The Half Marathon support Thread

dolliemix

That is fantastic Yungwan!! Congrats

elvis jones

yungwan wrote: »

Hi guys!

Greetings from an offical half marathoner!! lol

Ok, so first off, I finished..... GO ME!!


(BUT..... my time wasnt worthy of praise and I struggled at the 11/12 mile point!)

Note to others, while yes, you will finish having trained to 10 miles, I would recommend doing the full 13. And even better to do run the route itself if you can.

I am stiff but happy all the same. My ambitions for a full have been well and truely put into prospective anyway.

Welcome to the club:cool:

what was the time, no matter how bad you think it is its a figure to beat news time !!!!

What next ??? I think the full marathon is too much for my ankle if i'm honest so i'm going to keep doing halfs and next yr look at triathlons !

MrsN

Hi, me again. As I mentioned earlier I am due to do my first half marathon next Sunday. Can anyone give me any advice on what I should be doing this week in terms of eating/exercise? Should i take a few days of full rest? Id appreciate any advice because as you may have guessed Im pretty clueless thanks

yungwan

Elvis - it took me approx 2hrs 45 mins, but I have to wait for official times to be posted yet.

It was slow I know, especiallly when we started being lapped by the full marathoners at about 10 miles.... man those guys are fast. But as it was my first attempt Ill take it as experience and something to work at.

I dont know really, I think I am going to concentrate on halfs and 10ks for a the foreseeable future. Try and chip away at my PBs next year.

I dunno when Ill do my next half, maybe nov/dec as I want to keep the jogging up as much as I can over the winter.

MrsN - Good luck in your half, its a fantastic acheivement when you cross that line! No, I jogged the whole thing. I wanted to walk at one point (11 miles approx but I knew Id be disappointed with myself if I did, however one woman was powerwalking and we kept passing each other out, she won me in the end but whatever! So powerwalking is just as fast sometimes) I would say go for two short runs, maybe 4miles on Tuesday and 3 miles on Thursday, if you feel up to. Then nothing until Sunday. Avoid doing too much activity saturday too (for eg shopping or walking around a parade) as it will leave you tired.

Eating wise try to eat extra carbs from about Thursday and drink plenty from Thursday too (until urine clear)

MrsN

Thanks yungwan. You did really well for your first half. Now you have a starting point and can motivate yourself by trying to shave a few mins of your time. It must be a real buzz, i envy you. Keep up the training.

elvis jones

yungwan wrote: »

Elvis - it took me approx 2hrs 45 mins, but I have to wait for official times to be posted yet.

It was slow I know, especiallly when we started being lapped by the full marathoners at about 10 miles.... man those guys are fast. But as it was my first attempt Ill take it as experience and something to work at.

I dont know really, I think I am going to concentrate on halfs and 10ks for a the foreseeable future. Try and chip away at my PBs next year.

I dunno when Ill do my next half, maybe nov/dec as I want to keep the jogging up as much as I can over the winter.

MrsN - Good luck in your half, its a fantastic acheivement when you cross that line! No, I jogged the whole thing. I wanted to walk at one point (11 miles approx but I knew Id be disappointed with myself if I did, however one woman was powerwalking and we kept passing each other out, she won me in the end but whatever! So powerwalking is just as fast sometimes) I would say go for two short runs, maybe 4miles on Tuesday and 3 miles on Thursday, if you feel up to. Then nothing until Sunday. Avoid doing too much activity saturday too (for eg shopping or walking around a parade) as it will leave you tired.

Eating wise try to eat extra carbs from about Thursday and drink plenty from Thursday too (until urine clear)

Go on Waterford in Dec;)

No shame in that time and when you beat it in your next race it will be even sweeter. I did mine in 2:20 and would love to knock at least 10 min off that with 1:59 being the dream time.

Oh and it wasn't an attempt..............you DID IT

yungwan

elvis jones wrote: »

Go on Waterford in Dec;)

No shame in that time and when you beat it in your next race it will be even sweeter. I did mine in 2:20 and would love to knock at least 10 min off that with 1:59 being the dream time.

