The Half Marathon support Thread

bluestone · 15-06-2010 10:08AM

aimin to do my 1st half, either the galway bay or cliffs of moher. been runnin on & off for 2 yrs so am thinkin of tryin the hal higdon intermediate plan startin proper next wk! did a 10 mile in 86 earlier this year so hope to last the distance at that kind of pace, below 2 hrs.

peanuthead · 15-06-2010 11:58AM

After reading this thread I'm going to try the Hal Higdon Novice half training plan

I'm going to start it now and see how I get on

Looking forward to it!

yungwan · 15-06-2010 12:37PM

Hey all!!

I am also following the novice Hal Higeon half marathon.

"started" yesterday with a few gentle stretches.

I say "started" as it felt really nice and wasnt any effort!!

The real training starts this evening, going doing my three miles this evening on road. Still havent got my new trainers in the post yet so Ill have to go with my worn adidas ones but hopefully Ill get them soon!!

I have the same question with the cross training - how far should I cycle?

I will be switching my training to fit in with my schedule also - I will do my run on Tuesdays, Cross on Wed, run on Thursday, cross on Friday and have my rest day as Sat with plan as normal on Sunday.

This just fits in better with days I like to do train.

I am aiming for Galway half on 27th Sugust and will also be doing a 10k on June 27th. I have previously just completed the Dublin Mini Marathon.

With each others support I am confident we can do this guys!!

dolliemix · 15-06-2010 12:57PM

Dotcomdolly wrote: »

I started my Hal yesterday with a pilates class. Swapping days and doing the 2 mile run today as I'm just coming back from an injury (pulled calf muscle that healed badly - had to get all the adhesions massaged out - :eek: painful).
I haven't run in 17 days and I can't wait!!

eta (x-post from fitness)

So in the Hal novice plan each Thursday there is a run, from 3 miles up, PLUS strength.

Following from a link in the plan he seems to favour light weights

Go High/Low: If you’re training for a race like the Gate River Run, you don’t want to bulk up. Extra weight will slow you down. To avoid putting on pounds, keep the pounds of the weights you lift low and the repetitions high. Vasto recommends lifting 50 to 60 percent of the maximum weight you can lift in a set of 12 repetitions. Two sets of 12 work well for most of the lifts described later. For maximum benefits, without wasting a lot of time, do your strength training two or three times a week, after you run, not before.

Now this doesn't go with what I've been told at all. I usually go as heavy as I can manage...but maybe I need to change that? Don't fancy prissing about 2kg weights though

So can anyone rec a good efficient workout that won't take me ages? (I rem seeing one EileenG posted last week or so, but can't find it now) If I do go against Hal does that change whether I should do the weights before or after the run?
I can park at the gym & run from there but I imagine I'm going to be pretty hot & sweaty coming back - wouldn't it be bad gym etiquette to start doing weights in that yucky state?

Lol I feel the same! I haven't ventured towards weights yet as I've been using yoga for strength but its the whole time issue and organisation thats freaking me out. I'm a member of a gym but if I were to do 3mile run AND head to the gym after it would take an hour and a half - two hours including shower etc. I like the yoga because I can do it myself at home if I don't have time to go to a class. Maybe if you buy a set of weights for home it could save time. As for being sweaty using the weights, I wouldn't worry too much, plenty of people use the thread mill and work up a sweat and then use the weights. As long as people clean up after them I wouldn't mind!

Good luck with your run today. Its hot out there.

I'm doing my 3 mile and strength today. I'm doing it all backwards though. I went to a tough yoga class this morning that was way too advanced for me!!! I'll do my run later when its cooler. I'm going on holidays in July so I'm going to restart the program and work out how to do it properly like Hal wants us to do it when I come back end of July.

When I was doing the 10k plan, sometimes I found the biggest challenge was just trying to fit the program into my life.

But its worth it!

Great to see so many more people coming on board. I look forward to following everyones progress.

