Half M - not feeling it

[theluckiest]

I am due to do a half marathon in 3 & a half weeks time I have completely lost my confidence and not sure what to do...I'm seriously thinking about throwing the towel in for this one.

Had a horrendous run on Sun - just awful. Tired, sluggish and legs v tight. Was supposed to do 9 miles & did about 6.

I'm stressing that I won't be able to do it. I've done 2 halves in the past and by this stage was comfortably doing 9/10 miles at a reasonable pace. I'm heavier this time and I haven't trained as much as I could as work has been mental so think I've got a bit of a downer on myself.

I never think like this - I think I've lost my confidence. I know that mental attitude is so important with running - is there anything I can do to get my mojo back?!!

Any inspiration? Or should I knock this one on the head? I've got other runs booked for later in the year. I wonder if part of me is thinking that I've run (haha, no pun intended) out of time for this one.

[CharlieAustinsMagicHat]

I wouldn't give up after one run, you can have a bad run for any reason - tired, bit under the weather ,things on your mind etc, I would stick to my training plan and go out again as per the schedule. If after a week and another long run I was still struggling maybe I would think again.

As the mantra goes - if it was easy then everyone would be doing it.

[BlueChampagne]

Just popped by to say that I think Charlie's advice is very sage. You might also be incubating a bug.

If you do decide not to do it, why don't you book 10k or another HM later in the year?

[SomewhatIdiosyncratic]

Be gentle. Give it a try and just aim to complete it.

Use massage/foam roller/ spiky balls/ hot bath to ease the tight spots out. Eat well, take some vitamins and minerals if you're going short. Stay well hydrated.

I've never got further than 10.25 miles in training as that takes me up to 2 hours. In race conditions, I can do a HM in 2:11. I find the presence of other runners and supporters eases the mental pressure on me to keep fighting on.

[theluckiest]

Thanks all. I've been feeling a bit more positive today. Legs are still achey so have postponed today's run & will give it a go tomorrow.

Am planning to do the Bham half in Oct so I know that whatever happens with this one, I've got another to aim for.

Thanks for your good advice!

[londonmummy1966]

Hope you had a better run. I think the grey days don't help with the running... there's a half marathon thread on here with lots of people struggling a bit with motivation so come and join us as we try to jolly each other along. Quite a few of us have HMs in the next month or so - which one are you doing? I have Hampton Court and am also worried as I struggled with a 10k today but managed longer a week or so ago.

[theluckiest]

First, just thanks for your lovely helpful advice. So I did a long one today - 10 miles in driving rain. Calves v tight but I kept going and by mile 4, I thought 'I'm actually enjoying this!!'

Didn't see your reply Londonmummy - am doing Bath Half with DH. He is aiming for 1hr 45. I am 2 stone heavier than my last half so will be delighted with 2.45 or under!! Not expecting a PB in any way, shape or form!! I'm planning to just enjoy the day.

But at least I'm far more positive and actually looking forward to it now...this time next week, I'll be done! Will update you.

Just goes to show how mental attitude goes for so much really. And I'll def head over to the HM thread. Thankyou!!

[BlueChampagne]

Well done for doing 10 miles despite the weather. Fingers crossed that it's better next week; have an enjoyable run!

[twobambinos]

I could have written your first post and also your last. Try using a foam roller on the calves and doing some calf stretches. Also about a mile into a run stretch out the calves again, taking a minute out at that stage really helps and they will feel so much more free and the rest of the run will be more enjoyable.
I'm doing a half in two weeks won't be a pb and I've only gotten to 10miles in training this time but I know on the day slow and steady and ill be fine and so will you. Best of luck

[theluckiest]

Thanks Bambinos! Great advice. I did actually have a bit of a calf stretch about a mile in now you mention it. Maybe that's why it was ok?!

Best of luck with your run in a few weeks. My race pack turned up yesterday so there's no backing out now!