First Time Half Marathoners

Hi! Currently on week 4 of my HM schedule, for my first ever HM in March.

Any other first timers want to compare notes????

I'm supposed to be training for a half marathon in May, but I've a feeling that i'm not going to be anywhere near fit enough to complete it!

I haven't been for a run since thursday last week, but I have been swimming 3 times, i'm struggling a little with all the new pressused of exercise on my body so i'm just breaking it in gently. I plan to go for a run today at some point and then again at the weekend.

Are you already a runner or are you starting it all from scratch?

Morning! Sorry for short post last nigt - a bit more info about where I'm up to!

I started running last year, late April, after coming home form a fantastic holiday in Canada feeling so fit and healthy and being deternmined to make the most of it and try and keep that feeling. Managed a few plods around our country lanes, and then the children's school organised a 10k run in July. Children fussed me to enter, so I did, and then decided I'd better take it seriously! Bought some proper gear, found a trainging schedule and off I went.

 Survived the 10k race, came last (out of 34) but in 64 minutes which I was very pleased with (it was a pancake flat course!) . I've continued running since, but missed most of December through work / snow / ice etc. New Year's Eve conversations with a friend who's doing VLM meant I agreed to enter a HM this year.

So, sights set on Forest of Dean on 28th March. Not *actually* entered yet, but will do if I survive my skiing holiday in a few weeks time without accident & injury!

I'm a slow runner, so I'm following the Runners World Sub 2:30 Hm schedule (which is really a duffers schedule - its still talking about run / walk right up to the Hm itself!). It does build the distance up slowly though, which is what I need.

I'm on week 4 now, need a 'faster' 4M today, and then 8M on Friday.

I'm finding looking ahead and seeing the mileage build up is really scary, so I'm trying hard NOT to look too far ahead. Also, when struggling with a 4M run last week, was trying very hard not to think 'its not even a third of the distance!!!'

half cockney - do you have a Hm in  mind?

danowat - 2 in 3 months - any plans for anymore, or is that it???

rachel - which HM are you planning for. May still gives you lots of time

No not a newbe, just not a good runner, do about 3 miles 3 times a week and did my first 10K last May,

but never run that far since!!

I would like to be better but it never seems to get any easier for me. I'm intending to do a half marathon this year though possibly the Humber bridge half as its local although it does have 2 killer hills!!

Black And Tabby wrote (see)

danowat - 2 in 3 months - any plans for anymore, or is that it???

No not a newbe, just not a good runner, do about 3 miles 3 times a week and did my first 10K last May,

but never run that far since!!

I would like to be better but it never seems to get any easier for me. I'm intending to do a half marathon this year though possibly the Humber bridge half as its local although it does have 2 killer hills!!

 

danowat wrote (see)

Yeah, the plan is to try and break 2:00 this year, as soon as I can get my knee issues sorted out, and I loose a couple more stone I'll be set!!!!

I think increasing a weekend run is definately the best idea black & tabby

just a bit difficult finding the motivation when its so cold outside!! managed to get 3 runs in last week and on for 3 this week as well but before that we had so much snow and ice it was down to 1 or 2 a week!!

so now if I can keep to 3 then increase one upto 5-6 miles that will be great. although got a really busy weekend coming up so might not happen yet! (Its my birthday, 21 again!)

God at the moment 14 miles sounds impossible!!

But if you guys can do it then I suppose its only my head trying to stop my feeling PAIN!!!

If you increase steadily, its amazing how far you can go.

Before I started running I was 24 stone, and couldn't get off the sofa without having a heart attack, but now I am 10 stone lighter and can run a half marathon (albeit slowly at 2:15), but I can do it.

If I can do it ANYONE can do it, you just need to be smart about your training.

Thanks Danowat I know your right I have witnessed it first hand last year I decided to do a 10K

and my husband (non runner) said I'll do it with you!!

Since then he's lost 3 stone and is far more dedicated than I am!! The only problem is that he's kind of taken over and I need to step up to the mark and stop being a woos!!! 

 I'm hoping once the light nights and the not such freezing weather return I'll find renewed vigor!!

Hooray to light evenings again! And to half cockney finding some renewed vigour!! 

Danowat - amazing weight loss and fitness gain!! Unfortunately I won't have time to get upto 14 miles before my HM. My schedule increases by 1 mile extra on the long runs each week, and just makes it to 13 miles 2 weeks before the race. With my week away I'll have to miss that target as well, and so shold make it up to 12 miles before therace. Hopefully that will be enough to get me around!

Stephen - wise words about setting new goals once you've achieved your current goals - which is why I'm here instead of just pottling along doing 10k! Although I'm doing my training slightly differently to you. I've chosen an 'easy' schedule, as I know I can get out 3 times a week, and I don't want to push myself too hard and end up injured. So far, each of my runs have been faster than the schedule says, so I'm feeling good about 'beating' the schedule, rather than cross / disappointed / upset at not being able to keep up. I guess different things work for different people!

Did 4M this morning. Was supposed to be 'faster', but as my 10k next week is hilly, I thought I'd add in some hills. Well, one bloomin' big hill! It was so steep coming back up I did actually crack and walked for a little way (it was that, or hands and knees!). Anyway, made it back in good time, still fastr thanthe schedule said, so I'm . Need to find an 8 mile route for Friday now ...

Fantastic effort Black and Tabby, where's your week away?

Any chance of some training whilst there??

Hello

I'm new!! - have just entered Liverpool in March as my first ever half, in fact my first ever race (altho I have got a 10k planned in a couple of weeks!!)

Just hoping to get around really  bit scared about the fact that I have hardly run outside at all, just treadmill still!!