Be honest - is a half marathon enjoyable? 😅

[mummabubs]

I've been very slowly building up my running over the years, can still remember the days when couch to 5k was hard. I've run a couple of 10k events now (between 1hr 10 and 1hr 15) and the most recent one I did was genuinely enjoyable - lovely weather, great atmosphere etc. I've found myself on the slippery slope of contemplating a half marathon for the first time - specifically the Newport APB half as apparently it's renowned as being 'easy and flat'.

I am tempted to sign up as it's in April next year so that feels like enough time to train, including the inevitable post Christmas slump, but I'm debating whether I'd actually find that distance enjoyable. Just wondering if there's any views as to which is the more satisfying distance to run - a half marathon or a 10k?

Yes, I love a half marathon!

I love a half marathon but if not trained properly it’s a nightmare. It’s hard to get up
to that distance but easy to stay there iygwim.

BUT, I only do scenic ones (that aren’t too hilly) not ones that are purely around towns.

marathons are not for me, far too long! Parkrun is also shite. Over 30 minutes of busting my gut? Yuk.

See, if I’m racing it for myself then I actually prefer a marathon. A half is still a bit fast and frantic! 😂 you can bide your time a bit more with a marathon and run about 30 seconds a mile slower. Best of all though, I like an ultra 😂. But running a half at a comfortable pace is very enjoyable.

Oh, I absolutely loved the one and only half I did. I took it steady and decided I would aim for 2h 30m time and was just above it. It wasn't a flat run and had some spectators cheering you on which do help. I think my longest run before the half was 16k which felt really manageble. If you can comfortably do around this then the excitement on the day will push you on!

However, on the day for me it was a VERY odd experience as I wear hearing aids. I'd trained with a playlist to pass the time and was about 15 mins in, my hearing aids got sweaty/hot under my earphones and cut off. I kept moving and tried to sort them out but no good as they were too wet.

I had to put them in my pocket and continue on with the headphones clamped on my ears as didn't want to carry them but then ran for 2h 15 in almost complete silence, with only my tinnitus to keep me occupied.

I got through it and decided to just zone out. I did have to keep looking behind me when I moved to make sure I wasn't going to cut anyone off but yeah, it was enjoyable all the same! I was very proud of myself for getting through the thing 😆

You will enjoy it and be very proud too - good luck!

i signed up to my first, doing the GNR in September! I wouldn’t say I was a runner prior to that and did a 10k last summer that I enjoyed. I am now halfway through my training plan with runna and I’m up to 13k… I’m slow but I’m really enjoying it. I have never ran with anyone just me and my playlist, I like that it’s time in my week that no one can get me and I can just be with myself.

at this point I’d just be happy to finish 🙃 reading this thread reminds me I need to get some weights on the go too

Thank you so much to everyone, I've read all the replies and it's given me lots of insight into things I hadn't even considered - e.g course structure or the idea that the faster events mean people who are slower might miss out on some of the atmosphere.
Thanks to the person who suggested the other half marathon in Newport in March, unfortunately it doesn't look like they're offering it next year so looks like it would have to be the ABP event. It's my payday next week so will sign up after that and start thinking about training!

@mummabubs , if you can join a friendly running club and train with people who run at the same sort of pace as you, then you'll probably have group to run with on the day, and to wind down with afterwards.
It's more enjoyable than being on your own on the day.

I don’t generally find any race enjoyable if I’m giving it full throttle. I ran a PB in my last half and ended up on my hands and knees trying not to vomit at the end! However, I enjoyed the atmosphere, being around other runners, the views and the fact that I knocked about 10 mins off my PB! I’m training for a marathon and have been running up to 20 miles all year so I don’t find the distance of a half marathon challenging - I love running long distances. I enjoy all my long runs in training and look forward to being out for 2 + hrs at the weekend. Having been a runner for a long time I’d say no 1st race at a new distance is particularly enjoyable because you’re wondering if you can do it and it feels like a long time on your feet. Now I’m comfortable with longer distances the half is probably my favourite distance to race as it’s challenging but doesn’t destroy you the way a marathon does. I would definitely give a half ago but even if you don’t enjoy the race itself see if you enjoy the process…

I done a few half marathons. Can’t say I find them particularly enjoyable. Best bit is crossing the finish line!

@mummabubs if you are looking for a running club and you're in the Newport area, let me know. I'm a member of a social running club and we have the reputation of being the friendliest club in Newport. No charge, you can just turn up. DM me if you want details.

