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?

emummy your advice about practising made me chortle this morning. It sounds as though running downhill off road with a head torch is such a normal thing to do.

How are you today london? I am less stiff than I expected, which probably means my aches and pains will come out tomorrow

Hello fifty very stiff calves otherwise OK but I was too intent on that champagne and forgot to stretch afterwards so my own fault really...

Hello everyone. Managed to do RPHM. The time wasn't great but only decided to run it on Friday after being ill for a week. Met some new friends from Dunstable. I had a lovely time in the end.

Well done everyone. .

Well done london and fifty and Halle
Have you got a foam roller? I love mine it helps so much after long runs and races.

I got my answer for London marathon today i'm only in!!! first time in the ballot didn't expect that at all.

That's great news sven! And I'm not jealous at all, after five rejections in a row. Oh no

Well done Halle, a lovely time is what you want.

Hope none of you are too sore and its easing up a bit.

Congratulations Sven, how exciting.

Did you apply this year Running? That must be frustrating.

I've applied every year for the last seven years, chutney, aside from two years off in that time for pregnancies. So I've had five "No"s now. I thought this year might be my chance!

I'm not that bothered as I have other marathons lined up for next year, but I would like to do London one day.

Oh no running the system is so unfair. I really think they should not allow people who have managed to get a place via the ballot to enter again. I know I won't enter again, for me it is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Well done Halle it was fun wasn't it. Running my sympathy - I didn't get in either and I've tried 8 times now. I don't have a problem with the ballot but I find the number of charity places really galling in particular as they demand a four figure sum for the privilege no matter how often you have done other events for them.

Can I pick the experienced brains on this thread. I'm signed up for the Great South on 23rd. I was thinking of doing a gentle 5k tomorrow plus a short tempo (4miles) on Thursday followed by a parkrun and an 8 miler at the weekend and two gentle 5ks next week. Does that sound feasible/sensible following the half at the weekend?

Sorry - meant to say that I'm still thrilled for you Sven look forward to reading about how tired you are and how your legs ache during all those long training runs

RPHM sounds lovely and well done to 5908 london and halle
It's a ballot isn't it? I may enter next year.

I am doing the great Brum run on Sunday. Forecast looks Birminghamy (ie rain) and I am generally self sabotaging/ telling myself I cannot do it. Have not been out for a run for a week and am currently trying to eat my own weight daily!

What's going on? My dp is coming and he is so proud of me and I am bricking it!

Will I be ok - I ran 13.5 last weekend - so I must be ok? yes?

Can I request a boot up the back side please?

still it is a ballot and quite an oversubscribed one (I've never got in on the ballot and had to take a charity place this year).

If you managed over 13 miles in the past fortnight then Birmingham should be fine - perhaps a gentle 4 miles tonight and then feet up and lots of pasta and water for the rest of the week? I was really nervous this time last week and I've just had a friend who is also doing Birmingham complaining about nerves so I think it is not that unusual. Is it your first?

Ha! Yes it is my first! Does it show?!!
I cannot get out again now until Thursday which will be 4 miles I think. I will take your word that it will be fine!

You will be fine still - stern look. Honestly, you're better prepped than I was this time round. My legs were really fresh, I'd had a good ten days off running apart from a rubbish obstacle run and ate loads. I think both made a real difference, I felt great on the day. And yes to the lots of water especially Saturday.

I'm tempted by the RPHM ballot next year too.

London is the big one, isn't it, so it must be so frustrating, even with others planned. You going to try next year?

Right still, no more defeatist talk. You can definitely do it, your plan sounds fine. It's ok to be nervous, everyone else will be too! Remember, when you get to the start line you've done all the hard stuff, now all you need to do is run - and have fun!

Just popped on briefly to say Congrats and Well done Sven, Fifty, London and Halle! So good to hear that people have done their HMs!

Still, you can do it! You have run more than a HM in training and most people only train up to 10 miles. After the first few strides, it will all fall into place. Remember, have lots and lots of fun!

Hello and thank you for the kick up the rear/ reassurance! I have taken it on board and I am starting to look forward to it (a bit!!) I did 4 miles today and just want to do a bit tomorrow in some new socks and then its all on for Sunday!

Excellent still - you'll be fine.

Do we need a new thread ladies as we are close to 1000 messages?

still you will smash it

And even if you don't you will have run a HM, which is more than most people ever do.

Best wishes for this weekend - you will be FAB!

london I think so

new thread at

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/2756258-Half-marathon-new-thread