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 @Ponks for getting out this morning, especially when it's-1°C outside!

I'm sure you'll be able to manage the 13.1 miles by March.

Everyone is doing really well, getting out in the cold. I'm in France currently and it's cold here too, so I've adjusted my run time to be out in the afternoon rather than morning most days. That said I went out this morning - not even early and just around the edge of the village - and had an encounter with a wild boar.

Next Saturday is my first 10k - after that I'll play around for a couple of weeks, and then set up a half marathon training plan for June.

@Lamontaine yes, in the Alps not far from Annecy 👋The weather is not looking that promising for this week either - good job I got a new rain jacket for Christmas!

@ponks I am also very one-paced and my watch always seems to have me in zone 4 and 5 too (even when I can talk the ear off my running partner the whole way round!). My current HM plan has intervals and hills repeats, which I hate doing - but it's definitely doing me good!

@CatherineMaitland ah yes, encounters with wild boar or, as I like to think of them, spontaneous fartlek runs 😆

My 10K plan has hill repeats and strangely, I really enjoy them. I never thought I would!

There's some very exotic running going in here! Wild boars are definitely outside my realm of experience!

Welcome @Ponks - great work yesterday on even getting out. I completely bailed on my run, too cold and grey.

I've already signed up for RH with an early bird last year. It would be lovely if we were both aiming for the same race and a good way to remember your mum. I used to work near the castle too - I did a lot of lunch runs in the Park which definitely helped. I was toast the year I trained where it was pancake flat.

I feel like I'm making no progress at all, quite the reverse. My VO2 max went down this week although my dog stopping to sniff probably didn't help that. I don't think my weight gain is helping. I'm travelling this week but have packed my running stuff and have planned in one time to get out. The conference schedule is pretty packed so it's limited other than that, it'll be yoga in my room or done quick weights at the gym, if that.

Well done @Ponks and everyone else who's getting out in this cold weather.
I need to start upping my distance.
Had a delightful 5 miles of trail run yesterday, crisp but not too cold weather and the trails are drying up nicely after all December's rain. Tried a new path which was good, but then got the fear so turned back. Does this happen to anyone else? I was alone in the woods, barely see anyone up there, the odd dog walker as most people go to the more well known walking area the other side of the road. Sometimes I just start to feel nervous being alone and start getting jumpy at every movement or noise (which is just the wind/animals) so head back. I think I've listened to a murder/ghost podcast too many!

@Jumbojem - I get antsy running in town, which I don't do very often. Perhaps it's a case of what we're not used to? I don't get shoulder-barged on the trails like I did running in town this morning in any case (three men overtaking me while still running three abreast ...)!

My muscles are feeling tired and slow to recover this week - it's that time of the month, so I'm trying to take my vits and B12 etc., but any hot tips for recovery? I'm going to take two days off before my long run, which should help.

@Trickedbyadoughnut how rude of them! I have been thinking about some lunch time runs now I'm in the office more. But it's so busy in the popular run areas around the work (harbourside) that I fear this will be my issue too, lots of groups running together. Plus lots of pedestrians.
The days are getting longer though which is great.

I recommend magnesium for recovery, I use a gel before bed on my legs. It helps you feel sleepy, prevents restless legs and helps muscle recovery. Epsom salts in a bath give the same effect if you like a bed time bath.

That's awful @Trickedbyadoughnut. I run in Central London at least once a week and there are always lots of other runners around, but everyone is very respectful of each others' space. The cyclists, however...

@Jumbojem although I run on trails at the weekend I am never that far from others. The only times I've been really scared were once when I came across a small group of teenagers who were off their heads on something and started chasing me, and once when I had an asthma attack quite a way off the main path. Oh and a couple of times when I met cows, but that was walking rather than running. But I'd say trust your instincts.

How lovely have such an international group of runners! Hope your 10K goes well @CatherineMaitland. DH has just returned from overseas travel and mentioned he enjoyed some wild boar for dinner one evening.

Did you get a run in @chutneypig?

I managed a run after work on Tuesday, and one before work this morning. It was really cold and my legs felt so chilly they couldn't really get going so I cut it a bit short.

I couldn't submit my post so I've tried tracking a grab of it to upload

Well, I did the 10k! Along a canal - the towpath was quite icy where it was wet, but really good most of the way. I did it in 1 hour 14 minutes which I am very happy with. No wild boar but I could hear various hunts in the woods on the opposite bank.

Ugh to rude bargey men. I passed a few walkers but I just called a greeting first and people moved to the side - all polite every which way.

