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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?

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Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 07/07/2017 01:02

I'm going to investigate tape.

Up until 3 months ago I was regularly running between 14 and 16k. Don't think I've gone further than that.

And when I run around 10k I'm certainly not knackered when I finish. I'm not very organised, I tend to just run out, get a bit lost, and make my way home and then see how far I've run when I get home. I'm a bit directionless, both literally and figuratively.

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mammymammyIRL · 07/07/2017 09:07

pikachu I think it really helps to plan your route and know what distance you're going to cover before you set out, but that's because I shorten my runs unless they're a set route.

Near me I've a 3k loop, 4.5 & 5k not loop but almost, 6k loop, 8k loop, 10k, 12k, 14k, 17k and 21k, I've found these by mapping local roads on mapmyrun and they all include hills of varying degrees

Outinthegarden · 07/07/2017 20:07

Hello! I'm running a HM on 8th Oct. I'm not getting much training in at the moment because of childcare, but DH should be at work less soon.

Pikachu we are big fans of ice on injuries in this house. Also what about your shoes? Do they need replacing? My knees have only been bad once when I got shoes that correct my pronation, now I always get neutral shoes.

mumthatruns · 07/07/2017 20:12

@Outinthegarden mines on October 8th too!

Where is yours?

I'm struggling with training, but fitting in runs when I can. My father in law has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is deteriorating quickly so my DH is spending as much time as possible with him understandably.

Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 08/07/2017 08:28

Sorry about your fil mumthatruns Flowers

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Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 08/07/2017 08:44

Well I ran 14k today (8.5 miles). Very hilly (All my runs are very hilly). I was really pleased with my time, found the run okay, though my knee was sore towards the end. Lots of ice and foam roller when I got home. No pain now. Am feeling encouraged! I mean - if I can cheerfully run 14k today, then it's not unrealistic to think I can run 21k in 8 weeks time is it?

Recap of who's running and when:

Late Aug - Revolution
Gandolf - late August (or poss September instead - any news?
3rd Sept - Pikachu & ChamomileTease
September - RMC123
17th Sept - MammyIRL
early Oct - Shortaris
8th Oct - mumthatruns & LaFlottes - & Outinthegarden
October - Minesapintofwine & Revolution

Did I miss anyone or stuff up the list?

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minesapintofwine · 08/07/2017 10:00

Well done everyone on all the training. pikachu you definitely will be able to do it in time. All my runs are hilly too but that can only benefit us in the long run (pun intended).

I've been out for a few runs this week but no structure ato the moment.

Sil and I had our 12 week emails this am, we are both crapping ourselves but trying to act nonchalant.

She has a game plan. I don't! And the dc are soo whiny this am I can't even make one in my head. Going to do a tempo ish 5k tomorrow then make a plan. Like pikachu 3 months ago my long run was 16k but it's all fallen apart since, just trying to get it together again. Also I'm holding back a bit too much because I'm so scared of over training again

Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 08/07/2017 10:45

Today I listened to Kermode & Mayo Wittertainment podcast. I think I'm slower when I listen to music because I end up running in time to the music. Wittertainment was good. it's way over an hour which makes it good for a long run.

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WutheringTights · 08/07/2017 15:54

Hi, I'm doing a half on 15 October and following the Asians training plan with predicted finish time of around 2hr 15.

Just wanted to say to Pikachu that I don't think you have to run the full distance in training. My asides plan only has me running a mixture of 3m, 4.5m, 6.5m and 8.5 miles until four weeks before the race, when I do two 10.5m runs. I run three times a week, do a 60min personal training session with weights and some sprints plus Pilates (historic back issues from pregnancy).

Good luck to everyone with you training!

WutheringTights · 08/07/2017 15:54

Asics, not Asians! 😡

randomsabreuse · 08/07/2017 22:31

Can I sneak in?

Did my first half last month - local run so right at the back at 2.40. I did run 21k in my final training run as that was Parkrun plus run home. Helped my confidence at least.

Now aiming for Great Birmingham in October and would love sub 2.30 which might be possible for a road race rather than mixed terrain. I might also manage to stick to my pace plan rather than go off too hard at the start!

Need to make a vague mileage plan for my long runs around life. Generally I do a 5kish club run, some speedwork, another run and a longer run plus Parkrun when I can. Then try to do weights etc but find running easier to do as I have to plan it around childcare while I figure I can just do weights whenever and never quite get around to it!

