Training has faltered - half marathon on Sat - Help!

AnnRo

Hi all

Just some advice needed. I'm supposed to be running a half marathon on Saturday - but my training has been sporadic last 6 weeks. I have been running for years - and would be fit. I got up to 12 miles end of July but due to moving house in the last month - trying to find time and energy for running has been impossible. I would have gotten about 2 days each week - 5 or 6 miles each day. Other days would have been gutting a garden in the evenings (work full time), painting, cleaning, packing so I have been active!

Am I mad to go ahead with the run on Saturday - running with a couple of friends who have been training.

This would be my fourth half marathon - the last one was a few years ago though.

thanks for any opinions.

fleck

You won't run a great time so just go to enjoy it. Jog the first 8 miles, then run the last 5 as well as you can.

AnnRo

Thanks Fleck

Not worried about the time - just want to finish it.

nellocono

You will finish if you want to finish. Seriously, there is no magic barrier that says unless you have previously run 10 miles you cannot run a half marathon.

As an example, I haven't run for about 2 months and went and did a half marathon last week. Obviously this is not recommended as its a sure way to get injured but I did it...I hurt for days after.

Take care with your nutrition (maybe bring a gel or 2), jog it easy and you will get around no bother.

Scortho

Last year I ran the marathon with very little training. The longest run I'd done was 12 miles and I'd only done 4 runs in the previous 6 weeks.
Went out and ran it anyway. By mile 14 I was on target for a 3 hour 20 min run. Unfortunately things started to give up there and I hobbled home in 4:30. But I was delighted that I'd done it.

The best thing to do is go out and run it. Don't worry about the time or anything. Just enjoy it. The momentum of the race will keep you going on the day. At the end, you'll curse yourself for not training properly but will promise yourself that for the next one you'll make sure you'll train.

AnnRo

Thanks for all your replies. Will just enjoy it and with others running - it should help. I'll have time for training after the marathon!

We're all masochists doing this to our selves

Cardex

AnnRo, you should definitely go for it. I had similar doubts recently about the 10 mile and it worked out fine. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=80428578

AnnRo

Cardex - 1:42 for ten miles is great - i'd be a ten minute miler for long runs - i'm not great at the fast short runs. Good luck with your 13 miles

kencoo

You ll have no problem IMO provided you make a plan, somewhat!

I.e. you mention your friends are also training. You are not as much so trying to stick with them is going to be tougher if you were all at the same level in June/July.

Keep a steady pace and try to know the course if possible beforehand. (i.e. the Phoneix Park half marathon has few hills to need to keep something in reserve if thats the one you are doing.)

You are experienced so know yourself what it takes. I say go ahead but enjoy yourself!

AnnRo

Update:

Well I did it - time of 2:13:06. The first 10 miles were ok but the last 3 was painful - but managed to keep up with my friends till the last half mile. Next time, I will train

Thanks for all your replies.