Well done on your 10k @CatherineMaitland, especially with the current weather and conditions.

I'm just about to get an early night for my windy half tomorrow!

How is everyone getting on with training?

I did my half marathon and I am now a proud member of the sub 100 club!

Recovery week, then straight to marathon training the week after.

Wow @xsquared , a half marathon in under 100 mins? That's amazing. 

I've done my long run this morning, 8.3miles and v pleased with that. Solo run as husband away - knew he was aiming for a long run this morning so it spurred me on to beat him.

@Jumbojem I'm very cautious with off road running, always conscious of feeling off the beaten track and worried about what could happen. So I mainly stick to boring roads unless with my husband.

Congratulations @xsquared ! Brilliant work. Enjoy the recovery week before your marathon training starts.

Goos stuff @Ponks!

I have swum and run and yoga’d so far today. It might have been the endorphins from my swim kicking in, the sun coming out and the wind not in my face for once but halfway through my run my legs remembered what to do and I had my fastest mile in months. It felt so good and reminded me what running should feel like. I just need to find a few of those miles and string them together and all will be well.

Wow, @xsquared well done on the half, amazing time!
I'm sacking off running today, went to watch DS2 in schools XC earlier now I feel chilly from the wind so can't be bothered to get changed. I've run the last 2 days so I think I'm going for a walk before the rain comes.
I have been keeping up with the yoga and this today's was a great one for runners with lots of hip stretches and much needed for me.
I've gradually upped my mileage since Christmas, but mainly by running an extra day rather than running longer. I've yet to break 10k in a single run this year so that's my next focus.
@chutneypig it's a travel week for me too this week, it certainly makes sticking to a plan tough. I did make sure to find a hotel within works expenses budget which had a gym! You made me laugh with the find a body, or be a body comment as that is how I think. Actually more scared of finding a body TBH! .

Hello - just found this thread and as I’m training for the Inverness half marathon in March this seems like a good thread for me! (DHs adult DS lives up there so taking advantage of seeing him for his birthday and running a race).

I’ve been running on and off for about 15 years but consistently for the past 3 and a half years. In October I managed to beat my parkrun PB which had stood since my first parkrun in 2012 and I also took 15 min off my 10 mile time 😊 And in December I managed to break an hour for 10k for the first time.

Have been following the NRC half marathon plan which is going well so far. Have been quite enjoying the intervals sessions and my long run has got up to just over 9 miles now so going all right.

There was a half marathon near me today - wonder if that’s the one @xsquared was in? Although I’m sure there’s a lot of half marathons been happening today.

Thank you all.
Yes, @Ponks. I ran 1:40:18 last year and wanted to beat that time this year which I did by nearly 2 minutes.

Welcome to the thread @MirandaWest. It sounds like your training is going well and very well done on your pb in your 10 mile. That should totally boost your confidence.
I was at Brass Monkey Half Marathon today.

I did wonder if it was that one - the start is a couple of miles from me 😃 I know someone who did it and said it was very windy for some of it 😊

waving to @MirandaWest from Bramber Manor.

@xsquared fab time...congratulations!

Welcome @MirandaWest

I raced last weekend and then promptly got DD's cold so had to have a week off; back to it today though still not feeling 100%. I swam this morning and just felt sluggish and out of shape...it's only been a week off but...! I did jog round a (new to me) parkrun on Saturday; it was so well organised and a great course, though super windy. One to go back to if I'm ever over that way again.

@CatherineMaitland well done on the 10k - you're a minute faster than my most recent 10k and on ice too! Impressive.

@xsquared well done! Super speedy, congratulations!

@MirandaWest welcome!

I had my "long" run of 11k yesterday, did it on the roads although it was hilly, 494m of ascent according to my watch. It took me ages, as usual, but it was sunny the whole time and I wasn't desperate to finish, so a win for me! I'd also had an impromtu 3.5k walk in the morning with the horses as it was too icy to ride, so I slept well last night and will be taking it very gently today to recover properly.

@brooksghost sounds like your still recovering and I bet you'll be back up to speed in a week or so if you take it gently now!

Thank you @brooksghost and @Trickedbyadoughnut .

It was a bit windy going out @MirandaWest, but overall I think we were lucky with the weather. At least all the ice had gone by then.

I sacked off the recovery run today as I'm feeling a bit sore, but I've walked to and from work, so not feeling too guilty!

I hope you feel 100% soon @brooksghost.

Sounds like you had a very enjoyable long, hilly run @Trickedbyadoughnut, and so it should!