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Original poster

Half marathon training, starting 1/1/23

1000 replies

JessicaBrassica · 26/12/2022 22:17

Hi,
I'm planning to start half marathon training in n Jan 1st. Aiming definitely for an event on May 13 but plan designed around a race on 22/4. Just in case.

Anyone want to join me?
I've done several halfs before but not run a good one for a few years.
I'm using the Garmin beginner 3x a week programme.

Anyone want to join me?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
FusionChefGeoff · 10/02/2023 11:15

I'm really lucky that my industry (corporate events) has a team for the Royal Parks so I did that last year and will be joining again. It was easily my favourite course.

Cantdoitallperfectly · 11/02/2023 11:55

Morning, after a couple of days rest and getting over this viral thing I did a 5km tempo run, split time was 5.40 and it’s the fasted 5km I’ve done in years. I’ve let myself get frustrated thinking about how fit I once was and how hard I find it getting back to that place, however today I feel proud that I’ve broken the 30m min barrier and that this is a process. Last 5km time was 32mins 3 weeks ago. I’m finding this thread so useful so thank you all for the support and advice.

chutneypig · 12/02/2023 06:57

Richmond park would be fabulous @brooksghost - enjoy the 10 miles today.

Sounds great @FusionChefGeoff - my work did enter one year for Royal Parks but it clashed with my favourite 10k.

It's so good to feel you're progressing like that @Cantdoitallperfectly. That 30 minutes is a huge one for me too.

I enjoyed my parkrun yesterday- I know I'm feeling fitter as I was in good shape up until the last km. Then I could feel the hills in my legs. Didn't quite hit my pb which was on the cards for a while, but really pleased overall.

FusionChefGeoff · 12/02/2023 08:14

@brooksghost good luck!!!!!!!

Cantdoitallperfectly · 12/02/2023 13:01

Long run today, I inadvertently did longer than planned due to a wrong turn and did 8.7 miles, split time 10.13 which is roughly what I did last week split wise. It was a tough run as my head and legs kept telling me I couldn’t do it but my breathing was fine. Usually the other way round! @brooksghost how was your 10miles? @chutneypig well done on your park run, I’m sure smashing that pb will happen soon with all the training you’re doing!

Jumbojem · 12/02/2023 13:32

Morning just under 8 miles for me today, was hoping my friend would join me but she was feeling poorly. It was a slight step up in mileage but I felt good. Helped by running a route I haven't done in ages and there were plenty of ducks, horses, lambs and even some alpacas in the fields so I had plenty to look at.
I came home and had a huge piece of lemon drizzle cake!

brooksghost · 12/02/2023 13:45

Thanks for all the good luck messages!

Didn't have the best of prep- spent all day Saturday walking round a Uni so not drinking enough or eating properly.
But, had a good sleep.
This was my first proper race- 1000 sporty looking club runners, all quite serious...so I felt a little out of place and a bit scared!
I had a vague idea of a time but thought I'd just run to feel. My longest run so far has been 8 miles so the last 2 would be uncharted territory.
Absolutely amazed with myself- ran consistent miles (all within 9 secs), finished strongly in 72:01.
I took a gel at 6 miles (as per normal training), felt good at 8 so just pushed on. Delighted...and it bodes well for a PB at my half in 8 weeks.

Jumbojem · 12/02/2023 14:03

Huge well done @brooksghost especially on the consistent pace and strong finish. As you say, all pointing in the right direction for your half.

shamoola · 12/02/2023 14:14

@brooksghost
10miles in 72 mins is so speedy! Fantastic!

Long run today was a struggle - but another one banked.

chutneypig · 12/02/2023 17:04

Fabulous @brooksghost!!

Lamontaine · 12/02/2023 17:44

well done @brooksghost !
I need to up my mileage, have only run 5k runs over the past week but it’s been difficult to fit in the long run. Did however do a 10k hike on top of my 5k run today (I am on holiday and can’t run with my dog and alos
cant leave her for a long time without me
in strange places) so feel good about that!

TheOrigRights · 12/02/2023 18:12

Woosh! Well done @brooksghost !
Did you get a podium finish?
I used to be fast like that, but am no more Sad

I did a XC race today. Still hacking away and feeling dead of leg, but I struggled on. I didn't ever hit a sweet spot, just tried not to stop!

