The Half Marathon support Thread

the drifter · 05-09-2010 02:15PM

I detest the first 20 min...but somewhere between 2-3 miles it all just clicks and im in my own little world happy out...your post leads nicely into a question i posted in my log today

my aim was for 2:10 but im thinking about trying to keep with the 2hr pacer...this is my first half so i dont know what too do...

i did 10 miles today in 1hr 45 at a nice leisurely pace...

maybe someone more experienced can give me some advice?

dolliemix · 05-09-2010 06:34PM

rainbow kirby wrote: »

I think the problem there is your friend's attitude - it's really not normal to puke at the end of a 7 mile training run unless she's done the whole thing at race pace (which is silly) and it sounds like she's focusing too much on her times and losing the enjoyment somewhere along the line. Fast track to burnout, tbh.

The fact that you're saying you're feeling great doing your 5 mile run suggests that you're building up in a more sensible manner than she is. If you're following a novice HM plan, then you are right on track at the moment and I hope you continue on the way you are because looking at your log you are building up in a very sensible manner, fitting in your yoga and tennis too.

Thanks RK! I'm getting all the best advice and encouragement from Boards! I know I'll manage it if I stick with Hal! I have total trust in him!

yop · 05-09-2010 08:16PM

Well I did it

Course was slightly over the 13 mile marker been 13.12 miles and I passed the 13 mile sign ban on 2hrs, happy to have completed it and its a PB

Kept my pace ok, best was a too fast 5.07, worst was a too slow of 6 mins for the KM but I kept it very close to the 5.35 per KM.

Legs were in good shape for the first 14km which was a distance I had run previously, after that it was all new territory, for the next 4km, maybe it was mind thing where I wasn't on unsure ground, but my times went way off to 5.56,5.57,6,6.06 but then I got a good kick pushing back down to 5.40, 5.45, 5.30.

Considering the winner did a 1hr 15 I have a LONG LONG way to get down to his level

But I have now achieved something that I would never have considered 2 months ago never mind now

Thanks for all the support & advice

littlebug · 05-09-2010 08:23PM

Well done Yop. Great run.... I knew you were able for far better than 2.10. It's supposed to be 13.1 isn't it? It gives you a nice target to beat next time out;) Who won? Are the results up anywhere? (nosy).

yungwan · 05-09-2010 08:33PM

Wow congrats Yop, I knew you would do great.

Your time was fantastic for your first time! Im so jealous!

You must be so proud!

I havent been out myself since mine this time last week and tbh my knee is still at me. BUt I think im going to start a new plan this week to improve my times.

Dolliemix and Peanuthead - i completely understand what you are saying about long runs, but you will get there. I felt the same at one point, but you should be enjoying the runs above everything else. I gave up watching times as I was fed up of it all. And I managed to do my first half.
I think its enough to aim to finish at the beginning and work on time after that, once your confidence increases.
Oh and I agree with rainbowkirby above - running to the point of pucking is a sure way to burnout and injure yourself

Sparky101 · 05-09-2010 08:47PM

Well done yop, you must be so pleased with yourself! Was the course tough - hills etc.?

yop · 05-09-2010 09:43PM

littlebug wrote: »

Well done Yop. Great run.... I knew you were able for far better than 2.10. It's supposed to be 13.1 isn't it? It gives you a nice target to beat next time out;) Who won? Are the results up anywhere? (nosy).

Thanks very much

Target to beat ummmmm, we will see

John Byrne won it, I THINK Robert Malseed was 2nd, Brendan Gill 3rd.
Its a pity that there wasn't a bigger turnout, Connacht 1/2's were on someone said.

yungwan wrote: »

Wow congrats Yop, I knew you would do great.

Your time was fantastic for your first time! Im so jealous!

You must be so proud!

I havent been out myself since mine this time last week and tbh my knee is still at me. BUt I think im going to start a new plan this week to improve my times.

Thanks very much, you know I am kinda proud. But always looking at doing better

Take the injury handy and get it sorted, too many times I have rushed back and only been out longer.

