Page 37 | Half marathon - any one doing one?

Cherryminx · 2015-12-31T16:25:31+00:00

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?

chutneypig · 28/09/2016 05:06

It's frustrating when life gets in the way of training, usually just when you need it too! parkrun is so good for sorting out tactics and seeing what impact they have. That sounds spots on for 8 miles and being on target. How many people are taking part?

FiftyNineOhEight · 28/09/2016 06:37

Those are some scary hills chutney! Even more well done!

Runningupthathill82 · 28/09/2016 08:03

Which half did you do, Chutney? Was it a hilly one? I can see the profile on the previous page but wasn't sure if it was in feet or metres!
Anyone doing Worksop at the end of October? It's one of my favourites - fast, flat and scenic. Mostly around Clumber Park (huge National Trust property) and with Halloween themed fancy dress.

Runningupthathill82 · 28/09/2016 08:04

Oh, I can see it's in metres now! That was a fair climb at three miles. Ouch.

KittyandTeal · 28/09/2016 13:43

Chutney I might be teaching you to suck eggs re hills. My regular routes are fairly hilly too (usual one is 150m elevation gain)

I used to walk the hills but I read somewhere about shortening stride and going up hills on toes. Between that, trying to keep upright rather than leaning forward and counting steps I can run all the hills on my routes now.

You probably know this stuff already though.

KittyandTeal · 28/09/2016 13:44

Chutney I might be teaching you to suck eggs re hills. My regular routes are fairly hilly too (usual one is 150m elevation gain)

I used to walk the hills but I read somewhere about shortening stride and going up hills on toes. Between that, trying to keep upright rather than leaning forward and counting steps I can run all the hills on my routes now.

You probably know this stuff already though.

Lonoxo · 28/09/2016 16:53

Well done Chutney! That's a really good time and an improvement on your first HM.

I did my first HM over the weekend. It was perfect running weather so that was a good start. There were pacers, I was aiming for 2.15-2.20 but pacers were for 2.10 or 2.20 so I wanted to follow the 2.10 and see if I could keep up. However, I arrived late at the funnel and had to start behind the 2.25 pacer. Oh well, I had to run my own race. I was over the moon when I caught up with and overtook the 2.20 pacer. But that didn't last, a few miles later she caught up with me. When I could see that she was on my heels, I quickly pulled a few metres ahead. It was like cat and mouse for a couple of miles until I finally admitted defeat and watched her race ahead of me, I couldn't keep up.

It was a good route, 1 lap which I like. Hills throughout. Going uphill is my weak point, so many people overtook me. I tried to work with the terrain and go faster on the flat parts and downhill.

The thing about races is that it forces me to push on and keep trying. I didn't want to finish too far behind my target so kept the pace the same for the last miles. The last mile seemed to go on forever, the end was around this corner and around that turn. I was so happy to finish, time was 2.21 which I am happy with as I have never run that fast in training. My splits for the 1st and 2nd half were more or less even which shows how hard I had to work throughout.

The spectators were fantastic! There was a band playing in one street. Locals came out with sweets for the runners. Kids wanted high fives. One lady even had her hose pipe out dousing the hot and sweaty runners.

Lonoxo · 28/09/2016 16:59

Thanks for all your support on this thread! The advice has been so useful. I have really enjoyed hearing all the inspiring stories. Many thanks to the PP (can't remember the name) who said she managed to do a HM on 1 short run and 1 long run a week. It was that comment that made me think that I could do it and spurred me into to sign up for my 1st HM.

londonmummy1966 · 28/09/2016 17:32

Well done lonoxo - grit is what it takes it seems. Hope I will be able to keep going when the HM is killing me on 9th...

emummy · 28/09/2016 21:49

Well done lonoxo, fantastic effort! Hope you rewarded yourself for all that hard work!

chutneypig · 29/09/2016 06:03

Well done Lonoxo so glad it went well. Even splits are very good, I was much better at that this time out. Do you find it easier to push yourself in a proper run with others? I really need that, I don't know whether it's the atmosphere or other runners but I never go as fast training as I do in an event, whether it's parkrun or something like the half. What's next for you?

Thanks Kitty, I probably do need to think about form on hills. I've been trying to improve my general posture on the flat which I think has helped, but that could take it up a notch. One of our parkruns is very hilly so would be a good testing ground. I know if I walk a bit of the first hill then my first km is faster than if I 'run' but that could be a good benchmark.

londonmummy1966 · 29/09/2016 08:28

Interesting article on the Runners World blog this week about how to run downhill - never found that quite so difficult mind you..........

