The Half Marathon support Thread

Tec Diver · 09-09-2010 12:16AM

Dow99 wrote: »

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....:(

Are you stretching after your runs?
I had a knee issue earlier in the year (soft tissue below the knee cap) and after 5 visits to the physio he couldn't find out what the issue was. When I started doing more stretches - quads in particular - it went away and hasn't come back....
If rest, ice and stretching isn't fixing it, then a physio visit is probably the best.

Eoin

Tec Diver · 09-09-2010 12:22AM

I went out with the intention of doing a hilly 15k last night. About the 1k mark my legs were feeling heavy and a bit tight.
At 3k I had to stop and stretch just so I could keep going. I tried a few hundred meters more but had to turn back. I ran the rest at recovery pace. So a total of just over 8k at a slow pace. Disappointed.
Then I looked back at the training I had done and I have ran every day for the last 6 days logging a tad over 50k! I just got into the habit of "finish work, run...free time, run".
Time for a well deserved couple of days off...
I'll start tapering now, my half is on the 19th. No more long runs, but I'll probably do a 12-15k at the weekend.

Eoin - The Overtrainer :rolleyes:

runrabbit · 09-09-2010 09:40AM

I love reading this thread and I'm a terrible contributer so sorry in advance but I need advice!

I'm doing the Dublin Half (my first half-marathon) in just over a week :eek: - I've completed the distance (13.1 miles) twice in training, first at 2:05 (which included hills) and second at 2:12. I've been off form the last few weeks which is why I'm a bit slower. I had a bad experience at the 10-miler, I went off too fast and suffered in the heat. I finished in 1:34 having hoped to go sub 1:30.

I'm really unsure as to whether I should try to stick with the 2:00 pacers and see how I get on, or "do my own thing". I'm tempted to see how I get on with the pacers for the first couple of miles

Would the pace be too fast given my current form?

Any thoughts gratefully recieved, best of luck to everyone in the last week pre-race!

Dow99 · 09-09-2010 10:25AM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Are you stretching after your runs?

I do stretch after runs,, probably not enough though.

Tonight is the big test,,,, I'm planning on 10 / 11 miles - this is make or break!!

Aimman · 09-09-2010 01:51PM

runrabbit wrote: »

I'm doing the Dublin Half (my first half-marathon) in just over a week :eek: - I've completed the distance (13.1 miles) twice in training, first at 2:05 (which included hills) and second at 2:12. I've been off form the last few weeks which is why I'm a bit slower. I had a bad experience at the 10-miler, I went off too fast and suffered in the heat. I finished in 1:34 having hoped to go sub 1:30.

I'm really unsure as to whether I should try to stick with the 2:00 pacers and see how I get on, or "do my own thing". I'm tempted to see how I get on with the pacers for the first couple of miles Would the pace be too fast given my current form?

Any thoughts gratefully recieved, best of luck to everyone in the last week pre-race!

Under race conditions, I would say you should be able to stick with the 2:00 pacers all the way to avoid going out too fast, which happens us all at some time. There's nothing worse then heading out too fast, forced to slow down later and watch the pacers catch up and pass you by.

The pacers will give you a bit of encourgement too if you need it, but if you can run 2.05 with hills in practice, then 2:00 at a steady pace in the park should be possible.

runrabbit · 09-09-2010 02:09PM

Aimman wrote: »

Under race conditions, I would say you should be able to stick with the 2:00 pacers all the way to avoid going out too fast, which happens us all at some time. There's nothing worse then heading out too fast, forced to slow down later and watch the pacers catch up and pass you by.

The pacers will give you a bit of encourgement too if you need it, but if you can run 2.05 with hills in practice, then 2:00 at a steady pace in the park should be possible.

Thanks, I'm definitely not planning to get ahead of the pacers at any time! I think I will plonk myself behind them in the pen and hope for the best!

xebec · 09-09-2010 04:30PM

runrabbit wrote: »

Thanks, I'm definitely not planning to get ahead of the pacers at any time! I think I will plonk myself behind them in the pen and hope for the best!

You're allowed overtake them on the last stretch

In fact it's probably a good idea :pac:

Aimman · 09-09-2010 04:39PM

xebec wrote: »

You're allowed overtake them on the last stretch In fact it's probably a good idea :pac:

Yeah, you dont want the pacer with a balloon hogging all the photos at the finish line :P

menoscemo · 09-09-2010 05:15PM

xebec wrote: »

You're allowed overtake them on the last stretch In fact it's probably a good idea :pac:

Pacer or no Pacer there is still no way anyone is overtaking me in the last few hundred metres :pac:

dolliemix · 09-09-2010 09:43PM

Thanks for all the advice and comments guys!

Since I had my rant here, I've really been enjoying all my runs. I started doing them before work, setting the alarm at 6.30am because it was getting impossible to fit them in at night and I've discovered that morning running is actually quite enjoyable!