Good luck everyone!

the drifter · 15-06-2010 01:01PM

I generally drive to the gym and then do my run from there....Im a member fo the UL arena so loads of good runs around the area and some decent hills to!

Its great to see the interest in the Half! i didnt think there would be as many on here going for there first Half.

shanagarry · 15-06-2010 01:02PM

I'm doing my third half marathon in 3.5 weeks - aagh! At least this is the last tough week of training - 16km on Sunday and then start to wind down. My first was this race last year, which I really enjoyed, and then another last October, after which I left things slide a bit.

I was hoping to train a bit more intensely coming up to this one, but sometimes life gets in the way. Anyway, it's not a race for times - it starts on forest tracks so it's always a bottleneck, so it's more about enjoyment.

I'm currently a slow coach, so hoping to move on to an intermediate plan and target a sub-2 initially, probably at that October race again.

Tipsygypsy · 15-06-2010 01:13PM

yungwan wrote: »

Hey all!!

I I am aiming for Galway half on 27th Sugust and will also be doing a 10k on June 27th. I have previously just completed the Dublin Mini Marathon.

Is your 10k on the 27 June the Galway Womens Mini Marathon? (since you located in the wesh-t!) Im doing that one, really looking forward to it but a bit worried about going up threadneedle - seems really long and steep in my childhood memory!

Im doing my first 3mile of week 1 this evenin too - cant wait, really wanted to do it yesterday but my kids wouldnt let me!

yungwan · 15-06-2010 02:12PM

Tipsygypsy wrote: »

Is your 10k on the 27 June the Galway Womens Mini Marathon? (since you located in the wesh-t!) Im doing that one, really looking forward to it but a bit worried about going up threadneedle - seems really long and steep in my childhood memory!

It is surely! I really want to support it, it being only its 2nd year. You havent done it yet either obviously? To be honest I didnt even look at the route yet, Ill look at it closer to the time. The weather is so beautiful it really makes you want to get out and about doesnt it? I really wanted to go yesterday too but i told myself id be long enuf looking for a break in it once I start so I should just enjoy the weather and sit out. Its full steam ahead from this evening though!!

jcsmum · 15-06-2010 04:15PM

I've signed up to do the adidas race series, and I'm also going to do the Dunshaughlin 10k at the end of the month.
I think the half marathon will be my 2010 goal and next year I will aim to do the full marathon (not sure I could do it this year). I find the more I run and the more races I compete in, the more I enjoy running and the more easier it is. I don't follow any plan, I just run different routes, 4 times a week and I walk a few times a week too. I probably need to work on my 'strength' and follow some kind of training plan. Will check out the Hal Higdon one.
Did the mini marathon last weekend in 53.11, so that is a huge encouragement to me.
This time last year the though of running one mile would have seemed impossible!

Tipsygypsy · 15-06-2010 07:38PM

yungwan wrote: »

It is surely! I really want to support it, it being only its 2nd year. You havent done it yet either obviously? To be honest I didnt even look at the route yet, Ill look at it closer to the time. The weather is so beautiful it really makes you want to get out and about doesnt it? I really wanted to go yesterday too but i told myself id be long enuf looking for a break in it once I start so I should just enjoy the weather and sit out. Its full steam ahead from this evening though!!

Well I'll see you there!

I was the exact same yesterday, and this morning - couldnt wait to get out there running - really enjoyed it when I finally got out even if I did nearly melt away.

But did my 3 miles. Tomorrow and Thursday might be tough, its the first time Im running 3 days in a row (2 miles tomorrow and 3 again on Thursday). Its going to be an interesting week.

Dotcomdolly · 15-06-2010 07:44PM

Tipsygypsy wrote: »

Well I'll see you there!

I was the exact same yesterday, and this morning - couldnt wait to get out there running - really enjoyed it when I finally got out even if I did nearly melt away.

But did my 3 miles. Tomorrow and Thursday might be tough, its the first time Im running 3 days in a row (2 miles tomorrow and 3 again on Thursday). Its going to be an interesting week.

