Half Marathon Training Spring 2024

[xsquared]

The other thread got full, so I'm starting a new one to keep us motivated.

How is everyone doing?

Went out earlier today for a 8 mile run, when it was a little drizzly, but then got completely soaked as Storm Babette did their stuff! I'm still glad to have got out though.

Since completing GNR 2023, I've been training for a 10 mile race next month with Hal Higdon, as well as running 2 of the XC fixtures for my club.

I found out earlier this week that I got a place at a HM race in January 2024 through the new ballot system, so I will start training for that soon.

Well done that's such an achievement.
I'm the same legs seem to give way once I've gone over the 9 mile mark. Also did 11 miles today. It's just about staying in the mental headspace for the last few miles.
I also struggle to eat before a run and can't drink when running as it makes me feel sick.

Big well done on those long runs!
Cross country was challenging yesterday, an absolute bog fest and hilly to boot. The mud was gloopy and over ankle deep in places. I finished with only one shoe still on as I'd got tired of stopping to pull it back on at the heel!
Legs definitely feeling it today, but diving straight back in I'm going to start a Garmin 10k plan tomorrow. Still one more XC to squeeze in first though, then will join you all with some longer runs.

Hi everyone. Had my first run in two weeks today after a nasty bout of Covid. Last time I had it I powered through and never really got better, so I decided to look after myself this time. It was t as difficult as I expected.

Although I haven’t been posting I have been following the heart rate conversation with interest. I do all my runs as run/walks but will experiment with some slow runs.

I’m one of the yoga thread people. I have kept it going so far and feeling stronger than I did on 1 January.

Sine really good running happening, well done all.

Well done, that's brilliant work. During my 'long' run on Sunday, (just shy of 10 miles) I had one of those SiS gels at mile 4. Can't really say I felt the effects of it though. I'm trying to experiment with different fuelling options for the half in April. Do you use gels? I'm thinking of taking a gel and a handful of jelly babies.

It's definitely worth dialling back and recovering. I quite like walking the time of a long run as a tester before resuming normal service after illness.

Found out I was successful in the Royal Parks Half ballot today. It was the third time I've entered so pleased I've finally got a place! My October is filling up fast with the Great South and a local 8 mile race too!

I'm sorry to hear you've not been well @OhOneOhTwoOhThree but I'm glad the first run back went ok. It's very sensible to take it steady after a nasty bout.

How's the 10k plan going @Jumbojem? Hope your legs have eased up.

Those are some great long runs - I'm jealous! Still on week 2 of c25k but I'm feeling better for it. After some fun ballot waits this week I didn't get into GNR or Royal Parks. My husband got a GNR place and my son a Royal Parks, so I'll be spectating for those. My daughter didn't get either but is thinking about a charity place for Royal Parks. I'm signed up for Robin Hood already so that will be my autumn target.

@Hawkerslife I've never tried a gel but think I'm going to order a trial pack of the SIS gels to see if they help. I've tried a jelly baby but found it hard to eat while running.

The only gel I've ever got on with is the High5 Aqua ones, which are a runnier consistency than other gels I've tried. I hate the sticky mess they can leave on hands though, esp if the weather is warmer. Maybe others have perfected the opening whilst running but I just get in a mess!
@chutneypig 10k going ok but I'm only a couple of runs in! Just about to do my first speed interval run and the easy runs are faster paced than the easy runs I had been doing. I can't decide if I'd actually got slower than I should have with my easy runs, or if I should run them a bit slower (they feel top end of easy really).
Glad c25K is going well, sounds like you'll have a busy autumn of travel and racing in your family later this year!

Hi I've been reading this thread for ages but at the same time haven't posted in ages either. It's my half marathon on Sunday and I'm freaking out! Haven't trained as much as I'd have liked due to life being busy with little kids. I can do 8 miles comfortably and can run 10 as I did 10 mile runs In nov and dec but didn't manage jan as planned. I've been doing lots of shorter runs here and there. I eat really healthily and I'm 34 If that's relevant.

Can anyone reassure me? Will I be ok?! Im currently carb loading and hoping for the best 🙏🏻 well done to everyone who has done their HMs.

@bakewellbride it'll be fine!
Start off at a sensible pace, don't be tempted to hare off. If you know how many minutes a mile/km you ran for the 10mile, then stick to that pace.
Keep well hydrated between now and race day, take some small snacks for the race in case you need an energy top up...check all kit now and go and enjoy it!
Good luck!

@brooksghost thank you so much! I usually run at about 5mph. The route is quite hilly which worries me a fair bit!

@OhOneOhTwoOhThree sorry, you've been ill, I got food poisoning on Monday and have just got back out today for a 5k walk/shuffle - I'm thinking of walking my scheduled long run on Sunday if I feel up to it!

@bakewellbride I've done half marathons with only 10 mile runs before. Maybe you could look at a walk/run strategy? http://mypacecalculator.com/runwalk.html Good luck!

@Hawkerslife ooh, Royal Parks has been recommended to me a few times! Too far logistically for me, I think though

@bakewellbride so 5mph is 12 mins per mile. I would write on your arm each mile split so that you can keep track (especially when tired). Mile 1 in 12, hit mile 2 in 24, 3 in 36 etc. Get to 10mile in 2 hours and then see how you feel.
Consistency will be key so that you don't blow or go off too fast.

Congratulations on your Royal Parks played @Hawkerslife. it's a fabulous race.

@chutneypig glad your C25K is going well. Sometimes it's good to reset. And a busy autumn for your family!

@bakewellbride you'll be grand. Just take it easy and follow @brooksghost's excellent tips. Looking forward to hearing how you get on!

@Trickedbyadoughnut hope you feel better soon.

I've just been out for 4 miles. Hard work. Parkrun tomorrow and 7 miles planned for Sunday.

Thanks all I will pace myself and see how I get on.

@bakewellbride I did a half a few years back in April and hadn't done anything other than parkrun since Christmas. Not only did I feel fine I knocked 4 minutes off my PB. So off your pre Christmas base I'm sure you'll be fine with some sensible pacing.

I'm definitely feeling some improvement so that's good - course check and parkrun tomorrow for me.

Hope everyone has a great running weekend!

I’m doing parkrun tomorrow and then a 10 mile race on Sunday. Am cautiously looking forward to it.

Then the half marathon in 3 weeks time.

Parkrun volunteering tomorrow for me then an interval session in the afternoon.
I've had an easier week as I had a big race last weekend.
I have 6 weeks until my 10 and then another 2 weeks until my Half. I've got a duathlon somewhere in there too which is a European Champs qualifier.

@bakewellbride and @MirandaWest good luck for your races tomorrow!

@Jumbojem thank you! Fingers crossed my toddler lets me have a good nights sleep! X

10 mile race went really well - new 10 mile PB and as this course was more undulating than the one where I got my PB in October I am very pleased. Feel it bodes well for my half marathon 3 weeks today 😊

Well done @MirandaWest and hope your race went well @bakewellbride

I swam this morning and have just had a very pleasant 7 mile run/walk. Lovely blossom and spring flowers out today, and although we had a drizzly start to the morning it had cleared up by the time I got in the lake and was full sunshine and blue skies during my run.

Thanks everyone, I ran it all and did it in 2 hours 39 mins! It was a very hilly and challenging rural route which was not fun but I'm so glad it's done.

Well done - running it all is excellent 🎉