Helsby Half Mara - Events - Runner's World

XCR

05/10/2008 at 18:42

Anyone know when this is in January 2009? It's not on website yet or in events on runnersworld.

I want to do it as part of FLM build up but am doing my training plan now and could do with knowing when it is.

For anyone who has nto done it - ita a nice half. Well organised etc. Just could do with knowing when it is.

Nathalie Rees

05/10/2008 at 18:46

Hi!

The date is 18th January 2009 got the Helsby/Four Villages 1/2 marathon. It will be my first 1/2 marathon. Anything you can tell me about the course?

Regards

Nat

swittle

05/10/2008 at 18:50

hi, nathalie. good choice for a 1st or indeed, any HM. biggish field, ca 1800, largely rural course best described as gently to not-so-gently undulating but main hill's around 9 miles. it's rare you feel crowded, even with those numbers. middle england at its best, well marshalled, excellent race HQ with changing, showers (not sure if ladies' too), bacon butties and beer

XCR

05/10/2008 at 19:06

I echo Swittle's comments. Its a lovely race. Well marshalled, friendly, lovely rural course. The uphill in compensated by a good downhill at the end.

Race leaflet last year asked people to park and ride from services as parking is tight at the site. We did this to try and support organisers but it was a disaster. Queuing up for a bus after race with no marshalling. Huge free for all and one of the bus drivers just went leaving only one bus. We queud for an hour ish. So my advice would be to park at the site - there seemed to be plenty of parking. Its a shame as normally i would do whatever was best for organisers but it really was poor.

Anyhow - that was an aside point lol. The race and organisation of race itself is excellent.

Nathalie Rees

05/10/2008 at 19:13

Hi!

Thanks for this. Looking forward to it but first a lot of training. Any tips are welcome. Furthest race to date is 10K (did Liverpool today) and done 4 10K races this year. My PB is 48'45" and ran 50' today.

What time should I be aiming for running a 1/2 marathon and what milage do I need to put in weekly - minimum?

Thanks!

Nat

swittle

05/10/2008 at 19:53

Crikey me, Nathalie! You're a speed merchant and no mistake. Very roughly, double your 10K time today and add 5 minutes for the extra 0.7 mile, giving you 1 hr 45 mins. just over 8-minutes a mile, and far from shabby

Now, you may be 5 minutes over or 5 minutes under that, depending on how you respond to more mileage. Rule of thumb's not to increase mileage by more than 10% a week. So, if you're running 20 miles a week, your next target is 22...and so on. Keep stretching and try swimming or gym as cross-training if you've time.

Many run fair HMs on 25-30 miles a week (peak); however, miles = stamina, a vital asset for distance running. As it's your first, aim to get a little over 30 miles a week for the last three weeks but one before the HM. In the last one, cut right back (taper) to less than 15 miles and you'll benefit on 4 Villages day. Good running!!

Nathalie Rees

05/10/2008 at 20:04

Thanks for the advice!! Hum, wouldn't call me a speed merchant, more a jogger really. My brother is the speedy one. Ran 1h24" in Brussels today and that was bad for him (PB 1h15'30" something)!

Yes, I am hoping somewhere between 1h45-1h50 in Helsby. My only worry is injuries when upping the miles, so will take the advice of cross-training. Love cycling and swimming so will be busy!

Nat

XCR

05/10/2008 at 21:14

Thats great going. My best 10k is 46.30 and best half is 1.47 and i get impression ur quicker than me overall.

Have a look at Hal Higdons training. Just google HalHigdon.

Nathalie Rees

06/10/2008 at 21:13

Thanks - will have a good look at the weekend! Think you're the faster one XCR!!

Nat

Paul O'Reilly

15/10/2008 at 13:56

Online entries opened for this one on Monday. The start is a 10 minute walk away for me, so it'll be my 1st half.

Can't wait....

marshallini

15/10/2008 at 14:24

Route Map

you can click on elevation (top right cornr of map) and it shows you where the hills are but it makes it look a lot worse than it really is.

online entries can be found here

Edited: 15/10/2008 at 14:25

Warrington Road Warrior

15/10/2008 at 16:28

Signed up for this one! Should keep me running and motivated through winter.

It's also only 13 miles from my front door so rude not to take part

R

Jay Snizzel

15/10/2008 at 19:38

Just signed up for this, Running the Blackpool Marathon in April, so this will be a good start to the new year, and give me chance to blow off the xmas cobwebs

Nathalie Rees

15/10/2008 at 20:03

Also just entered - thanks for the link!

Viking

pirate

17/10/2008 at 16:51

Just entered, am number 297 - fab new on-line entry system!

JPenno

pirate

17/10/2008 at 17:12

Viking - what time you aiming for

Jay Snizzel

18/10/2008 at 13:54

heh times... i just want to get round, be my first race at the distance. so any time for me is a good time.

debbo

pirate

20/10/2008 at 18:22

just entered for this again - I've entered it the last three years but only managed to run once - january tends to by my illness/injury month!

I'm determined to do it in 2009 - my first race as a V50.

MovingAlong pirate

pirate

20/10/2008 at 18:51

Have entered - like other this will be my first half marathon. Managed to run 9.25 miles on Sunday which is the furthest I've been. Just going to build up slowly to the 13 miles in time for the race, and use it as part of my marathon training.

Heard nothing but good reports about this race (except for the hill at mile 9!)

Warrington Road Warrior

20/10/2008 at 19:56

Well did my first sub 2 hour half marathon in Cardiff at the weekend, is this a race to go for a PB or more enjoy the scenery?

R