Sparky101 wrote: »

Well done yop, you must be so pleased with yourself! Was the course tough - hills etc.?

Thanks Sparky, the course would be considered one of the flatter 1/2 marathons from what I understand, there was a tidy head wind today and a few commented that it was a pain, but I didn't take much heed of it

Took on a gel at 40 mins and another at 80 mins and I have to say it really kept me going.

littlebug · 05-09-2010 10:57PM

yop wrote: »

John Byrne won it

and he after being first Irish man home in the Galway 50k last Sunday. Wow! That's a whole other league of running! I'd say quite a few had run in Longford last weekend too so that probably affected the numbers.

Tec Diver · 06-09-2010 12:52AM

Sparky101 wrote: »

everyone hates the first 20 minutes of a run, it's only after that time that the endorphins start to kick in.

I must admit, for most runs, especially long runs, I get aches and pains and feel like stopping. It's only when I get to about 4k that the aches & pains go away and I start to enjoy the run.

Eoin

Tec Diver · 06-09-2010 12:56AM

rainbow kirby wrote: »

I think the problem there is your friend's attitude - it's really not normal to puke at the end of a 7 mile training run unless she's done the whole thing at race pace (which is silly) and it sounds like she's focusing too much on her times and losing the enjoyment somewhere along the line. Fast track to burnout, tbh.

Gotta agree there.
Even elite runners doing races never go all out for the full 7 miles, that's a bit silly. They will go at a slower pace and gradually build it for the second half, coming into a strong finish. Puking at the end is a sign of over training to me, which will lead to injuries. I was over training earlier this year and had to stop for 5 weeks because of a hamstring injury. Long term it's not worth it. Ease back and you can keep on running.

Eoin

Tec Diver · 06-09-2010 01:05AM

the drifter wrote: »

my aim was for 2:10 but im thinking about trying to keep with the 2hr pacer...this is my first half so i dont know what too do...

i did 10 miles today in 1hr 45 at a nice leisurely pace...

maybe someone more experienced can give me some advice?

Is there a 2:15 pacer?
Reason I ask, is that if you stick with a higher pace for the first half of the race you'll have less left in the tank for the second half. Better off taking it slightly slower than what you're overall goal pace is for the first half and then saving yourself for the second half, where it will be needed. You can go a bit faster in the second half and once there's 4k or so left you can up the pace depending on how you feel.

Eoin

Tec Diver · 06-09-2010 01:11AM

Well done Yop!!

Were there finisher's medals?

Eoin

jcsmum · 06-09-2010 10:59AM

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi Everyone

I've decided to pull out of the Half Marathon.

I've not been able to fit any training in because life has kind of gotten in the way, but if I'm truly honest, I could have found the time if I was bothered.

The truth is that I don't think running is for me. I like short distances such as 3 or 5 miles, but the 10 almost killed me and the half - I just can't think about it to be honest.

I'm not an unfit person, I enjoy exercise and go to the gym about 4-5 times a week but I just can't seem to manage the running. It always seems to be a struggle, I'm knackered 3 mins in, even though I could run for the hour, I get puffy almost instantly. I enjoy finishing the run, but don't really enjoy DOING it.

Since I took up running I found myself finally becoming part of a sporty social circle (albeit virtual) and for that reason I am sad to be hanging up my running shoes, but I also think that more importantly I need to stop before I develop a serious hatred for it or worse again, for all types of exercise.

I will still take part in the 5 mile next year, but other than that it will be short distances and aerobic exercise from now on.

Best of luck to all taking part in the half. I really admire (and am jealous of) you all!!

Peanuthead

Yes, you have to enjoy it, no point otherwise. I'm sorry that the longer distances turned you off so much, but I'd say to keep it up, keep running the short distances and of course, keep posting on here letting us know how it is going for you.

the drifter · 06-09-2010 11:02AM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Is there a 2:15 pacer?
Reason I ask, is that if you stick with a higher pace for the first half of the race you'll have less left in the tank for the second half. Better off taking it slightly slower than what you're overall goal pace is for the first half and then saving yourself for the second half, where it will be needed. You can go a bit faster in the second half and once there's 4k or so left you can up the pace depending on how you feel.