JoanDarc · 12/02/2023 18:45

Hopefully ok to join. After a few weeks of deliberation today I’ve finally signed up to my first HM at end of April.
It’s 12 weeks so looking for a training plan, aiming for sub 2 hrs on 4 runs a week. I strength train 3/4 days per week so not sure if I’ll need to drop this down as mileage increases.
Any tips for runners that made the move to a stability shoe would be welcomed. I’ve just moved to hokas (Ahari 6) after years of ITB issues, had a gait analysis and stability shoes were recommended. They’ve definitely helped and not getting IT band issues/ knee/hip pain but am getting outside edge of heel blisters which I’ve never had before. Anyone successfully treated similar? Other than this my new shoes are perfect.

Cantdoitallperfectly · 12/02/2023 19:40

Amazing @brooksghost that time is fantastic!!

chutneypig · 13/02/2023 06:21

Welcome @JoanDarc! I've not got any advice on the blister front, I'm afraid, I didn't have any issues when I swapped to stability shoes. Hopefully one of the crew can help.

What sort of strength training do you do?

JoanDarc · 13/02/2023 10:35

thanks @chutneypig
I started doing more gym based strength sessions using free weights in the last year. Normally two lower and one/two upper body per week. I definitely feel stronger and hopefully glute strength is improving my ITB issues but I’m definitely feel my muscles are tighter and less mobility which isn’t ideal for running. If I can find time I try and do a couple of yoga stretching sessions each week but I struggle to fit it all in at times!

TheOrigRights · 13/02/2023 10:47

Welcome @JoanDarc
I don't have any experience with ITB and your shoe issues. My first port of call would be a sports physio.

3/4 strength sessions along side your running isn't an issue per se (as long as you're not killing yourself each time!), I guess it's more the constraints on your time that would be the issue.

JoanDarc · 13/02/2023 11:21

Thanks @TheOrigRights I’m afraid I’m well familiar with physios and sports therapists! I’ve got dodgy biomechanics causing the ITB so it’s managing it, glute strengthening, single leg isolations, etc. Lots of boring hard work in the gym and no magic pill unfortunately. The stability shoes have definitely helped. I did 10k yesterday with no pain which would have been impossible last year.

TheOrigRights · 13/02/2023 12:32

JoanDarc · 13/02/2023 11:21

Thanks @TheOrigRights I’m afraid I’m well familiar with physios and sports therapists! I’ve got dodgy biomechanics causing the ITB so it’s managing it, glute strengthening, single leg isolations, etc. Lots of boring hard work in the gym and no magic pill unfortunately. The stability shoes have definitely helped. I did 10k yesterday with no pain which would have been impossible last year.

Oh I see. Stuff that stops us running is so dull, isn't it!
I'm a veteran of the stress fracture. It has made me more cautious and not to take my body for granted.
I really hope all the work you're doing pays off.

chutneypig · 13/02/2023 13:35

It's a struggle to fit it all in for sure.

I'm very excited - I got a ballot place for Royal Parks Grin. Couldn't believe my eyes!

Cantdoitallperfectly · 13/02/2023 17:03

Congrats @chutneypig
How are the legs today @brooksghost?
my legs are tired after the long run yesterday so taking it easy and have done a 5km walk with the dog.

brooksghost · 13/02/2023 17:16

@chutneypig congrats on the place!

My legs aren't too bad today- calves are fine but my IT bands are a bit sore. I ran in my Alphaflys which give quite a different running style; I don't normally get IT band soreness.
I've walked the dogs which has helped today but other than that, it's been a day of exercise rest.

Still not sure what to do training wise for the next 7 weeks until the half marathon; yesterday so much faster than expected; I guess just keep doing what I was doing so that I can maintain that speed for another 3.1 miles.

Cantdoitallperfectly · 14/02/2023 15:45

Hill repeats for me today, did 7 uphill sprints av pace 4.30/km for about 150m. Walk back down and repeat. They are grim but I hope they help pace, mentally I think they help on longer runs when I get to a hill. Had hoped I would do 8 but had a meeting to get back to and wanted to do the km cool down. Is it best to rest the day after hills or would a tempo run be ok? I’m firming up nutrition this week too, I’m not eating enough protein or drinking enough water.

TheOrigRights · 14/02/2023 16:48

@brooksghost I reckon if you still have 7 weeks to go then you can def add another 3 miles at that pace. Exciting!

@Cantdoitallperfectly Well done on the hill repeats - they will definitely help (we have to keep telling ourselves that, eh?!). I personally would not do a tempo run tomorrow. You can't do a full on hill session and a tempo 2 days in succession, not if you want both to be as effective as possible.

1K reps for me at club tonight. Eugh!

Cantdoitallperfectly · 14/02/2023 17:55

Ok thanks @TheOrigRights I did think that but when I’m in the zone I keep thinking more more more! I’ll do an upper body workout and maybe some yoga. Good luck with the 1km reps💪

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