Oh and it wasn't an attempt..............you DID IT

Ah thanks Elvis. I am happy with it, and my OH is very proud!
But sometimes even though we know we shouldnt do it, we tend to compare ourselves to others, despite the fact they are probably running for years!! Plus ye guys always have such amazing times, ye put me to shame!

Some day Ill do a sub 4 hr marathon, but for now Im happy with my half.... theres plenty of time for everything else!!

Now its time for a chilled glass of white. I think I deserve it!!!

littlebug

well done yungwan. That was a really tough course for your first half. that hill from 7-8.5 miles was a killer. I did walk a bit at 11/12 so you did better than me in that respect!
one of my goals was to finish before the first full marathoner and I only just made it. I hadn't even got my breath back yet when he came haring round the corner. He must have finished in 2.15 ish :eek:

yungwan

littlebug wrote: »

I hadn't even got my breath back yet when he came haring round the corner. He must have finished in 2.15 ish :eek:

Wow well done you littlebug.... under 2.15 is amazing! I cant ever imagine doing that! Out of interest how long are you running "proper" and do you remember what time you did your first half in? (if you want to admit it! PM if ya want!) I just never imagine myself getting fast enough tbh!

Also, why do you think it was a tough course? (As a novice I obviousl dont know!!?)

rainbow kirby

yungwan wrote: »

Now its time for a chilled glass of white. I think I deserve it!!!

Very much so!

Bet you never thought a few months ago that you'd have run a half-marathon by now. You've come so far!

littlebug

yungwan wrote: »

Wow well done you littlebug.... under 2.15 is amazing! I cant ever imagine doing that! Out of interest how long are you running "proper" and do you remember what time you did your first half in? (if you want to admit it! PM if ya want!) I just never imagine myself getting fast enough tbh!

Also, why do you think it was a tough course? (As a novice I obviousl dont know!!?)

Oops I got the order of that wrong... I was finished in over 2.15 and I started at the back whereas the winner obviously started at the front so I think he finished in about 2.18.

Eeek at me being asked questions about running "proper" I started just over a year and a half ago. I did the half in Connemara this April in 2.22 so it was good to do better though I had hoped to shave a few more minutes off that. About 4/5 months after I started running I think I did a 1.08 10k and it was nearly a year before I dipped under the hour. I'm also 40 and was a Lot heavier when I started I don't think I'll ever get any faster to be honest but I think I'm doing ok considering.

Do you have a running log yungwan? it's good for keeping motivated and great for getting comments and tips on your training.
Re the race... it's the hills that got me. I'm just not good on hills and Im not good at recovering after them.... even the smallest of hills really slow me down. I know there's only one way to tackle that.... find a nice downhill race

iceage

Way to go yungwan you did it, well done you.

Best of luck to MrsN loads of guys here will give you a few pointers.

--amadeus--

carlaboi wrote: »

Bit of a problem here! Off on my hols tomorrow for 8 days to Spain. Am thinking I probably wont get much training in while Im away! Anyone have any advice on what they do when on hols to keep up the training? Im a bit worried as I want to do the half the weekend after I come home.

I did two weeks in Spain earlier this month and it knocked me out of proper training for about 3 weeks (work was hectic when I came back which dented my running).

Running / maintaining training on your hols is about how seriously you take your running. In my case I set the alarm to get me up early a few days a week while I was away and I managed to sneak in a few runs before anyone else was up and about. Often you'll be able to run by the beach and it can be a great way to start the day - blows away the cobwebs and sets you up well. It can also be a holiday highlight - when we went to Egypt I went for a run in the early evening along teh banks of teh Nile; seeing the sun set over the river as the clerics called out the evening prayers was amazing.

Main issue is hydration, you'll be running in a far hotter climate and so will sweat way more. This will be made worse if you are drinking in teh evenings as well because alcohol dehydrates you anyway. Lots of water before, during and after your run. Obviously don't run in teh midday heat and be confident of your route - I got lost in Portugal and a 6 miler became a 10 miler...

Enjoy!

