The Half Marathon support Thread

MoonDancer · 27-06-2010 10:48AM

Out of curiosity, why are you all talking about doing 18 mile long runs in training for a half marathon? Will you eventually do a full marathon & this is prepation for that in the future?

peanuthead · 27-06-2010 12:43PM

^^ +1

I'm also wondering this. Are you just trying to make sure that you will be able to do the 13.1 comfortably?

I was out last night til 4am, but only had 3 bottles of beer. I did drink a pint og water last night in the pub after them, don't know if that's good or bad.

I'm to be doing a 4mile today which would be hard enough on me anyway, anything I can do to make it better. Was going to stay in bed for a while and drink water. That okay? Go about 4 then go for a swim after before gym closes!!

God I feel that at pushing 4m only now that I'll never get to 10, never mind 13.1.

How long has it taken you elvis jones?

elvis jones · 27-06-2010 12:56PM

peanuthead wrote: »

^^ +1

I'm also wondering this. Are you just trying to make sure that you will be able to do the 13.1 comfortably?

I was out last night til 4am, but only had 3 bottles of beer. I did drink a pint og water last night in the pub after them, don't know if that's good or bad.

I'm to be doing a 4mile today which would be hard enough on me anyway, anything I can do to make it better. Was going to stay in bed for a while and drink water. That okay? Go about 4 then go for a swim after before gym closes!!

God I feel that at pushing 4m only now that I'll never get to 10, never mind 13.1.

How long has it taken you elvis jones?

I did my training run of 13.1 in 2 hr 19 min.........but that was with a lot of hills and a mess with muy second drink stash !!!!

Getting to 10 took a few months. I did my 1st 10km race about 8 weeks after i started running and did it in 63 min.

I built from the 6.25 mile mark and just added on from there ( but i had injury problems and had a few set backs )

The reason behind the 18 miles ( in my thinking ) is that if you have run 13.1 and the race is 13.1 that is what your body is able for. BUT if you do 18 miles and spend a lot longer on your feet you'll have more in the tank come lets say the 9 mile mark to push it on and get a better time.

The race for me next sunday is to have done a half marathon, my main focus is Longford Aug 29 and i hope to have my mileage up to 18 for LSR and an average of 30 a week in total.

I started running last Oct and have done about 400 miles so far ( but missed 7 weeks with injury ) and the only advice i can give is that it slowly when you start as too much too quick can cause injury and that can get at your molare and a lot just give up.

menoscemo · 27-06-2010 05:55PM

peanuthead wrote: »

^^ +1

I'm also wondering this. Are you just trying to make sure that you will be able to do the 13.1 comfortably?

At an advanced level, people training for a half marathon will go up to 16-18 miles in training at a slow pace (LSR). This combined with shorter runs at race pace should ensure being able to hold race pace for the full 13.1 miles on race day.

For someone doing a half for the first time,who is building up from a shorter distance and planning just to run the whole way round, a long training run of about 11 miles, 2 weeks before the race should do.

shanagarry · 27-06-2010 06:28PM

As Menoscemo said, it depends on what you want to get out of the HM - do you want to race it, or just get around comfortably.

I've done two HMs so far (doing my third in two weeks) and I'm happy to get around comfortably at a steady pace. I'm following the same training plan as previously, in which the longest LSR is 10 miles three weeks before the race.. I haven't had a problem making the full HM distance either time, the adrenelin on the day definitely gives you a few extra miles.

MoonDancer · 27-06-2010 08:09PM

Oh I see, it's all so clear now!

the drifter · 28-06-2010 08:07AM

Some great advice there lads and ladies...i plan to just get through my first HM so ill stay away from the 18 milers for now :P not that i could do one anyways

Dow99 · 28-06-2010 11:09AM

Hey Folks,
I have registered to do the Dublin HM on the 19th of Sept. Running is only a recent hobby for me but I am loving it. I ended up doing the 10km Great Ireland Run as a friend pulled out and I took his place. I completed it with about 2 weeks training in 64mins

and I've been hooked since,,

I am doing 5km about 3 or 4 times a week with a 10km once a week. I must admit I am finding it hard to keep going,, I stop for a couple of seconds and then start up again and I've found it very hard over my last few runs.