Thanks, @emsiewill , that's a great suggestion. If I lived in Newport I'd join you.

A half is a great distance. The training is manageable, and it’s not a flat out effort like a 5k or 10k.

I don’t think PP telling you to aim for 2 hours is realistic if you’re doing a 70-75 minute 10k. A 2 hour half would suggest a 10km time of around 54 mins! Just focus on completing the distance, it’s an achievement no matter your time.

I don’t think PP telling you to aim for 2 hours is realistic if you’re doing a 70-75 minute 10k.
If you mean me, I didn't recommend aiming for 2 hours. It was a round number.
I didn't aim for a time in my first half marathon. The aim was to complete it.

If you run a 10K in 75 mins then a half would be about 2hrs 40 on your feet.

10K Training Plans: How to Find the Perfect Training Plan

I've been running for a year and a bit - I did get up to 10k in Feb and did a 27 minute 5k but it's now hot and we keep going away at weekends so I'm a fair bit slower. My finger is hovering over the button for the Bath Half as it's near me and in March so I won't be roasting. I can't quite make myself pull the trigger though...

@ConverselyAttired , Do it!

Sounds horrible tbh OP! But life would be boring if we were all the same.

I've been running 20 years and probably done 8/9 half marathons and 1 marathon which meant a fair few training runs over the half mark too.

the first halves I did I def did not enjoy as I was almost killing myself trying to get round in under 2 hours. The more recent ones I def have generally enjoyed, finishing in between 2h05 and 2h15. (Let's not talk about the one where I fell flat on my face half way through and DNF....)
if you have a reasonable time in mind - I'd say double your 10k time PLUS ten minutes or so - its definitely achievable and potentially enjoyable.

However I have built up my endurance quite a lot over the years and that's what makes it more enjoyable. You could build up in 3 months and get round but not necessarily with a smile on your face. Right now I am aiming for another half in September but I'm trying to average at least 30kilometres a week which is an awful lot more mileage than I used to do.

Your training only needs to get you as far as 17/18k, not the whole distance, but your overall mileage is important.

I didnt particularly enjoy my first marathon- last year - but the training I did for that has put me in a strong position to do halves since i got used to running higher mileage.

Conversely, I dont really enjoy (road) 10ks anymore, bit too fast and frantic for me. You get to properly relax into a pace for a half.

In short, can you get round - definitely yes. will you enjoy it? You'll def have a smile on your face at the end but you need to build up quite a bit of endurance/mileage to enjoy the whole thing

Train train train and you will feel an amazing sense of achievement. For me the training kicked in on about mile 7 when I hit a wall on my first half. I don't enjoy long runs at all, but love the after buzz. It's like being a drug addict really.

I agree about the training. Train properly and get some long runs in.
Test drive your kit on a long run before the race.

Yes, it can be enjoyable. My main recommendation would be to put in some solid training to build up to it. You want to achieve not struggle your way around the course. It’s amazing how short a 10 km feels after all of that HM training 😆

I have completed a HM and it was both enjoyable and memorable. Never imagined I’d even think of doing such a distance and, standing at the start line and along the course, it was a beautiful time to reflect on the journey. My goal was to complete the course which, as a first timer, seemed sensible.

As a bonus, in 4 months, I’d also shaved 13 minutes off my 10 km time. Taken time off, now rebuilding up to HM and maybe extending to a 30 km. I love the sense of peacefulness in my mind and body after a run.

I should add - if you can find a local running group, so much nicer to have company. And shoes that work well for you are a necessity. I rotate through at least 2 pairs.

Thank you so much for your reply - I'm not actually in Newport itself so would probably be a little too far for me but thank you! I do a social run with a friend once a week but she's (understandably!) decided that 10K is her limit so I'd be doing the long run solo in training and using my runs with her as a shorter distance by the end.

Thanks again everyone for your honest views. Payday is cometh so I've decided to bite the bullet and sign up. 😊

I’ve ran various distances from 5k to marathons over the years.
I think my favourite races are 10 miles and half marathons
Training is important but doesn’t have to take over your life like a marathon.
As for enjoying… I guess parts are enjoyable and some parts definitely aren’t.
It’s a distance to respect and train well for. Strength training, hills etc.

I’ve ran a few halves now. Can’t think of a single one I enjoyed at the time, but afterwards, absolutely felt great. 🤣

ps/ as you’ll be doing longer runs you may have to size up more than normal in your trainers. The running shop fitted me with size 7 (I’m a 5) .