Exactly my feelings....felt great today, but am thinking how hard is it going to do 3 miles on Thursday PLUS weights? after running the prev 2 days in a row? I tell ya, the rest day on Friday will be hard earned and much appreciated

the drifter · 15-06-2010 11:07PM

i too am looking forward to friday

i had jujitsu tonight
2m/cross tomorrow
3m and jujitsu thursday
and REST friday :P

i have to look at sorting out my nutrition now...

dolliemix · 16-06-2010 12:35AM

I had to google jujitsu!!

I'm going to Japan in July. I wonder is it really popular there because google says that's where it originates from.

Great idea for cross training/ strength. It looks pretty intense!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suXxYE3LFr0

yungwan · 16-06-2010 10:24AM

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

peanuthead · 16-06-2010 11:02AM

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

yungwan · 16-06-2010 11:42AM

peanuthead wrote: »

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

i think its fine to go on the treadmill, I heard somewhere you should set your incline to +1 though but im not sure.

Yes its fine to change the days around as long as you are consistent and get in all your training in the week.

dolliemix · 16-06-2010 12:04PM

yungwan wrote: »

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

I found it extremely hot yesterday as well. I waited until 6.30 to do my three mile run but it was hard! For the first time in ages I felt like I wasn't going to finish it. Only that my route ended up in shade, I probably would have had to walk too. You were obviously coming down with something as well, so don't feel bad. Everyone has to have a bad night every now and then. Very good going managing to get it done in 35 mins with walking as well! My 3 miles took me 33 mins 47 secs!

Drink loads of fluids today and try and flush that cold out of you. Hope you're feeling better later.

ecoli · 16-06-2010 12:06PM

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

Here is a little trick for motivating you with the gym:

compare full membership price to day pass, first time you go to the gym remember how much it cost (X euro) despite feeling like exhausted you are motivated to go back. Next time you hit the gym the price is (X euro divided by two) This should motivate you in times of recession to keep going until you get to a stage where you have gone so much that you have saved money paying for full membership over day passes.

tisnotover · 16-06-2010 12:06PM

Hi,

Just an idea to bounce of ye (robbed of DCM '10 thread). Why don't ye add a table here with following headings:

Time Goal
Target Race
Name
Comments

It may be useful to give yourselves a time-goal, even if its just your first one and you just want to finish it. The time-goal can be revised closer to the race itself.

Adding a target race (+entering it) will give an added bit of motivation to get out on those runs !

From the table, you might see other posters time-goals with similar goals to yourself and maybe even in the same race. Maybe ye could pace each other around when it comes to it

In any case ye'll be able to discuss what training their doing as well.

dolliemix · 16-06-2010 12:07PM

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi yungwan, sorry to hear that! There is nothing worse than getting off to a bad start!

Well, monday I did the stretches and strength. I also did an aerobics class as I've paid a membership to the gym and I try to get my money's worth.

Tuesday, yesterday I did a spin class and I had intended to do the 3m run but it didn't work that way so I'm swapping tues and today and I'll do the 3m today instead. Hope thats ok. Going to do it at 12 on the treadmill downstairs.

I hope thats ok, I know its not real running but I don't have any miles marked out anywhere. I must go to map my run or whatever its called!!

Is it okay to swap days like that? I think it is?

Is anyone else still on week one?

Its fine to swap around. The main thing is to get your long runs in and keep your milage up. I don't think it really matters when you do it. I think most of us posting here are on Week 1. I am anyway. And most of us have to change the plan around to fit in with life.

Sounds like you're doing really well!

ecoli · 16-06-2010 12:08PM

yungwan wrote: »

i think its fine to go on the treadmill, I heard somewhere you should set your incline to +1 though but im not sure.

Yes its fine to change the days around as long as you are consistent and get in all your training in the week.