I could probably do with losing about a stone to make running a bit lighter. I am starting a 12 week training plan that brings me right up to the HM. I have a 2 week holiday in between but I am determined to get out for runs when I am away.

Any advise guys of training / diet / mind games ect,,,??

elvis jones · 28-06-2010 11:34AM

The Dublin half is on Sept 19 ??? i thought it was on the 18th..........hmmmm i fly in from the states the day before, should i do it as punishment for eating myself stupid over there for 2 weeks ??????

Oh and i meant to post something about taking your time.

In Dec i did a 10km ( which was actually 9k......which is 5.6 miles ) and it took me 64 min.

In May i did a 5 mile race that was roughly the same route and it took 42 min.

Even with injury, bad weather limiting traininig etc i improved a lot over those few months !

shanagarry · 28-06-2010 12:40PM

On the run in to HM number 3 now, it's on Saturday week. I did 12km yesterday and it went well. I did it in a pretty good time, without particularly trying, and it was quite hot too. I'm hopeful I'll be in decent shape for the race and should take a few minutes off my PB (though it's a slow course, starts on narrow forest roads).

Welcome Dow99. I think the best advice is to follow a good plan, which you are going to do, and stick to it. Don't worry if you are finding the distance a bit tough at the moment, it will come with perseverence.

fungirl1 · 28-06-2010 08:01PM

hi all

Quick qn - I am using the Hal Higdon HM training plan for novices (the free one) - it involves 3 - 4 runs a week. It only talks about the distance you should run - rather than saying anything about tempo / speed.
I normally do my long run at the weekend and its pretty slow - i focus more on finishing rather than speed...but for my runs during the week I am also "just running" - should I be going intervals / speed work etc?
This is my first HM and I am really just focussing on finishing it without feeling I am going to die!

Thanks!

FG

Dotcomdolly · 28-06-2010 08:39PM

fungirl1 wrote: »

hi all

Quick qn - I am using the Hal Higdon HM training plan for novices (the free one) - it involves 3 - 4 runs a week. It only talks about the distance you should run - rather than saying anything about tempo / speed.
I normally do my long run at the weekend and its pretty slow - i focus more on finishing rather than speed...but for my runs during the week I am also "just running" - should I be going intervals / speed work etc?
This is my first HM and I am really just focussing on finishing it without feeling I am going to die!

Thanks!

FG

That's what I'm doing - run my 3 mile mid week runs at "normal" pace , about 9'30 or less, and then my longer weekend ones a bit slower, more 9'45, will probably get closer to 10min miles as they get longer. I just want to finish without walking huge chunks of it, am hoping for 2h15 or less.

fungirl1 · 28-06-2010 08:55PM

Dotcomdolly wrote: »

That's what I'm doing - run my 3 mile mid week runs at "normal" pace , about 9'30 or less, and then my longer weekend ones a bit slower, more 9'45, will probably get closer to 10min miles as they get longer. I just want to finish without walking huge chunks of it, am hoping for 2h15 or less.

I think I will be behind you!! I ran 3 miles/ 5km in 31 minutes the other day and thats my max fastest (at the moment!!) Ran 8km on Sunday in 50 mins...am headed for 2:35 ish time I think based on that! :cool:

elvis jones · 28-06-2010 09:35PM

Dotcomdolly wrote: »

That's what I'm doing - run my 3 mile mid week runs at "normal" pace , about 9'30 or less, and then my longer weekend ones a bit slower, more 9'45, will probably get closer to 10min miles as they get longer. I just want to finish without walking huge chunks of it, am hoping for 2h15 or less.

I wouldn't afraid to push it out to 10:30 or even slower. Its as much about time on the feet as distance. Its whatever feels comfortable, i have my Polar giving me my pace, time etc so i can keep an eye on it as i run.

My 13.1 last week was at an average of 10:40 a mile( slowest was 12:11 and fastest was 9:48) Now my pace dropped a lot towards the end, but the overall wasn't too bad at all for a run of that distance.

