The Half Marathon support Thread

yungwan · 13-10-2010 10:05AM

fungirl1 wrote: »

Yungwan - how's the training going? I am plodding away with mine - am not really seeing any benefit yet out of my intervals - maybe its a bit soon yet but I seem to be quite stuck at the 10min mile or 6min km level (ish) - this evening did 3.5m in 35.56 minutes...feeling a little demotivated by it all at the moment - finding it hard to motivate myself to get our the front door but once I am out I am fine.

BTW wore my new Lidl running tights this evening for the first time...they rock!!

Hi fungirl... Im hanging in there too... just about!! :rolleyes:

I usually post in my training log now rather than here though.

I know what you mean about motivation, but so far I am managing to get out for two shorts, one hill/interval and one long a week. This is the most I can manage tbh. I was thinking yesterday, once the clocks change I dont know how Im going to fit in the running

But Ill cross that bridge when I get to it. When I dont feel like going out I tell myself that i want to keep my toned tummy and legs! (Yes I am vain!) and that I dont want to loose my fitness, and it usually works. Also, when I am out running I think of the rewards I can have when I get home... glass of wine @ weekends, biscuits with my cuppa, rest day tomorrow, etc.

I did 3.5 miles myself yesterday but it took me 38 minutes, so you're faster than me. But my 3.5 miles yesterday were over a minute faster per mile than my 3.5 last week, so I think I am finally improving pace wise! Its slow progress though (pardon the pun!) and sometimes I get so annoyed about it too but Im going to keep at the hill training anf interval training.

Tec Diver · 14-10-2010 12:14AM

Good to see that you're getting improvements yungwan.
What do you, and everyone, use for training logs? I tried buckeyeoutdoors.com but it's a bit basic, but I'm on dailymile.com now.

Eoin

yungwan · 14-10-2010 09:29AM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Good to see that you're getting improvements yungwan.
What do you, and everyone, use for training logs? I tried buckeyeoutdoors.com but it's a bit basic, but I'm on dailymile.com now.

Eoin

I just use the training logs on Boards Eoin,

Very simple, just writing in what I do and when, average pace etc.

Its really just to keep me motivated and track my progress.

I think Im beggining to suffer from the winter blues because of the now obvious change in weather and the depressing darkness in the morning.

Lets hope my training continues!

fungirl1 · 14-10-2010 02:19PM

Hi Yungwan...we are so in the same place..dreading the dark evenings too...any chance of a run at lunchtime has disappeared in a flurry of work sadly...which is also keeping me away from running until at least 7PM any evening...not good!! We will just have to encourage each other - also have decided 5 days a week running is probably too much so have cut out Wednesday runs...so now running tuesday thursday Saturday and Sunday....

thetonynator · 16-10-2010 02:13AM

I've never run any sort of race before, but i run for fitness. I am aiming towards the waterford half marathon, i can do 10km in 40mins, what sort of time should i aim for in a half? And what sort of training should i be doing?

Thanks

Tec Diver · 17-10-2010 07:36AM

thetonynator wrote: »

I've never run any sort of race before, but i run for fitness. I am aiming towards the waterford half marathon, i can do 10km in 40mins, what sort of time should i aim for in a half? And what sort of training should i be doing?

Thanks

Hi,
That's a great 10k time! I guess you'd be doing the half in 85mins or so? Not sure what kind of training you are doing now, but generally try to do some hill reps (for leg strength), and some intervals too (speed work). Then try a long run at the weekend, or whenever you have time.

Eoin

RayCun · 17-10-2010 09:11AM

thetonynator wrote: »

I've never run any sort of race before, but i run for fitness. I am aiming towards the waterford half marathon, i can do 10km in 40mins, what sort of time should i aim for in a half? And what sort of training should i be doing?

You'd want to do a mix of longer runs, speed sessions, and recovery runs. You might like to check out a training plan somewhere, that will have a mix of different types of session and will build properly to your goal - here's one, just for an example.