This is my personal journey and I'm really proud of how far I've come since starting the C25k in Feb. I'll have my longest training run on Saturday (6 miles), and next week I'll be running further than I've ever run before (7 miles). I'm actually excited about it! :eek:

Good luck to everyone who is in the final build up to the Dublin Half (especially the first timers!)

fungirl1 · 09-09-2010 10:39PM

dolliemix wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice and comments guys!

Since I had my rant here, I've really been enjoying all my runs. I started doing them before work, setting the alarm at 6.30am because it was getting impossible to fit them in at night and I've discovered that morning running is actually quite enjoyable!

This is my personal journey and I'm really proud of how far I've come since starting the C25k in Feb. I'll have my longest training run on Saturday (6 miles), and next week I'll be running further than I've ever run before (7 miles). I'm actually excited about it! :eek:

Good luck to everyone who is in the final build up to the Dublin Half (especially the first timers!)

Well done Dollie - its all about finding what works for you. Thanks for the good wishes!

papamike · 09-09-2010 10:44PM

Unfortunately I've to pull out of the half:( Very disappointed as training was going well for what was to be my first half....was up to 11 miles.

Stupidly went playing 5 a side soccer for first time in 4 years on Tuesday and according to the physio, and in his words "made sh*te of my sartorius and hip flexor". So a diet of ice and inflammatory gel for next few days:( Hopefully back to some jogging in 4 weeks...

Best of luck to all for Sat week. I'll be there offering encouragement.

Now, off to google 'Connemarathon'

rainbow kirby · 09-09-2010 10:46PM

Sorry to hear that! 5-a-side is lethal to people's running aspirations

dolliemix · 10-09-2010 07:05AM

thats terrible news for you Papamike. Hopefully you'll recover soon.

Would you think about the Waterford Half in December?

jcsmum · 10-09-2010 10:59AM

dolliemix wrote: »

I'll have my longest training run on Saturday (6 miles), and next week I'll be running further than I've ever run before (7 miles). I'm actually excited about it! :eek:

Yes, definite sign of madness when you're getting excited about doing long runs.

I prefer the longer runs too, its definitely more relaxing, not as pressurised.
Keep it up, you're doing great!

LeoB · 10-09-2010 02:43PM

Hi Mrs Leo B here!, Well we are almost there. Good luck all, we can only do our best on the day, but please some one tell me that today is warm or is it just thst stage in life!!!!!!!!! Went for a planned 6 mile hilly steady run. Delighted at the way the hills went but on a couple of moments really felt like it was a longer run .Could be a case of pre race jitters but god it was draining .
Dont think any amount of extra training will do anything at this stage so my mantra will be, to stick to pre race plan ! After all, pain is only temporary, pride is forever,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dow99 · 10-09-2010 04:20PM

LeoB wrote: »

After all, pain is only temporary, pride is forever,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I'll be chanting the same next Saturday!!!

I had my final LSR last night,, did 11miles,, I was very slow and took a couple of stops to stretch,,,but after my recent set backs I was happy enough with it. Getting excited now!!!

yungwan · 10-09-2010 04:22PM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Are you stretching after your runs?
I had a knee issue earlier in the year (soft tissue below the knee cap) and after 5 visits to the physio he couldn't find out what the issue was. When I started doing more stretches - quads in particular - it went away and hasn't come back....
If rest, ice and stretching isn't fixing it, then a physio visit is probably the best.

Eoin

Hi Eoin, this sounds very similar to an injury I have since my half marathon almost two weeks ago - soft tissue below my right knee is tender to touch (not bad though) and is fine if I am not doing too much walking around on it, but I can find a slight wince in it if I am on it alot. I havent been out running in two weeks and I am missing it. Went for a moderate to brisk walk Wednesday, but I could find a slight pull in it, and was glad I didnt run. I cant afford to go to a physio tbh but I want to get back out there before the weather turns to winter for good.

Also, how do you guys keep it up over the winter? I will be leaving my house at 8am and getting back at 6pm on weekdays. This will be fine for another few weeks, but eventually I will be leaving in the dark and coming home in the dark! When will I run? I am think about paying a three month gym subscribtion to do my running on treadmill (even though I have never used one before and hear its alot different and harder in some ways)

xebec · 10-09-2010 06:00PM

yungwan wrote: »

Hi Eoin, this sounds very similar to an injury I have since my half marathon almost two weeks ago - soft tissue below my right knee is tender to touch (not bad though) and is fine if I am not doing too much walking around on it, but I can find a slight wince in it if I am on it alot. I havent been out running in two weeks and I am missing it. Went for a moderate to brisk walk Wednesday, but I could find a slight pull in it, and was glad I didnt run. I cant afford to go to a physio tbh but I want to get back out there before the weather turns to winter for good.

