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.

I'm enjoying the London Marathon coverage.
I haven't run London, but having trained for and run 26.2, has increased my appreciation of the event.

The plans are what sold me on a Garmin, when I wanted more than my phone/Strava - well, that and a recommendation from my boss, who's a proper keen runner. I felt I wanted something for a bit of guidance. But I guess there are loads of apps and plans out there that would do something similar.

I ran for 2 hours yesterday but a loooooooong way off half marathon distance in the time. Too much disruption lately. Was a beautiful day though and not muddy off the road for the first time this year.

@Christmaspiggyjack welcome and well done on the 10k! I'm mainly 10k training at the mo, and don't even have a half planned. Just historically on this thread from last year. That said I'm thinking about investigating a European half, Paris, Amsterdam or maybe a smaller city that is easy to get to. Anyone done any they recommend? Might need to be year after next as DC have GCSE/A level combo next year.
The women's London marathon was amazing, they are doing a full mara in around the time of my half PB! Also Emile Caress, in the men's brilliant! Can't wait for Paris Olympics coverage later this summer.

I had one of those dream runs earlier, didn't look at my watch. Lots of uphill through the woods which was a delight with the bluebells and wild garlic. Then dropped down into a gorgeous combe for the downhill. Forgot water or gel so grabbed an espresso and choc bar when I realised I could pay with my phone. Then back over a small hill to home. Only the first and last mile on tarmac. Felt strong, scenery fab and 8 miles of happy running (and many photos taken along the route😂).

Welcome to the thread @Christmaspiggyjack! I'd be very pleased with that 10km time, so a great base to work from as the others have said. Everyone here is really helpful and supportive.

I'm so glad you had a run like that @Jumbojem - sounds like just what you needed.

Fantastic work @CatherineMaitland!

Have you entered the London ballot @BogRollBOGOF? I did, optimism over reality I'm sure but you never know?

I've had a couple of lovely runs this weekend. The new parkrun was spectacularly hard but beautiful and I had a lovely chat going round with a fellow tourist. Today my daughter wanted a run so we went to our local NT house. I'm very sold on enjoying the scenery at the moment.

Hello runners and welcome to this thread @Christmaspiggyjack!

A friend shared this article earlier, which ties in with some of our recent chat.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/slow-running-benefits-training-b2531546.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3WXi6OnATMR3KevH7vE-NzzBgzH8YKBXrnzhY3oebi-HRd4QOs9pTbZ1A_aem_Aao2jrrv1An5vGx0bPu3nbTg6fzgaGJQ0vSIH2FhnZxIIxWj0vnPbVcbklnCqgxj4EDPsG0cKzKJIupmx96v0DYY

I watched a bit of the London marathon coverage too, although the interviews always make me tear up. I met three ladies when I was out this morning who were doing virtual London, all kitted out with their numbers on.

Sounds like some super runs this weekend @CatherineMaitland @Jumbojem and @chutneypig

We're on holiday on the east coast so I had a windy 16 miles along the seashore and back. It certainly blew the cobwebs away! I had a 1980s playlist to keep my spirits up and enjoyed it far more than I had expected - and even had some Strava segment PBs.

Hello runners and welcome to this thread @Christmaspiggyjack!

A friend shared this article earlier, which ties in with some of our recent chat.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/slow-running-benefits-training-b2531546.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3WXi6OnATMR3KevH7vE-NzzBgzH8YKBXrnzhY3oebi-HRd4QOs9pTbZ1A_aem_Aao2jrrv1An5vGx0bPu3nbTg6fzgaGJQ0vSIH2FhnZxIIxWj0vnPbVcbklnCqgxj4EDPsG0cKzKJIupmx96v0DYY

I watched a bit of the London marathon coverage too, although the interviews always make me tear up. I met three ladies when I was out this morning who were doing virtual London, all kitted out with their numbers on.

Sounds like some super runs this weekend @CatherineMaitland @Jumbojem and @chutneypig

We're on holiday on the east coast so I had a windy 16 miles along the seashore and back. It certainly blew the cobwebs away! I had a 1980s playlist to keep my spirits up and enjoyed it far more than I had expected - and even had some Strava segment PBs.

I’ve been following Emily and Celina for a while on Instagram - they’re inspiring to me! My lovely friend did a sub-4.5 hour marathon today (I am so pleased for her - she is amazing and trained so hard for it) but I’m a long way off being able to run that fast. So seeing runners like Celina finish it at 8 min/km pace (5h44m) really encourages me. Despite never having run further than 5 miles I’ve entered the ballot. I think the chances of getting a place are so slim that it’s probably fine…! I’m going to be running my first 10km next month and a half marathon in October so if I do by pure luck get in then I’ll be in a far better position than I am today to do it!