At the beginning treadmill is okay but there really is no substitute for hitting the outdoors after all the half marathon is not raced on a treadmill. With regarding the incline the general consensus is that this should be a set to a 2% incline to simulate roads

yungwan · 16-06-2010 12:12PM

dolliemix wrote: »

I found it extremely hot yesterday as well. I waited until 6.30 to do my three mile run but it was hard! For the first time in ages I felt like I wasn't going to finish it. Only that my route ended up in shade, I probably would have had to walk too. You were obviously coming down with something as well, so don't feel bad. Everyone has to have a bad night every now and then. Very good going managing to get it done in 35 mins with walking as well! My 3 miles took me 33 mins 47 secs!

Drink loads of fluids today and try and flush that cold out of you. Hope you're feeling better later.

Aw thanks dolliemix! Yea im feeling a little miserable at the min but hopefully I will shake it off!! Well done on your 33 mins!

Im such a slow coach I will have to eventually do some speed work but for now endurance is more important to me!!

the drifter · 16-06-2010 12:56PM

yungwan wrote: »

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

chin up...its best not to dwell on bad days too much....

i think im going to take the road bike out this evening too....abuse this lovely weather were having!

peanuthead · 16-06-2010 01:46PM

Okay I failed.

I went to do my 3m run and only got to 1.5m

That took me 30mins too and wasn't all jogging actually.

So I'm going to do the other 1.5 later. I'm pretty sure thats not the point - breaking up the mileage - but I couldn't go on.

I think its harder to run on treadmill as I know that although my time was about right, I can go for longer - did the mini marathon in 1.17 and that was 6m

the drifter · 16-06-2010 01:47PM

as said above dont dwell on bad days! also the head can be a major factor!

ecoli · 16-06-2010 01:53PM

the drifter wrote: »

as said above dont dwell on bad days! also the head can be a major factor!

These days can be useful in the future. The start is always the hardest and it will get easier. Once you are labouring later down the schedule you can remind yourself that nothing will be as bad as them first few weeks it will also give you perspective of just how far you have come

the drifter · 16-06-2010 02:03PM

yungwan wrote: »

Aw crap :mad:

Little disappointed in myself today

Went out yesterday evening for my three miles and the first 1.5 were grand, but I was far too hot as I set off when it was still quite hot thinking I could work on my tan at the same time!!

So basically I had to seek shade and rest for minute or two before I set of for maybe half a mile. I then had to walk the rest home. I was so disappointed with myself as I was looking forward to getting back into it.

In hindsight I think I was so eager to get back into it after a week break that I ran too fast the first half of the journey. I still managed to do the three miles (jogging and walking) in 35 minutes so I figure this was it.

Went home and did my stretches etc and woke up this moring with a head cold and a sore throat

So i think I might just do a cycle this evening istead of the optional run.

Oh well, must forget about it now and think forward.......

How did everyone else get on?

ecoli wrote: »

These days can be useful in the future. The start is always the hardest and it will get easier. Once you are labouring later down the schedule you can remind yourself that nothing will be as bad as them first few weeks it will also give you perspective of just how far you have come

never looked at it that way

rainbow kirby · 16-06-2010 05:11PM

yungwan wrote: »

Im such a slow coach I will have to eventually do some speed work but for now endurance is more important to me!!

You'll actually find that as you work on your endurance you'll get a bit faster anyway.

Tipsygypsy · 16-06-2010 07:55PM

yay, ran two days in a row and didnt drop dead! good news for me!

Im such a slow coach I will have to eventually do some speed work but for now endurance is more important to me!!

Me too, Im hoping that:

You'll actually find that as you work on your endurance you'll get a bit faster anyway.

will be true for me, I have to say I am getting faster on my short runs..... Thought I was great today when my treadmill run was quite fast for me until I read:

With regarding the incline the general consensus is that this should be a set to a 2% incline to simulate roads

Damnit - Ah well, learn something new every day and all that.
Hope the rest of ye had a good day too.
Third day running in a row tomorrow - yikes.

the drifter · 16-06-2010 11:11PM

mmm i have a problem

im meant to run tomorrow.....but i cant...

so it looks like ill be running friday saturday sunday and monday then!!

edit: saturday is cross phew! ill be ok