My biggest issue is being disciplined about pacing and not going off too hard on a downhill start!

Lelleybells · 08/07/2017 22:47

Ooo I'm running my first half in September and I feel really sick about it! I had all my training planned and I've just not stuck to it. Really sporadic and then I feel really guilty and worried. Struggling to find my motivation and energy.

minesapintofwine · 08/07/2017 23:01

lelley that's how I feel but don't worry you really do have plenty of time! What distance are you up to? Increasing distance usually gives me more confidence.

Lelleybells · 08/07/2017 23:19

Well I try to run 5k three times a week and then a longer run over the weekend. The plan was to keep upping my mileage each weekend. I'm only up to 9k though as struggling with time and energy.

Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 09/07/2017 04:03

What is parkrun?

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randomsabreuse · 09/07/2017 07:26

Parkrun is a free weekly timed 5k that takes place all over the uk (and world now).

Saturday at 9am. All you need is a bar code.

pudding24 · 09/07/2017 08:43

I'm running my first HM at the end of November - 13 Arches in North Manchester.

So far my long runs are 7-8km but will hope to add distance as I get nearer. For the first time this week, my total weekly distance was a HM (22km), so I'm pleased with that!

All I'm worried about as I go on is a) boredom - I find it hard to keep my mind entertained on the longer runs. And b) finding new routes - I'm already getting a bit bored of my regular ones! I don't really have a running buddy (or not one who wants to run 10k+!) and I wouldn't feel safe going running in some of the places I'd like to (quiet countryside paths), so I feel kind of chained to running on busy roads...

minesapintofwine · 09/07/2017 10:53

lelley why don't you reduce one of the 5ks to an interval run/Hill reps and then increase another to 6/7k? Then keep increasing the distance on your longest run? That's what I do but I am no expert!

I tried to run 5k this am (I do my long run in the week). I totally copped out ended up a 4k run/walk. It was so hot I don't regret it! Have to try harder from now on though. I'm struggling with this return my distances are all over the place and naturally my speed and endurance is down. I'm aware I need to make more commitment to effort now.

mum I'm so sorry to hear about your fil

Lelleybells · 09/07/2017 11:14

Sounds like a good plan mines and mum sending you a big hug. I seem to of lost my motivation. I am going to try an 8k tomorrow after I drop my youngest at cricket. I am going to sit down tonight and actually write dates and times I am going to run instead of just trying to fit it in around everyone and everything else. Thanks for advice. I really appreciate it.

revolution909 · 09/07/2017 11:26

Big hugs mum. Consistency is key!! I'm still trying to decide when to go.for.my run , slightly hungover too so might go later today

Original poster
Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed · 09/07/2017 11:46

I read a thing in the weekend papers today, it was written by a woman about running and how she feels about running - the emotional and spiritual importance of running more than the fitness. Anyway, one bit that stood out to me was when she said that through a particularly hard time in her life she made sure she ran at least 3 times a week, and that her younger self would not have had the confidence to put importance on her running like that. I can relate to that. A few years back i made a mental shift and I now prioritise my running just as much as the kids activities / family time / household stuff.

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randomsabreuse · 09/07/2017 12:06

Local running clubs are good for routes - ours go up on our closed Facebook so I sometimes do them at other times if my DH is unavailable for the club run itself.

Strava segments can help give ideas as well. Long runs for me have to be either a loop or one way. Linear out and back is just miserable although I managed it for bridge to 10k runs as I didn't know how far I would be going.

Will admit to being blase about running alone though.

Lelleybells · 09/07/2017 12:06

Pikachu I completely agree and this thread has made me realise I need to make time for running more. I went through a bit of a rubbish time 2 years ago (2 siblings died within 6 months and my best friend was diagnosed with incurable cancer) I stopped running as although i was managing to hold it all together when I ran I became very emotional and would be in floods of tears. Very embarrassing at parkrun! I started running again once it didn't feel so raw but I wish that I had just carried on as I think I needed the release (if that makes sense)

Outinthegarden · 09/07/2017 15:45

Mumthat Im doing Bournemouth. What about you? I don't actually know the route, but I'm assuming it goes up and down the cliff at some point.

Outinthegarden · 09/07/2017 15:47

Mumthat sorry posted too soon. Sorry to hear about your FIL. It is an awful thing to have happen Flowers