MrsN wrote: »

Hi, me again. As I mentioned earlier I am due to do my first half marathon next Sunday. Can anyone give me any advice on what I should be doing this week in terms of eating/exercise? Should i take a few days of full rest? Id appreciate any advice because as you may have guessed Im pretty clueless thanks

Best bet is always to follow a standard plan in terms of teh exercise as that will ensure that the taper (the wind down prior to a race) is in proportion to the training you've done. Typically you would be looking at 25 - 50% of your average / peak mileage in your final week before the race. One of teh keys to a good performance though is to cut back volume not intensity. So run fewer sessions and shorter sessions but don't be afraid to push hard when you do run. A lot of good plans also advise a dress rehearsal run 4 or 5 days away from teh race. It can be short enough (maybe 4 miles) but 2 of those should be at full race speed and you should wear exactly what you will wear on teh day; even starting the run at the same time as teh race start if poss. The idea is to replicate the race experience, make sure you have what you need and build confidence.

In terms of eating stick to your normal routine, don't try anything too exotic and avoid anyone ill (especially coughs and sneezes). Stay hydrated and have a carb rich meal the night before (eg rice, pasta). Bear in mind that carbs when stored in the body need a certain ratio of water (I think 3:1 water to carb, Tunney will know for sure) so eating lots of carbs means that you will need to drink more water than normal to stay fully hydrated. It can also leave you feeling a bit bloated, but that's normal and you won't notice it once you start. Depending on how long you will be out for 500mls of sports drink 30 - 60 mins or so before the start can help as well. Don't leave it too close though as you need to make sure it's processed before you start or you'll be making pee stops!

Good luck!

yungwan

littlebug wrote: »

Do you have a running log yungwan? it's good for keeping motivated and great for getting comments and tips on your training.
Re the race... it's the hills that got me. I'm just not good on hills and Im not good at recovering after them.... even the smallest of hills really slow me down. I know there's only one way to tackle that.... find a nice downhill race

No I dont have a log but when I get over my post race stiffness and decide what race I am going doing next I might start one! I am actually looking forward to maybe doing another 10k and see how I get one time wise.

Yea I suppose the race was quite hilly, but you're going to get those in every race arent ya?

MrsN

Thanks amadeus. I'm a little bit cautious about trying an energy drink before the race as I dont normally rink them. I had half of one before a 10k a couple of months ago and felt sick during the race. I might stick to the water.Thanks

fungirl1

yungwan wrote: »

Hi guys!

Greetings from an offical half marathoner!! lol

Ok, so first off, I finished..... GO ME!!


(BUT..... my time wasnt worthy of praise and I struggled at the 11/12 mile point!)

Note to others, while yes, you will finish having trained to 10 miles, I would recommend doing the full 13. And even better to do run the route itself if you can.

I am stiff but happy all the same. My ambitions for a full have been well and truely put into prospective anyway.

Yungwan WELL DONE!!!!!!!

YOu must be sooo pleased - you should be! I am jealous..3 weeks to go to mine and I know I will be sooo nervous.
Hope the aches and pains are not too bad.

Tec Diver

Big congrats youngwan, it's a great feeling when you cross the finish line!
I've only done one so far and am doing my second in just under 3 weeks, so hoping to get a better time. I've been putting a lot more work into it this time though. Only started running in Feb.
On my first half, it was a two lap course and at 53mins we were lapped by the "elite" runners who were on their second lap, finishing in just under 60mins! :eek:
I very much doubt I'll ever get that good, but as long as I can race against myself I'll be happy.

Eoin

elvis jones

Well back to the training proper this morning and 3.5 done at 8am..........rather pleased seeing as i was up at 5:30 to get to Dublin to run before work. I'm going to do that twice a week to free up evenings.

10KM on Sept 26th so thats the next focus ( well after 9 nights golfing in Orlando anyway:cool::D )

Mike D

Well Done Yungwan!! Great to get one under your belt!

Re Energy Drinks before run , I had a sports drink before 10 mile run at the weekend and found it to be good, water during the run and another sports drink after. Worked well for me.
I tend to suffer a bit with dehydration after long runs and I am yet to find the right balance but this was good so far...;)

yungwan

Thanks guys for all the support, its so kind.

Nice to see you back in training elvis after your well deserved break!

Any ideas guys on a half I can do round End Oct/Nov? I know I have asked already but I cant see any really.