Runningupthathill82 · 29/09/2016 09:44

Running downhill is my weak point. On every fell race I overtake people on the way up and then they take me again on the way down. I can't just let go and fly down the hillside, I'm too cautious! Also, long standing knee injuries don't help as downhill running exacerbates that.

stilllearnin · 29/09/2016 13:10

I am just popping on to say well done to Lonoxo - I would be very very happy with that time. My race number came thru today!! (a little bit eeky - but I think I will be ok. I am going to try another long run this weekend - and then I will taper with lots of fun shorter ones I think.

madgingermunchkin · 29/09/2016 15:17

Hi guys! I'm jumping on thread for some advice. I have agreed to run a (hilly!) half marathon at the end of October.
I run 3/4 times a week (2x 20mins hill sprints, one 2.5-3me Fartlek run, one long, steady, comfortable 3-5 mile run.
What is the best way to increase my training and get me ready in time?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Runningupthathill82 · 29/09/2016 16:29

Ooooh, which half are you doing? I'm sure someone on here will have done it before!

As for increasing your training and getting ready, what's the furthest you've run on your long run so far? Please tell me you've run further than five miles already!

emummy · 29/09/2016 17:34

Welcome madgingermunchkin! Good luck in October. I think you have about 5 weeks until your race, so the main thing will probably be to increase your long run distance. A lot of half marathon training plans go up to 10 miles for long runs, so you may be able to get to that if you add on a mile a week, or thereabouts as I don't know the exact date! Not sure if you need to increase the other runs you are doing, maybe make the fartlek a little longer or else up the pace. Otherwise sounds fine to me and the hill sprints will certainly be helpful if you have a hilly route to do. Good luck, hope you enjoy it. Half marathons are my favourite races - so far!

Runningupthathill82 · 29/09/2016 17:49

The hill sprints and the Fartlek run sound great as they are, the issue is that long run. As emummy says, adding a mile onto your long run per week would be good, but if you're only four weeks out from the race, that's a big increase in mileage in a short space of time. If you've run the distance several times previously then you'll be ok. If this is your first half, then I'd be seriously worried about the chance of picking up an injury.

Disclaimer - I am TERRIBLE at following my own advice and recently ran a half immediately postpartum, on no training - and got round fine - so ignore me! Being sensible is not my strong point...

madgingermunchkin · 29/09/2016 17:52

Thanks guys. I'm doing the illuminator, up north of the border.

No I haven't run further than 5 miles, This is a last minute decision to kill myself that I've agreed to do with a friend. It seemed like a good idea at the time Yes, I think it does work out at just about 5 weeks is. It's the last weekend in October.

madgingermunchkin · 29/09/2016 17:55

It is actually my first half marathon. I've been training for something else, but that's fallen through.

That is utterly insane Running now I really do have no excuse!

Runningupthathill82 · 29/09/2016 18:04

Haha, you're mad! It's a proper trail half, that one! But it'll be beautiful. I'm envious.

My first full marathon was a hilly trail run (4000ft of ascent) but it was actually easier than a road race in many ways. Lots of people walk up the hills, and running down them is no bother if your knees aren't knackered.

You'll be fine, just accept you might gave to walk bits! And enjoy it.

madgingermunchkin · 29/09/2016 18:15

I know, I'm utterly bonkers but I saw it and just had to do it.

I don't mind if I walk bits, I'll just be happy to get round! What's the worst that can happen.....

At least after that one, anything else will seem easy....

emummy · 29/09/2016 20:10

Oh ok the illuminator, that's a different thing! And just checking, you do know it's 15 miles, not 13? I did it last year, and re ran the course 2 weeks ago, it's a tough route! The first hill gives you little breaks where it flattens slightly, but the last hill is merciless!
I would suggest walking the hills and careful on the downhill and make sure you have a good strong head torch as the route is pretty stony. The food station is great and there is a good atmosphere, so you should have fun if you take it easy and enjoy the experience. Good luck! 2000ft of fun...

emummy · 29/09/2016 20:12

running it is a beautiful route but she won't see it, it'll be dark! It is nice to look ahead and see all the head torches though.

londonmummy1966 · 29/09/2016 20:13

Hi ginger mad seems about right IME.......If you PM me with your email address I'll send you a copy of the easiest training plan for the Royal Parks HM which is based on a walk run - if you can do week 11 or week 12 of that you should be able to follow the rest of the plan. I did manage to complete the Great South Run last year - OK flat and only 10 miles - on no training at all.....