I'm at 9 a mile or 8:30 for a 3 to 5 mile at the mo, but i don't mind pushing that out to 10 min for a recovery run !!!

Oh and i'm aimng for 2:15 on sunday !

peanuthead · 28-06-2010 10:52PM

I'm a bit disappointed today, went to do my 4mile and at 3 I had to stop.

I think it was also down to a home made energy drink actually.

I got this awful pain in my stomach and it was hard to actually breathe properly. Wan fine an hour after the run though but for that hour it was pretty much agony!

I was really ready for the 4miles too - I managed the first 3 in 39.30 so slightly faster again!

yungwan · 29-06-2010 10:48AM

So I am finally well enough again to start me training again!!!Woohoo!

All in all I lost two bloody weeks but I am glad I was patient and left it until I was finished antibiotics.

Starting my Hal Hidgeon plan again this week but I am going to skip to week three to make up the difference. GOing to take my pace a lttle slower to start with. (ill be crawling at this rate!!)

Did my stretches yesterday (and was annoyed to see Ive lost a little of my hard earned muscle toned already - humph!) and I amining to do 3.5 miles this evening. So if i dont do it someone please kick my ass!! haha

dolliemix · 29-06-2010 11:04AM

yungwan wrote: »

So I am finally well enough again to start me training again!!!Woohoo!

All in all I lost two bloody weeks but I am glad I was patient and left it until I was finished antibiotics.

Starting my Hal Hidgeon plan again this week but I am going to skip to week three to make up the difference. GOing to take my pace a lttle slower to start with. (ill be crawling at this rate!!)

Did my stretches yesterday (and was annoyed to see Ive lost a little of my hard earned muscle toned already - humph!) and I amining to do 3.5 miles this evening. So if i dont do it someone please kick my ass!! haha

I'll be checking in Yungwan . Hoping to d0 3.5- 4miles myself today! Good luck!

Dotcomdolly · 29-06-2010 11:30AM

Glad to hear you're on form, We're on the same day/page now yumgwan. I've done my 3.5m this morning so you better do yours! It's so nice out, that helps.

the drifter · 29-06-2010 11:34AM

great to see everyone is pushing on well....im looking forward to my 5 milers on sunday!

iceage · 29-06-2010 01:59PM

Lovely jog this morning with a mate whos training up for the Spar Spartan Challenge?? He's gunning for it so I can only wish him the best of luck. Easy 4.6 miler today. Its getting warmer again folks, plenty of hydration.

yungwan · 29-06-2010 03:01PM

dolliemix wrote: »

I'll be checking in Yungwan . Hoping to d0 3.5- 4miles myself today! Good luck!

Dotcomdolly wrote: »

Glad to hear you're on form, We're on the same day/page now yumgwan. I've done my 3.5m this morning so you better do yours! It's so nice out, that helps.

Thanks Ladies!

Now I definately have to do it, dont want to be showed up by ye now do I!!?

jcsmum · 29-06-2010 03:05PM

yungwan, I have to do my 3.5m too this evening. About to go plot a course on mapmyrun.
Hope your first day back is not too tough.

dolliemix · 29-06-2010 08:16PM

How did you get on guys?

I did my 4 mile run actually 4.1:D in 44mins

I feel fantastic now because I really didn't think I had a 4 mile run in me!

My face is the colour of a tomato now!

yungwan · 29-06-2010 10:29PM

dolliemix wrote: »

How did you get on guys?

I did my 4 mile run actually 4.1:D in 44mins

Well done dolliemix - wow you are getting really quick.
I am so blooming slow. I only managed to get my 3.5 miles done in 48 mins. Only approx 13 minute miles. Very very slow but im delighted I got it done. Suppose I am slower because of 2 week break. Did my stretches too.

It was really tough in the middle, that road seemed to stretch on for blooming ever but I did it all the same!

Yipee for us!

peanuthead · 29-06-2010 11:31PM

Fantastic work dollimix and yungwan!!

I took a rest today instead of friday, i kind of have to because of my work schedule.

I'm very worried about next week. My work schedule is due to increase massively for one month and I really hope my training won't suffer. i feel I'm just starting to make a bit of progress.