Dublin half is too soon I feel. I wouldnt have made any progress in a few weeks. Its a pity really as Id say it will be very well run (pardon the pun, teehee).

I know Waterford has been recommended here too, but its just too far away for me (in Roscommon).

I said on another forum that I am considering the Galway Bay Half on first weekend in Oct but to be honest after how badly my first half went (both personally and by event organisers themselves) I am reluctant to return to Galway.

Does anyone know of somewhere else in West/Midlands or (Maybe) East?

I might even start a training log if I commit myself to an event.

Also, finally, can anyone recommend a good training scheule for novices which would incorporate speed training into my schedule. Also a training plan as I dont know how to continue from this point.

Thanks very much,

jcsmum

A lot of us seem to be following (or in my case, half following) Hal Higdeon http://www.halhigdon.com/
He has training programmes for various abilities and race distances.

Well done on your race!

yungwan

Thanks jcsmum. Yea I loosely followed Hal as well. But the one I followed didnt really incorporate speed.

I will check out the website though for more though.

elvis jones

Galway and Waterford are all i can see. With DCM at the end of Oct a lot of others are gearing runners towards that.

yungwan

elvis jones wrote: »

Galway and Waterford are all i can see. With DCM at the end of Oct a lot of others are gearing runners towards that.

Thanks elvis... yea I think you are right. I was on runireland.com and they are all I see too.

So I might see you in Waterford after all!!

If I start training for the Waterford half in the next week or two I will have approx 12 weeks for it. Which would give me time to work on my pace by maybe looking at the intermediate hal higeon plan?

If I could get my pace down to under 10 minutes per mile it would be a start. It would still be over 2 hours for a half but it would be a lot better than my last performance. :rolleyes:

Hopefully I can squeeze in a couple of 10k races too to boost my confidence.

Going to enjoy the next few days relaxation first though.

Watch this space for my new training log!!

elvis jones

Yeah my proper training for it won't start until Sept 18 at least as i'm off on holidays. But i have a 10km the week after i get back and then its Waterford half all the way ( apart from some warm weather training in Lanzarote in November:D )

But actually looking forward to running in the cold, i love running in the winter if i'm honest.

I was 2:20 the last time and would love to knock at least 10 min of that or more. With the new motorway it will be even quicker getting down there from Laois.

You'd be better to get a B&B for the night before if you can, its only 22 to enter so cheaper than the rest and you can put the difference towards accom !!

yungwan

elvis jones wrote: »

You'd be better to get a B&B for the night before if you can, its only 22 to enter so cheaper than the rest and you can put the difference towards accom !!

Yeah Id say Ill make a weekend of it with the OH. Anywhere nice to shop in Waterford I wonder??! lol

Enjoy the holidays anyway, forget about the training until you get back!!

dolliemix

Great to see so many on board for Waterford. I can't believe its only 12 weeks a way though. I'll be up to 5 miles this Saturday.

Did my first before work run this morning. Left the house at 6.30am and was home at 7.24 am! Most mornings I'm not even up by then!!!

Its all like it was a dream now. Did I actually do that??? But legs have been tired all day as proof. Still I didn't suffer during it. THe temperature was gorgeous. Very fresh and I just loved that feeling of catching the morning light and watching the city wake up!

Mike D

Fair play! Its the getting out of bed at 6.30 thats the difficult part. Once up and out...its great. I love the feeling when you get back. Its a sense of achievement before the day has even started. Really sets you up for a good day, then make sure you avoid the radio on the way to work coz the news will take the good out of your great start!!;)

Tec Diver

I had an online coach for 3 months earlier in the year. At the start I couldn't run 3k without stopping completely. I can now (almost) comfortably run 20k. I don't use him anymore though and I have built up my own training plan from a) what I learnt from the coach, b) what I have researched and trial/error. I am also using a HR monitor and have just started to really use it for training in different HR zones, something I didn't know about until recently!
Don't know if it'll help, but time will tell.
I'll be moving back to Ireland in Nov. Any HMs on around mid-Nov onwards?

Ta,
Eoin

iceage

Waterford HM.....hmmmm. Mate of mine is goading me on to do it.