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Original poster

Half Marathon thread

993 replies

Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 30/06/2017 08:26

Anyone up for a bit of half m support?

I'm registered to run my first half m in early September.

I'm struggling a bit with motivation tbh. I think I peaked too soon - could have done it 6 weeks ago. I've got time to get prepared though - it's 8 weeks away and I'm not starting from scratch. The most important thing for me is to keep up the strength work or my knees go kerboom.

Anyone else?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
28
Sirzy · 10/09/2017 21:11

That's annoying about the chip!

BubbleAnimal · 10/09/2017 21:22

Well done guys, fantastic!! Such a shame about the chip :-(

mammymammyIRL · 11/09/2017 05:59

Hoolit fantastic time well done

TriGirl007 · 11/09/2017 09:41

Joining as just signed up for my first half in March. I'm comfortably up to 12k so I'm hoping if I avoid injuries and the endless winter bugs from the kids I'll be ok with training Smile.
Well done all the GNRs and others out this wend.

minesapintofwine · 11/09/2017 10:44

Hi trig welcome and good luck!

My half is 2 weeks Sunday. Have been feeling ridiculously anxious. Confident in the distance but not my pace.

Ivery had a crappy running year. I've been mulling over it this am and I think I know why.

  1. A few injuries and discomfort.
  2. Become slower.
  3. Lack of confidence.
  4. I know this is bad. Seeing new running friends smashing pbs and entering tons of races. I haven't done any this year Confused

So I'm thinking to the future. There are 4 races I want to sign up for next year. Two half's and 2 10ks. I might do a couple of fun runs. I have a 5k booked for new year so immediate plan is to improve times. I've got new trainers and will replace regularly plus kit.

Now,I realise this sounds bonkers esp as I'm getting ready for the half but it's calming my nerves. It's my first half yes but hopefully will be the start of an ongoing programme.

I haven't run a sub 30 5k in 2 years and previous years did 3-4 races so I'm hoping to back up to that standard.

TriGirl007 · 11/09/2017 12:31

Thanks minesapintofwine good luck with your half. SO much of running is mental isn't it, I use it for mental health then sign up to stuff and get lots of anxiety about it! Arrghh! Hope your new challenges help. I'm doing my first ever Go-Tri at the weekend which I'm finding super daunting even if all the distances are relatively short.

minesapintofwine · 11/09/2017 12:51

tri I agree with you 1000%!!! I started running to help with anxiety and depression (it did) and now find myself in an anxious depressed mood because of it Confused
Hoping by having a long term plan I'll settle into a better routine and feel a bit calmer.

Good luck for the weekend Smile

Blackandpurple · 11/09/2017 15:40

CARDIFF NUMBER ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!

Hoolit · 11/09/2017 17:58

Thanks guys, the app finally updated early hours and says I didn't finish Sad never mind I had my strava or I'd have been gutted.

Welcome Tri totally agree about it all being a head game!

Mines you sound like you have a plan and your head straight, clean start it'll be fine you'll surprise yourself . I know what you mean about others getting good times when they have just started running, and I have been slogging away for at least 18months. I'm looking for some 10ks and going to use them to up my pace.

Not long now then BlackandPurple!!!!

minesapintofwine · 11/09/2017 18:43

hoolit I'm sure you are gutted how bloody annoying! BUT you did it and nothing is going to make it otherwise!

shortaris1 · 11/09/2017 20:11

Well done GNR runners! Hoolit how annoying!

Good plan mines Its always good to know where you want to go next.

I ran tonight! Foot was sore but not agony so forced myself to stop at a mile and I'll see how it feels tomorrow.

Abra1d · 11/09/2017 20:34

Well done all the GNR people and what bad luck, Hoolit.

Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 12/09/2017 05:29

Did you let them know about the chip Hoolit?

I'm sure they could give you an accurate time based on the people you are photographed crossing the finish line with.

OP posts:
2012860363 · 12/09/2017 18:01

I am having a bit of a wobble ...... three weeks on Sunday until my first ever HM. Today and yesterday I have taken advantage of the children being at school and gone for a run at 9.30am, which is the time the HM begins.
I have struggled so much!!! I normally go at 6am most weekdays but it's getting too dark and also wanted to get used to the HM timing.
I always do the same route (10 K) and it's so much easier at 6am.
I am really doubting myself, there is no way I could have done that again plus a bit more Confused

HRHPrincessMegan · 12/09/2017 19:42

Snap on everything! My first HM, in 3 weeks and I prefer to run in the morning on nothing more than an espresso and a glass of water. The later I go, the worse I get and the slower my time - despite having eaten and hydrated properly!

I'm banking on nervous energy and a bit of crowd support to carry me through on the day. The latter might be a bit scant - it's a really small HM with only 1600 places.

I think most people on this thread have had a wobble or 2 as the HM date approaches. I'm increasingly worried that my aches will turn into injury but just taking it one day at a time.

Abra1d · 12/09/2017 19:47

I know I'm going to be very nervous indeed befor mine at the end of November.

mogglemoo · 12/09/2017 20:23

Ok, you nervous HM-ers.

I DID IT!

Not gonna lie, it was hard but there was no point during the whole 3:06 it took me to 'run' ( including having to stop at McDs just over the Tyne Bridge (and I'd been for 5,000 toilet stops before I started)) that I was never going to do it. I didn't walk, just ran really slowly.

It's been a mad couple of weeks and on Sunday I swore that was going to be my one and only HM as i felt quite traumatised, but by yesterday I was feeling all nostalgic and very proud of myself.

I look ecstatic going over the finish line and all I can say is it was well worth every step, every mile. The supporters at the GNR line the street. I had 2x ice lollies, grapes, orange segments. They were even handing out digestive biscuits (!)

Have faith, keep going...

2012860363 · 12/09/2017 20:24

@HRHPrincessMegan so glad someone else is having these thoughts!!! Why aren't there any HM starting at 6am?!
Going to hope you are right and the crowd and excitement will get me through.
Just want to do it now!

mogglemoo · 12/09/2017 20:26

Also itching to do another in the future.

It's uncanny how much like childbirth this running malarkey is: just after you swear 'never again', but the pain resulted in something amazing and was all worth it...

mogglemoo · 12/09/2017 20:26

And there was a mini sprint at the end!

Abra1d · 12/09/2017 20:56

Thank you, moggle. That's good to hear.

rosettesforjill · 12/09/2017 21:09

I'm very late but can I join? I'm running the Royal Parks HM at the start of October and really doubting myself! Not sure why as training has been fine, but I haven't run the full distance before, ever, and won't do before the day now. I've already done the longest run on my programme (110 minutes taking me to 17.5k). I THINK I could have managed another 4-ish k on the end but it's stressing me a bit that I don't know!

I also still have a good chunk of money to raise before I'll be allowed to run but hoping my chocolate loaf will inspire some colleagues to donate at work tomorrow...

HRHPrincessMegan · 12/09/2017 21:14

Well done moggle! You did it!

RMC123 · 12/09/2017 22:05

Yah!! Moggle you did it! Fantastic Grin

mammymammyIRL · 12/09/2017 22:16

Rosettes of course you'll master it, your training has gone according to plan you've less than 4K to add to longest run, your weekly mileage will make this happen. Cake sale or simply a bribe to sweeten them up? Grin

Wow moggle well done you, running every step is my goal for Sunday too.

Would love a 6am half marathon too but I've trained myself into going a bit later on my long runs with just a slice of toast or similar before I go. Mine starts at 10am.