I managed a good run yesterday. I was meant to do 6.5km but in the end I did a bit longer. A really nice, comfortable 5km followed by a 1km walk and 800m run home. Near-enough matched my PR over 5km without particularly exerting myself so I’m going to challenge myself to run with the 75 minute pacer at my 10km next month. I think it might be a bit ambitious so I won’t be disappointed to come up short but it would be great if I could pull it off. We will see.

Have put the Runna v. Garmin decision on hold until after my race. I’ve downloaded Runna and configured it for my half, out of interest. The plan looks good and achievable but I’m still not sure how to make it work with my running club. Maybe that’s a sign I don’t need it but having recently completed Couch to 5K, I love the idea of checking things off and moving through a plan. I don’t know why but I find that so motivating!

Haha wonder how many of us have entered the ballot for London 2025 afte being inspired at the weekend- I know I have!

I have!

I've never entered the London ballot!
The odds of getting a place are on the low side and while it must be an incredible day, the logistics of it are a bit intimidating.

When I did mine, I went for a nice, simple buying the place. It was still more logistics than usual with travel and a hotel as I normally race more locally.

That may change in the future as my family gets older and life gets simpler, but not yet.

Count me as one of the inspired ballot entries! I don't expect to get a place though and have no idea if I could even finish it but I thought, what the hell...

I’ve entered too. First time ever. I’d like to do it in a few years so I might as well start now. I’ve entered my husband too (at his request). He’s active and goes to the gym but isn’t a runner. What are the chances he’ll get it now? 😂

I entered the ballot too! Who knows…
I have however decided that I will do my local marathon in October. Not going to even think about a time, just want to do it.

I have a 10k race on Sunday and then my half the week after. Feeling a bit nervous as usual!
@gm2023 i did a plan on my Garmin last year and it was mainly time based - via coach Greg I think.

Well done all on the recent runs, London, bluebells and NT all sound wonderful! I went out in the snow on Monday - ready for warmer climes now (although now I say that it’ll probably end up being 25 degrees for my half and I’ll be grumpy 🙃)

Snow @lamontaine! And I thought it was chilly here. That's very exciting about your marathon later in the year, is it very undulating?

I've fallen out with my Garmin as it keeps telling me my training is unproductive. I know it's because its 80/20 and HR based but still...

Well done all those who signed on for marathons, I don't think I'm dedicated enough to commit to the training for one (and as I'm pretty slow, the long runs would be a really long time).

@Lamontaine yes, we've snow too - to think the weekend before last was 29 degrees!

@chutneypig I fell out with my Garmin cause it was rude! and now I have a Suunto (so far, so polite). But it doesn't have the plans (or at least I don't think it does), so wouldn't be for everyone.

I signed up for another road HM beginning of October and hoping that I'll build strength for my trail HM in August and carry that through to the road.

I'm going to have a little gratuitous boast now ... I realised my splits for my HM were one second different for the first 10k and the second 10k! I know negative splits are the "ideal" but as it was getting hotter as time went on, I am really proud of myself! Sorry to boast, but most people I know "in real life" wouldn't really understand why I'm chuffed.

Well done @Trickedbyadoughnut! I did think of you on the Annecy marathon day, was beautiful but a little too warm for running. I have Lausanne 10k on Sunday but a birthday party on Saturday night…let’s see how it goes! Weather does look perfect though, so hopefully that’ll help.

@chutneypig , it’s quite flat course. I know it’s going to be a big effort training. As I said, I’m not really bothered about the time but I’d like to attempt the challenge! Will definitely use a run walk strategy, that feels a bit less daunting.

As for the rude watches - who do they think they are?! I have the very basic Garmin so it’s not sophisticated enough to give me any attitude 😂

I got an upgraded Garmin at Christmas. Previously I had a fitness age of 20, but this model won't put me younger than 39.5 (I'm in my 40s)
It's annoying that it holds back because of my BMI because I'm pretty solid with muscle (plus a healthy amount of coverage for my age)
My build is healthy, I'm just more dense than I look.

Bloody statistics!

Mine told me Room to Grow this morning. Git.

How rude of it! 😂

Room to grow is passive aggressive! Mine upped the ante yesterday and said my training load was optimal but my fitness was decreasing. And to manage my stress - not helpful

Just done my 10k race and got a PB! So chuffed! I ran it 6 mins faster than when I did the same race 2 years ago so I am finally feeling that the training has paid off. weather wasn’t great, torrential rain. But probably better than heat.

I practiced my pace for next week, not going to be easy to keep that up for 21km but it’s a much flatter course so let’s see. But for now, I am enjoying today’s result!

And I will add that I had two gin and tonics and a load of unsuitable food at the party last night so I feel that this maybe my new tactic 😂

Well done on your race and pb @Lamontaine!

I'm sure you'll surprise yourself for next week half! Where is it?

That's brilliant @Lamontaine - and pre race prep I can get on board with!

My canicross today was fun but hair raising- very muddy underfoot. I'd have struggled to keep upright without my competitive hound! He enjoyed himself.

Thanks @xsquared !
The half is in Geneva 😊