I'm due to do a 3 I think tomorrow but I think I might push myself to do 3.5. Push myself onto week 3.

dolliemix · 30-06-2010 01:22AM

yungwan wrote: »

Well done dolliemix - wow you are getting really quick.
I am so blooming slow. I only managed to get my 3.5 miles done in 48 mins. Only approx 13 minute miles. Very very slow but im delighted I got it done. Suppose I am slower because of 2 week break. Did my stretches too.

It was really tough in the middle, that road seemed to stretch on for blooming ever but I did it all the same!

Yipee for us!

You did so well to get to 3.5 considering its you're just back. Well done!

peanuthead wrote: »

Fantastic work dollimix and yungwan!!

I took a rest today instead of friday, i kind of have to because of my work schedule.

I'm very worried about next week. My work schedule is due to increase massively for one month and I really hope my training won't suffer. i feel I'm just starting to make a bit of progress.

I'm due to do a 3 I think tomorrow but I think I might push myself to do 3.5. Push myself onto week 3.

Good luck tomorrow.

Just be really organised ahead of time. Its the only way for me. I literally write down exactly what my program for the week will be ahead of time in order to fit around work. May was crazy for me but I managed (somehow) to squeeze the running in. I made it a priority. I had to skip the strength and streching or cut it short on occasion, but as long as you get your 2/3 medium runs and one long distance in a week you should be flying.

elvis jones · 30-06-2010 08:37AM

yungwan wrote: »

Well done dolliemix - wow you are getting really quick.
I am so blooming slow. I only managed to get my 3.5 miles done in 48 mins. Only approx 13 minute miles. Very very slow but im delighted I got it done. Suppose I am slower because of 2 week break. Did my stretches too.

It was really tough in the middle, that road seemed to stretch on for blooming ever but I did it all the same!

Yipee for us!

How long are you running, when i started off i wasn't far off that. My wife also started off at 13 a mile and she is down to 11.5 so it just takes time.

I did 3 myself yesterday, the middle mile was very hard going for some reason......anyway 3 in 28 min so not great but enjoyable in the end.

3 again on thursday and 1.5 sat to stretch out the legs.

THEN

13.1 Sunday morning in Clontarf !!!!

Peanuthead.............you either gonna get up earlier or will be running at lunch, needs must !

Dow99 · 30-06-2010 11:08AM

Hey Folks,
Yesterday is was my first day of the 12 week Hal Higdon's HM training program. Did 3.6m (.6 over the plan) and did it in 44mins. I had my other half with me who does not have alot of pace so she slowed me down a bit and the route I took has some almighty climbs,,, happy enough though!!

I wont have my gf with me this evening so it would be a good test of my pace. My only concern is that when I run by myself I tend to stop for a couple of seconds a few times,,, I need to stop this and just complete it in one go!!

yungwan · 30-06-2010 11:51AM

elvis jones wrote: »

How long are you running, when i started off i wasn't far off that. My wife also started off at 13 a mile and she is down to 11.5 so it just takes time.

To be honest Im jogging properly since March but I have had to take two weeks off recently due to chest infection. Ive never been the quickest, I just concentrate on finishing!

Best of luck at the weekend! I hope it all goes well for you.
What do you do for hydration during your training? Just you just pre hydrate or do you drink during it? At the minute I dont drink while jogging but obviously as my distance increases Ill have to.

elvis jones · 30-06-2010 11:58AM

Dow99 wrote: »

Hey Folks,
Yesterday is was my first day of the 12 week Hal Higdon's HM training program. Did 3.6m (.6 over the plan) and did it in 44mins. I had my other half with me who does not have alot of pace so she slowed me down a bit and the route I took has some almighty climbs,,, happy enough though!!

I wont have my gf with me this evening so it would be a good test of my pace. My only concern is that when I run by myself I tend to stop for a couple of seconds a few times,,, I need to stop this and just complete it in one go!!

Your better to go at a slower pace but keep running, your pace will improve with time. Remember its about building time on the feet, then you can build pace.

The Half Marathon support Thread

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