Eoin

Im not sure Eoin...if there was id be happy with that then head for my origional goal of 2:10

RayCun · 06-09-2010 11:06AM

No, there's no 2.15 pacers

the drifter · 06-09-2010 11:07AM

RayCun wrote: »

No, there's no 2.15 pacers

whats the next pacer after 2:00 ?

Thanks RayCun

RayCun · 06-09-2010 11:09AM

There isn't one, just 1.30, 1.40, 1.50, and 2.00.
You could make yourself a pace band for your target time

Irishman99 · 06-09-2010 01:13PM

Hey guys, i'm looking to run a Half Marathon on or around 9th/10th of October! I have seen one in Longford on 10th. Does anyone know anything about this race? or if there are other races on that weekend? I'm doing it as part of my preparation for NYC Marathon 7th November!

yop · 06-09-2010 01:37PM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Well done Yop!!
Were there finisher's medals?

Eoin

There was indeed, nice ones too.

Free massage also and dip in the pool in Athlantic Coast Hotel, so that was decent of them.

iceage · 06-09-2010 02:44PM

yop wrote: »

Well I did it

Course was slightly over the 13 mile marker been 13.12 miles and I passed the 13 mile sign ban on 2hrs, happy to have completed it and its a PB
Kept my pace ok, best was a too fast 5.07, worst was a too slow of 6 mins for the KM but I kept it very close to the 5.35 per KM.

Legs were in good shape for the first 14km which was a distance I had run previously, after that it was all new territory, for the next 4km, maybe it was mind thing where I wasn't on unsure ground, but my times went way off to 5.56,5.57,6,6.06 but then I got a good kick pushing back down to 5.40, 5.45, 5.30.

Considering the winner did a 1hr 15 I have a LONG LONG way to get down to his level

But I have now achieved something that I would never have considered 2 months ago never mind now

Thanks for all the support & advice

Well done Yop, sounded like a great run.

iceage · 06-09-2010 02:47PM

yop wrote: »

There was indeed, nice ones too.

Free massage also and dip in the pool in Athlantic Coast Hotel, so that was decent of them.

Medals, massage and a dip!! I got a T shirt, cramps to beat the band and I was so slow the Physios had left for tea n biscuits! :P

yop · 06-09-2010 05:04PM

iceage wrote: »

Medals, massage and a dip!! I got a T shirt, cramps to beat the band and I was so slow the Physios had left for tea n biscuits! :P

lol, doing a 1/2 at any time is a great achivement, I have even more respect for people who walked that full route yesterday, of all ages and shapes. They deserve big praise for getting out there and doing it.

Tec Diver · 07-09-2010 12:20AM

the drifter wrote: »

whats the next pacer after 2:00 ?

Thanks RayCun

For my next half (in under 2 weeks), I'm going to do a 6min/k for the first 10k, then about 5:45 for the next 7-8k and finish as quick as I can after that. Not sure what overall pace that will be, but I'll have brief notes written on the back of my hand or on my arm.

HTH

Eoin

rasher_m · 07-09-2010 03:28PM

yop wrote: »

lol, doing a 1/2 at any time is a great achivement, I have even more respect for people who walked that full route yesterday, of all ages and shapes. They deserve big praise for getting out there and doing it.

Yeah thats why you walked it yourself :rolleyes:

yop · 07-09-2010 04:30PM

rasher_m wrote: »

Yeah thats why you walked it yourself :rolleyes:

No speak Americano, what you on about?

dna_leri · 08-09-2010 09:04AM

Great article for you half-marathoners in this month's running times by the great Greg McMillan including key workouts that the great Martin Fagan did in the six weeks before setting the Irish half marathon record of 1:00:57.
great¬!

