First half marathon tomorrow, hand hold please!

[MrsSDK]

I am not a natural athlete or remotely sporty but I started running, age 42, in lockdown 1 to get out of the house. FT WFH with a lively 4 year old and fairly lively DH. Started running further.. again to get out if the house but for longer! I’ve done 10 miles a few times now and lived to tell the tale!

DH, who runs marathons, said he thought I had a half marathon in me, so enthusiastically I signed up for one last Oct.

That was postponed until this Sunday and then postponed again until this coming October. I’ve gone with the ‘defer’ option as I want to experience the atmosphere.

Anyway I’m feeling pretty fit so have decided to run the distance tomorrow morning ‘for fun’.

I’m excited and nervous and just want to get on and start running!

Can I get a hand hold please lovely MN’ers?!

Hand hold? Why? Is it causing you distress?

What distances do you run @Chicchicchicchiclana ?

When was your first Half, and how did you feel on race day?

I think it's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive at first event at a new and longer distances, and support from running buddies is great.

Glad it went well @MrsSDK - and yes, think doing a RL one in October sounds like an excellent plan

Totally normal to be nervous the first time you tackle a longer distance, so no shame in that, OP.

I remember my first half well - it was a proper struggle and I would've happily packed in at 10 miles. But somehow I got round and then, over the subsequent years, got so addicted that a half doesn't even feel like a long run any more. No idea how that happened.

Also no idea why you felt the need to come on this thread just to be rude, @Chicchicchicchiclana , but do feel free to share your running stories too