Short term cost of a physio might save you lots of €€s/your sanity in the long run.

yungwan wrote: »

Also, how do you guys keep it up over the winter? I will be leaving my house at 8am and getting back at 6pm on weekdays. This will be fine for another few weeks, but eventually I will be leaving in the dark and coming home in the dark! When will I run? I am think about paying a three month gym subscribtion to do my running on treadmill (even though I have never used one before and hear its alot different and harder in some ways)

Two options, for me at least are run at lunchtime (not usually the handiest) or run in the dark. I actually really enjoy the cold winter nights out on the roads, you just have to be a bit more selective about routes for safety and visibility.

Tec Diver · 11-09-2010 12:46AM

yungwan wrote: »

Also, how do you guys keep it up over the winter? I will be leaving my house at 8am and getting back at 6pm on weekdays. This will be fine for another few weeks, but eventually I will be leaving in the dark and coming home in the dark! When will I run? I am think about paying a three month gym subscribtion to do my running on treadmill (even though I have never used one before and hear its alot different and harder in some ways)

We're just finished winter here and have started into spring (Sydney), it was difficult getting up at 5am in the dark and rain, but as someone once said, on days like that, getting out the door is 90% of the problem, running is the easy bit.
I'm moving back to Ireland in November (probably a bad time for it!) and will be going head long into winter again. Not a lot of paths where I'll be, so may need to invest in a high viz vest over my running gear...

Eoin

Tec Diver · 11-09-2010 12:51AM

Hi Yungwan,
As regards the knee issue a running buddy (a lot more experienced than me!) once recommended that I do leg stretches even on days when I'm not running, as it will help with issues like this. Since that piece of advice I've been stretching quads, hamstrings and glutes every day and haven't had any issues - apart from overtraining (my own fault...).
Also, when running, do you land on your mid-foot or heel? Heel landing can jar the leg joints, especially the knee. Have a look on YouTube for ChiRunning or POSERunning, both advocate mid-foot and explain it a whole lot better than I could!
HTH

Eoin

Dow99 · 11-09-2010 08:17AM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Hi Yungwan,
As regards the knee issue a running buddy (a lot more experienced than me!) once recommended that I do leg stretches even on days when I'm not running, as it will help with issues like this. Since that piece of advice I've been stretching quads, hamstrings and glutes every day and haven't had any issues - apart from overtraining (my own fault...).
Also, when running, do you land on your mid-foot or heel? Heel landing can jar the leg joints, especially the knee. Have a look on YouTube for ChiRunning or POSERunning, both advocate mid-foot and explain it a whole lot better than I could!
HTH

Eoin

It makes sense to stretch everyday even on days you are not running so I'll be doing that, thanks for the tip.
I am landing mid foot so thats not a problem,,However my right foot (same side as my dodgy knee) does tend to turn outside. I always try and correct it but keep forgetting,, I blame this on my genes (my father, grandfather and myself walk a bit duck footed :P )

CabbageThing · 11-09-2010 10:58AM

Its very simple people , put one foot in front of the other then repeat the process. You can vary the rate thereby goimg faster or slower depending how you feel.Also dont forget to breathe in and out.

fungirl1 · 12-09-2010 07:41PM

Last LSR before the HM in the bag :eek::eek: ran 9.2m in 1.39...but I thought i had run 10 so not v happy about that!! No the plus side it was confortable..nervous already about next Saturday!!

the drifter · 12-09-2010 07:48PM

my plans took a bit of a set back...should have backed of the jujitsu a bit and didnt ended up limping off the mats last thursday, physio friday...good news some bruising around adductor ( or whatever its called) 2 days of stretching and ice and i ran on it today 3 miles and sub 10 min mile pace so i was happy enough...going to do 2 5 milers tomorrow and wednesday and then rest up for saturday...

rainbow kirby · 12-09-2010 07:49PM

fungirl1 wrote: »

nervous already about next Saturday!!

You'll be fine, just look after yourself this week

rasher_m · 12-09-2010 08:50PM

Ran 12.1 miles in training today. Do you think I could run with the sub 2 hour pacer or would I wear myself out early on in the half next week?

rainbow kirby · 12-09-2010 09:00PM

rasher_m wrote: »

Ran 12.1 miles in training today. Do you think I could run with the sub 2 hour pacer or would I wear myself out early on in the half next week?

What pace did you do the 12.1 miles at? Bear in mind that you need to run at 9.09/mile pace to run a 2 hour half.

rasher_m · 12-09-2010 09:03PM

I have no idea, this is my first half and I was thinking that if I had someone to follow it might put a bit of structure into the run.

rasher_m · 12-09-2010 09:09PM

rainbow kirby wrote: »

What pace did you do the 12.1 miles at? Bear in mind that you need to run at 9.09/mile pace to run a 2 hour half.

Sorry I thought I put the time in there, it was 2 hours for the 12.1 mile.
I'm wondering if I could up the pace on the day.

The Half Marathon support Thread

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