Dow99 · 08-09-2010 09:33AM

I'm back from hols!
I've returned from my two weeks in France and all is not good

. I'm having knee trouble,,, a little niggle that is worrying me!! The day before I went away I did 11miles that went really well and I had no trouble finishing it. The next morning I woke up and my knee was sore. I iced it for about an hour and it eased the pain, just a niggle really. However, while away I managed to get out and go a couple of 3 milers. My last 3 miler I felt the same knee giving me a bit of trouble again.
I've rested it for over a week and went out for a 6miler yesterday and the pain is back. As I said its not really sore as such, an annoying niggle really. I iced it for over an hour but its still sore,, I'm now so worried about it I woke up a couple of times during the night.
Now I'm wondering what to do before the 18th for the Dublin HM. Do I rest it and hope for the best, do I do a few 3 milers from now to the race. I'd love to get out and do a 10miler more for confidence really but worried about that this might make it worse. What do you reckon folks... maybe if I strap it up? Am I being over cautions and niggles are part and parcel of running HM's? Are others running with niggles?
I will be so disappointed if I cant run or dont finish the half marathon, I've come along way since only starting running in April and have been injury free up until now....:(

Sparky101 · 08-09-2010 02:15PM

Why don't you pay a visit to a physio? It might save you a lot of hassle in the long run. And then you will know for sure whether you can run or not. My husband went to a sports physio at the weekend and it was only €50.

fungirl1 · 08-09-2010 07:00PM

peanuthead wrote: »

Hi Everyone

I've decided to pull out of the Half Marathon.

I've not been able to fit any training in because life has kind of gotten in the way, but if I'm truly honest, I could have found the time if I was bothered.

The truth is that I don't think running is for me. I like short distances such as 3 or 5 miles, but the 10 almost killed me and the half - I just can't think about it to be honest.

I'm not an unfit person, I enjoy exercise and go to the gym about 4-5 times a week but I just can't seem to manage the running. It always seems to be a struggle, I'm knackered 3 mins in, even though I could run for the hour, I get puffy almost instantly. I enjoy finishing the run, but don't really enjoy DOING it.

Since I took up running I found myself finally becoming part of a sporty social circle (albeit virtual) and for that reason I am sad to be hanging up my running shoes, but I also think that more importantly I need to stop before I develop a serious hatred for it or worse again, for all types of exercise.

I will still take part in the 5 mile next year, but other than that it will be short distances and aerobic exercise from now on.

Best of luck to all taking part in the half. I really admire (and am jealous of) you all!!

Peanuthead

Hi PH - sorry to hear you wont be running on the day..as loads of others have said tho its really importnant you enjoy yourself - we are all built differently and better at some things than others and you are right to find what works for you / suits you and what you enjoy!
Hope you will come out and cheer us 2hrs + people..we will need it!!

fungirl1 · 08-09-2010 07:02PM

dolliemix wrote: »

Good luck Peanuthead.

I've a feeling I might be similar to you. I'm up to 5 miles at the moment and enjoying it. But I'm wondering am I crazy to push myself further and possibly risk injury. I'm building up gradually and the Half isn't until December so I hope I'm doing everything correctly. I know trying to fit those long runs in will be difficult time wise.I've a friend who just keeps going on about times and how she needs to push herself further. She vomited at the end of a seven mile training run recently and told me it was normal for people to do this! :eek: She's much faster than me, but keeps going on about how slow she is and how she needs to improve. She has no experience of racing up until now but started seeing a guy who runs marathons. It kind of ruins my buzz because I'm so happy when I just finish the 4 miles or the 5 miles but she'll be telling me that I should be able to knock five or whatever mins off my time soon, when I didn't say in the first place that I was unhappy!

Sorry about the rant guys. I'm up to 5 miles. I did them quite comfortably yesterday in just under an hour. My left knee was niggling but everything else felt great and my knee feels good this morning.

Dollie - ignore your friend and continue your build up slowly its the best way for sure - most enjoyable and least likely to get hurt. I have stuck with Hal all the way and with less than 2 weeks to go I KNOW (somewhere waaaay deep down) that I will do it on the day ...stick with HAL

Also agree with all the other posts I always find the first 2 / 3km the hardest...

The Half Marathon support Thread

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