

Laughing - crikey that sounds like a nightmare. Well done for finishing and hope you are ok plus hope everyone else ok too. I can't imagine what it would be like running in that heat.

You deserve many too. And very impressed that you are even thinking of another HM.

Laughing - well done for getting round, it was so hot yesterday!
We're they asking all runners to walk, not just those towards the back of the pack? I can't imagine that being very popular!!

Probably about as popular as the Sheffield half marathon a few years ago where they tried to tell all the runners not to run - once thousands were assembled on the start line - because the water hadn't arrived at the water stations.
The front runners set off anyway,the police attempted to stop them but failed, and everyone behind just set off running because they had no idea what had been said to those at the front (dire PA system). My DH finished the race without even noticing there hadn't been water at the water stations and with no idea the race was officially cancelled! Farcical.

But yeah, I can't imagine many people at Hackney, out for a pb, taking being asked to walk very well! I can't imagine many obeyed the order either?!

Oh gosh Laughing what a day! Well done for finishing, hope you've recovered today!

Wow laughing that sounds quite scary. What a baptism of fire for your first HM. Well done for completing the course. I hope littlepickle is ok.

There were a couple of people I saw really struggling in Leeds but no one on stretchers thank goodness. But it only got to 23/24c, I would've melted in 27c running or not! Come up north for your next one

Oh and the misting station thing was a massive water tanker spraying across the road, not the serene mist cloud I was expecting! Good though, I got soaked!!

running I remember hearing about that race with no water! What a farce!! I guess in Hackney any runners unsure of stopping probably just needed a bit of a nudge and would've been glad to walk. And anyone who felt fine to carry on would've just kept running I guess? Where abouts in West Yorks are you?

I hear you laughing it was bloody horrible trying to get round Hackney! Couldn't believe the amount of people collapsing. Well I could, it was unbearable at points.

I managed 2:14 and that included queuing for the loo at one point. I was a little disappointed as all my training lead me to believe a sub 2 was possible, but I know there was no way I could have pushed myself further without being one of unfortunate casualties!

Weirdly feel absolutely fine today (after a 10 hour sleep!) and now looking forward to training for the Great North Run where perhaps I'll get the sub 2!

Ps laughing - did you see the jelly baby station that they kept going on about? I didn't see anything at all at mile 7

Wow, well done laughing and littlepickle! That sounds really tough.

My HM is Edinburgh at the end of May. I will probably sign up for Glasgow in October 2. I don't fancy Glencoe's hills but good luck for that emummy! I was on holiday in the far north west of Scotland last week and did 10 miles along a twisty single track road with lots of climbs and a strong wind. Quite a challenge! Did 13 miles on Sunday (back home so fewer hills!). My foot bothered me a bit for the last mile or two so I think I will start tapering this week rather than try another 12 or 13 miles. Foot seems ok now but I haven't run on it since. Will try a 5k tonight and see how it does.

Oh, and well done to Igotta too!

I am officially tapering. Very nice to only have to run a few easy miles this week. Am switiching to the chelsea buns/ egg diet from Friday. Having to stop for the loo is still my main worry.

Have been keeping an eye on the weather and was a bit worried that might need flippers and wet suit today but the rain seems to have receeded and forecast for the weekend is cloudy and not too hot.

Don't get an advance race pack for my HM as is rather small so can only make sure my shorts and t shirt are clean and my trainers laced up nicely. Have switched over the past few weeks to the newer version of my old trainers which have been pleasingly cushioned.

Knee injuries are healing and I'm feeling reasonably fit although the hot weather has been making runs quite tiring and sweaty.

Wondering whether Lady C is still lurking and preparing for hers as she was the other person doing one this weekend.

Excellent stuff cherry tapering is the best bit I find! But it did feel wierd not really running that much. I also ate a massive plate of pasta and white toast the night before my HM.

I was wondering what happened to ladyc too.

Now I've signed up for a triathlon I ought to crack on with buying a bike training. Of course now I've done my first HM I'm itching to get another one booked in. But the next local one is only a week after the triathlon (sept). Might have to let the HM wait and do a 10 mile in Oct instead.

So excited for you Cherry, nearly there. I got quite twitchy by this point but the nice carbs helped

That might be a bit much Igotta, the ten mile sounds an excellent option.

Well, I've done it, signed up for Glen Coe half in October! Only slightly nervous after reading the list of compulsory equipment! Now definitely have to have new trail shoes for my birthday, hurray!
Good luck for this weekend cherry

Loving the way all these new running challenges are forcing people into going shopping

emummy - you will definately need some of those long socks and maybe a false beard for the Glencoe race!

Weather is looking very good for Sunday - sunny but cool and a light breeze. Went for a short jog today and have eaten many brioche buns. Thank you for good wishes - not feeling too nervous yet.

We're away for the weekend with little to no wifi so I'll wish you luck now cherry! Look forward to hearing all about it next week.

Good luck tomorrow cherry!

Thanks for all good vibes. In hotel trying to sleep while dh snores loudly . Will file full report tomorrow.

Best of luck Cherry

Is it Chester you're doing today, cherry? Good luck, it's a beautiful sunny day for it - and not too hot, unlike Leeds and Hackney!! Hope you get whatever time you're aiming for.

Hope it all went well and wasn't too hot. No where near last weekend but it was a lot hotter today than I was expecting and some people were suffering badly at the 10k I was at.

Yay! I did it in under 2hrs 10 min, 200+ people finished behind me! Did not have to stop to go to the loo (white bread/ rice and immodium did the trick).

It was pretty sweaty and was amazed at number of people who were wearing running tights or carrying camel packs of water when there were water stations every 2 mile. I started right at the back so was quite nice to pass quite a few people en route.

Route was very pretty - country lanes and villages with friendly people proffering jelly babies. Although TBH did not fancy sweets much. Just dowsed myself in water and took a couple of swigs.

Mile 11 and mile 13 were the hardest (mile 12 was downhillish). Felt quite sick when I finished but miraculaously within 5 mins recovered enough to stuff myself with an ice cream and bacon roll.

Now at home swigging Prosecco and waiting for DH to cook me something on the BBQ.

Only damage so far seems to be sore big toe.

Oh so so so well done Cherry, what a fantastic time. Sounds like it was a great experience too, so pleased for you! Enjoy your very well deserved prosecco.

Well done Cherry! Glad it went well and that's a great time. Prosecco well deserved I think!

Yay Cherry big congratulations brilliant time as well

Well done Cherry! Great time. But sub-2 next time, right?!

Finished with a lady who had her own personal hunky coach who was obvs going for a sub 2 time. Maybe if I'd had him with me I would've done it - or maybe not A minute a mile doesn't sound much but its like everest when you're actually trying to do it!

Chutney - will see you in mid July when training starts for our mid Sept effort.

Mine looks lovely. Its the Forest of Dean Autumn trail race - see here:

www.forestofdean-halfmarathon.co.uk/autumn/index.php