You could probably go 85-90 in the half. It would be a good idea to do some shorter races in the buildup, for the experience of race day and to get a better idea of what you're capable of.

thetonynator · 17-10-2010 10:46AM

Tec Diver wrote: »

Hi,
That's a great 10k time! I guess you'd be doing the half in 85mins or so? Not sure what kind of training you are doing now, but generally try to do some hill reps (for leg strength), and some intervals too (speed work). Then try a long run at the weekend, or whenever you have time.

Eoin

I generally just go out and run 8km or 10km as fast as i can, its not proper training. I'll start doing hills and intervals now i think . . .

RayCun wrote: »

You'd want to do a mix of longer runs, speed sessions, and recovery runs. You might like to check out a training plan somewhere, that will have a mix of different types of session and will build properly to your goal - here's one, just for an example.

You could probably go 85-90 in the half. It would be a good idea to do some shorter races in the buildup, for the experience of race day and to get a better idea of what you're capable of.

I'll have a look around and see whats on, thanks!!!

Tec Diver · 18-10-2010 12:30AM

thetonynator wrote: »

I generally just go out and run 8km or 10km as fast as i can, its not proper training. I'll start doing hills and intervals now i think . . .

For the half marathon, you should think of doing negative splits (sounds painful I know!). Rather than going hell for leather for the whole race, do the first half at a good pace, but then build it up for the second half and give a final burst for the last 1-2k. You will need to save some energy for the "business end".

Eoin

yungwan · 20-10-2010 10:17AM

Quick question guys, RE: OH Support for our "hobby"!!!

My OH is getting annoyed at me "running all the time" and "leaving all the house work" to him in the evening. :eek: (hmmmm yeah whatever!)

By and large he has been very supportive, but he is getting annoyed at me going out all the time. I only run 4 days a week ffs! :rolleyes:

Basically I did 7 miles yesterday and was planning on running 2 x short runs and a interval session between now and Friday, meaning I would have to go out four days in a row (incl last night) and he has asked me not to go this evening. Ill leave it off but how do you guys keep them on side or is this a problem in your houses!!?

Never thought Id see the day when my exercise would cause problems!! lol

Mike D · 20-10-2010 05:18PM

Does he run? If not, try to get him interested...soon enough he will be bitten by the bug! My OH always supported me when I was training for the DCM in 2007 but she did get fed up with the amount of time the training took.

She took up running this year and she runs more than me now! so we work out the chores to fit around the more important running schedule...happy days!

ecoli · 20-10-2010 05:39PM

This can be one of the hardest aspects of running (trust me i do roughly between 7-12 runs a week)

Few things that can help.

1. After you have had food and are waiting for it to digest usually try to spend this time doing the few of the choirs. This way they see you doing house work just before you go running therefor they dont put two and two together to make the assumption that doing your runs means you not doing house work

2. Try get them to do one or two runs a week with you. This is a way you two have your own time. As they get to a level of fitness that they are able to hold a conversation this can be viewed as quality time which you can communicate and talk about your weeks or that etc.

3. If you are able to try get out while they are doing something themselves this way they do not see it as you disappearing while they left at home (though little more difficult if you have kids). Sometimes drop the OH to dance lessons get in a sneaky 30 min easy run and am back to pick her up without her even realising so she cant complain

4. If kids are an issue why not sign them up (along with yourself) to your local athletics club this way you are minding the kids getting them out and engaging in some physical activity and while they are training you can be to. This gives himself a break from minding them while you are running so everyone is a winner

At the end of the day it is quite a selfish sport but you can manage it as long as they have a bit of tolerance again everyone needs atleast an hour or two to themselves in the day

RayCun · 20-10-2010 05:56PM

I run four times a week, usually, but two of those are in the morning before anyone else is up...

Woddle · 20-10-2010 06:27PM

yungwan wrote: »

Quick question guys, RE: OH Support for our "hobby"!!!

My OH is getting annoyed at me "running all the time" and "leaving all the house work" to him in the evening. :eek: (hmmmm yeah whatever!)

