Half Marathon thread

[Pikachuwithyourmouthclosed]

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?

I agree pikachu. All of my good long runs have been slow and steady, but sometimes I start off like a horse bolting and that's it! I think it's because I run my 5ks as fast as possible which does improve my pace on another runs, but I have some trouble reining it in then on longer runs. When I set out at a nice easy pace I could run all day. I'm going to have such a lazy day tomorrow, and keep repeating to myself 'slow down' for next week.

Going back to a previous question, what podcasts/audio books do people recommend? I'm really thinking of trying one on my long runs. I am a massive stinge and don't want to pay is that totally impossible?

I'm loving this I've got it on loan from BorrowBox

Minesapint - I've never paid for a podcast. I think they're always free aren't they?

You can download stuff from BBC (radio 4 is my fave)

You can use an app (I use Acast). It seems to download the podcasts I follow while I'm at home (on wifi) and then they're available on my run without chewing through my data. I'm a bit vague on the technicalities of it all.

You can borrow audiobooks from your local library (without having to leave your living room in some cases)

Some audiobooks are free on Amazon too (I use Audible app)

Google 'best podcasts for running' or something like that and you'll get loads of options.

That looks good Mammy. Going to look for that.

After avoiding going for a long run yesterday I bit the bullet and left without any particular plan, just wanted to see how it went. Managed 6.5 miles, half in the pouring rain. Surprised at how much easier it's getting and normal 4 miles feels normal rather than a huge effort.

So, a few questions, as these longer runs are going to ramp up;

1. At what distance should I be thinking about taking more than water with me? What should I use to keep me going (food, drinks, gels?)

1. What's the best way of recovering after a longer run? I did 6.3 miles earlier in the week and despite stretching and foam rolling my legs were agony for days. That and I felt awful, tired and just exhausted. Even now I want to go back to bed for an hour!

Rankellior it's down to personal needs. I never take anything and do fairly well. I do hydrate the day before I plan to do a long run and drink some lucozade sport before I set off.

As for recovering, I don't do much either. If it's a morning long run I try to have a long walk, if it's later in the evening just a shower and then bed :).

"Awful, tired, and just exhausted"

Oh dear, sorry to hear that. I wonder if you're eating enough generally? What's your calorie count like?

Like revolution says, it comes down to what works for you personally.

I have a small snack before a run (eg a spoon of peanut butter on a rice cracker)
Nothing while running
Big snack after my run (eg 2 egg omelette with loads of veggies and feta). And then a big lunch too.

I stretch, foam roll, ice my bad , and then I'm in no pain. Usually do a bootcamp the next day.

If you're in agony, you need to change something I reckon.

pikachu lack of calories probably not the issue but I am still in a post holiday eating what I fancy rather than what's good for me mood. That stops tomorrow......

Doesn't help I'm not a great sleeper so feeling tired is pretty much a constant state, hopefully exercising early won't upset my sleep, and school holidays aren't helping as I'm the only one getting up early so our body clocks are out.

Have tried stretching again, this week was the first time in ages my legs hurt so maybe I just didn't stretch long enough.

Haven't read back last few posts but skimmed & I just wanted to recommend Siberian Ginseng as an all rounder for energy. Beeline is the brand I use - haven't looked back since I started taking it in Feb. An inexpensive immune & energy booster

Hope you feel better Rank I've not got any further than 10k yet so not taken anything with me.

I got a PB at my 5k on Wednesday. 35:01 and then did a 4miler on Friday. My foot has given me bother for ages so got the osteo in the morning to try and sort it.

Did 22k this evening, no pain and no major digestive issues I'm a happy runner :)

22k is amazing. No wonder you're happy. Well done

Well done revolution that is incredible!!

Just back from a 10k. Things went slightly better this am,took it nice and easy and put mind over matter but struggled a bit through the the last km. On the whole hopeful things are better but still feel a bit low in confidence. Bloody running bloody emotional roller coaster....

Well done! minesapintofwine!

Well done Revolution And Minesapintofwine. According to Strava I did 6.3 miles this morning. Turns out having an elderly relative waiting for you to get them up is quite a good motivator!! I ran the best time I have in ages. Hoping for a 9 mile run tomorrow evening. Running seems to be getting easier again.

@RMC123 would that be too many miles one day after the other?

Revolution it seems to work for me. I will definitely have a rest day on Wednesday. It's probably not ideal but having an elderly relative here to look after and four kids on school holidays I will have to get the running in while I can! Also away next week for my Dad's 70th so all sorts of other pressures on me as usual!

RMC I was wondering the same but you know if you'll be OK. I'm planning a longer run on Wednesday now but I do consecutive running days sometimes to fit in around life.

Well done Revolution and Mines Great distances.
I skipped interval training to sit in the garden with my book tonight, I confess. Dont get much good weather so thought id make the most of it. Osteo was good but nipping now.

Weather is miserable here, tipping it down. Ended up not going out for my 3.5 run yesterday as per schedule but I had actually already done one earlier in the week as an extra...then tonight I really couldn't get motivated, achy back, tired etc...but once kids were in bed I just went, miserable rain and mud and getting dark but did 2.5 miles.
Feel alright but achy. I do have a foam roller maybe I need to start using it! I'm meant to get a 4mile run in this week, on Saturday. It's starting to get a bit easier so hopefully I can do it!

Morning all. Great job with all the runs everyone.

I'm going tomorrow morning. Prob just a 10k. I'm really loving all my strength training all week and then a long run at the weekend. Wonder if it's sustainable in the long run (long run, ha).

BTW - I have a job interview tomorrow!!! I know that has nothing to do with running but I just took the call and I'm all of a flutter. Arrgh!!

I'm going to try and run in my lunch hour which should be more productive than sitting at my desk doing nothing. Meant to do 4.5 miles but may only manage a 5k because of time.

Good luck with the interview tomorrow!

Hope the interview went well Pikachu Got anitger PB at my 5k tonight!