By and large he has been very supportive, but he is getting annoyed at me going out all the time. I only run 4 days a week ffs! :rolleyes:

Basically I did 7 miles yesterday and was planning on running 2 x short runs and a interval session between now and Friday, meaning I would have to go out four days in a row (incl last night) and he has asked me not to go this evening. Ill leave it off but how do you guys keep them on side or is this a problem in your houses!!?

Never thought Id see the day when my exercise would cause problems!! lol

Tell him to get a hobby of his own and to cop on, stand your ground here, what is it your actually doing wrong, nothing, is it that he wants company to watch crap on the tv.
I'm assuming you have no kids as you didn't mention it. If you do have kids maybe try and go first thing in the morn like raycun said

Tec Diver · 21-10-2010 12:21AM

Must admit, I have the same problem. "You're not going running again...". My OH doesn't do exercise, well maybe once in 10 days to two weeks. We have two small kids and I'm trying to set them a good example. As was said, does she want me to sit there and watch her watch TV that I don't want to watch?
In short, put your foot down. Your running is a benefit for you and for your OH.

Eoin
P.S. Leaving sunny Sydney for Ireland next Wednesday...winter training will not be easy!

yungwan · 21-10-2010 03:47PM

Woddle wrote: »

Tell him to get a hobby of his own and to cop on, stand your ground here, what is it your actually doing wrong, nothing, is it that he wants company to watch crap on the tv.
I'm assuming you have no kids as you didn't mention it. If you do have kids maybe try and go first thing in the morn like raycun said

Haha well that would tell him alright!

I think he was miffed as he had to do all the chores one evening while I did my LSR (I usually do them at weekends so they generally never get in the way), my shorter runs mean me leaving the house for between 30 and 60 mins so he never really minds that!

I have one 7 year old son from a previous relationship, and he collects him when I run. so he is very good to be fair, but it means I feel guilty for my "me time".

To be fair, it was only one day he gave out, but I said to him yesterday that this is my hobby and it would be nice to have a bit of support, like I do for him during GAA season and he agreed this was fair.

It just bugs me when he throws the "its only a hobby ya know, you dont need to be obsessive about it", like I have to explain myself!

Running is viewed as a "selfish" sport alright, especially to people who dont exercise at all, or are involved in team sports (like my OH)

He gets excited on race day though and says "ill run the next one with you", but it never develops - and him joining me running isnt an option, coz he lacks the discipline!!

huber · 22-10-2010 10:14AM

Any advice on what to eat/drink during the half marathon??

iceage · 22-10-2010 03:13PM

I've found you have to become almost selfish with your training time, I've told mates of mine who are getting into it as well to become selfish with their training time.

Other halfs soon come to realise you mean business and how important it is to you. Its a half an hour or what ever length of time you take to train of time to yourself doing something you enjoy. They'll get over it.

Tec Diver · 23-10-2010 12:18AM

huber wrote: »

Any advice on what to eat/drink during the half marathon??

I usually have breakfast at least 2 hours before and a protein bar just before the race. I have about 500ml of water an hour before and just sips up to the start.
During the race I take water (not sports drinks) at most aid stations and eat some jelly snakes or jelly beans for energy. I also have some Endurolytes for electrolyte replenishment and to stop cramps.
Lots of fruit, water etc after too.
HTH

Eoin

iceage · 23-10-2010 10:05PM

Ran my first official HM in August didn't do anything spectacular as far as food was concerned. Had a breakfast of Porridge with milk and some honey and a banana on the day. Hydrated well the day before and drank handily upto the start.

Didn't take any food on the run, I thought it would be pointless really. Grabbed water at every water station (it was hot) and dragged my sorry a$$ over the line to guzzle down some isotonic that was in the goodie bag and ate like a horse for the rest of the day... god it tasted great.

fungirl1 · 25-10-2010 07:40PM

Hi all just checking in..not running as much as i would like...work keeps getting in the way :mad: but was away for a long weekend and ran 8km Friday and 17km yesterday...v pleased with that esp the 17km as I havent run that far since Dublin half...and it was comfortable. Will keep plodding on with Waterford in the back of my mind - havent signed up for it yet - does anyone know when its closing?

5h4mr0(k · 25-10-2010 09:57PM

I think they're taking entries on the day... They certainly have a late entry fee (goes from €22 to €30)
Numbers and chips can be picked up on the morning

dolliemix · 26-10-2010 04:30PM

Hi guys

Just wondering are there any other first timers here?

I'm up to almost 7 miles. Hoping to do 7.5 - 8 this weekend. I'm following Hal's Novice plan. The most I'll have run is 10 miles before the Half. I totally trust Hal but looking at the other posts around here I'm worried that the finish line will be gone by the time I get to it!

I'm currently averaging a 10.30ish minute per mile pace and I'm only up to 7 miles

elvis jones · 28-10-2010 09:35AM

dolliemix wrote: »

Hi guys

Just wondering are there any other first timers here?

I'm up to almost 7 miles. Hoping to do 7.5 - 8 this weekend. I'm following Hal's Novice plan. The most I'll have run is 10 miles before the Half. I totally trust Hal but looking at the other posts around here I'm worried that the finish line will be gone by the time I get to it! I'm currently averaging a 10.30ish minute per mile pace and I'm only up to 7 miles

I thought that same but you'll be fine, there will be other who won't even have done your amount of training. Just keep your pace steady and not fly off the starting line and it will all be good. Is it waterford you'll be aiming to do ?

elvis jones · 28-10-2010 09:39AM

My own training has been.......eh none:o

As if next week i'm starting my winter training for my 1st triathlon in April but i still want to do Waterford. I'm going out on sat to do 7 and if i can do that i'll add a mile a week on and just be at 13 in time for Dec 11.

I'm making the move to tri as my ankle/achilles ain't able for the constant pounding on the roads and it doesn't help with motivation. I do hope to do some halfs next year but the idea of a full marathon is way in the back of my mind for the moment.

dolliemix · 28-10-2010 09:44AM

elvis jones wrote: »

I thought that same but you'll be fine, there will be other who won't even have done your amount of training. Just keep your pace steady and not fly off the starting line and it will all be good. Is it waterford you'll be aiming to do ?

Thanks for reassurance! Yeah hoping to do Waterford. Hoping to add a mile a week as you're doing from this week on.

Good luck with your training !

elvis jones · 28-10-2010 09:49AM

dolliemix wrote: »

Thanks for reassurance! Yeah hoping to do Waterford. Hoping to add a mile a week as you're doing from this week on.

Good luck with your training !

I did one in July and the last 2 miles were hard but that was because of the conditions, i did the full distance in training and it was easier as i didn't have to deal with the events of the day.

Just keep pace constant as i said and you'll get there. Also the weekend before don't do too big of a run and taper off to build energy in the system for the day.

Dow99 · 01-11-2010 01:48PM

Haven't posted here since after the Dublin Half Marathon which was absolutely a great experience. Best of luck with everyone who is training for Waterford. I would love to be doing it but I'm away that weekend!!
If anyone is looking for inspiration check out a movie on YouTube, The Spirit of the Marathon, just makes you want to run!!!
My goal for next year is to do the Dublin Marathon and I've signed up to the Conamarthon 1/2 and Kildare 1/2 in preparation. Excited to have a goal and get back into focused training!!!

yungwan · 01-11-2010 03:19PM

Hi all, its a while since I posted here either but thought I would update.

I am still "plodding" along!

Still hoping to do Waterford in December but will all depend on how my pace improves as I want to do alot better in comparison to my first Half Marathon (Galway City, end of August).

Finding it easier to fit in the LSRs than the short runs during week, but planning on hitting the gym 3 days mid week to see how I get on.

Up to 9 miles LSRs now (but slow) and hoping to increase by a mile each week up to 2 weeks before Waterford (and maybe do a 8 mile the week before?)

Anyway, hopefully I get there.

Happy running guys.

dolliemix · 01-11-2010 07:10PM

Managed 8 miles yesterday. And I feel fine today!!!

The Half Marathon support Thread

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