Reading Half Marathon 2013

As Stevie said the support can get a little overwhelming.  Around mile 8/9 up near the park the spectators tend to come onto the road a bit.  Gets a little narrow along there 

I suspect a lot of these people creeping onto the roads will be whispering to their friends 'Oh my god, its David Falconer 3 from the Runners World forums ......  I saw him, I swear I saw him!'

I'm in, my first half and looking forward to it. Clocked a 1h 39m in training last week so fingers crossed for a good time on the day.

Good work Ben! I like how its your first and already youre doing sub 1:40's lol!!! Christ I must have been unfit when I started.

I started running last May (2012) and couldn't run to the top of my road the first time out!!! Stuck at it and I am now 2 stone lighter and 100% happier & healthier

lol, cool ....... well here's hoping you see a 1:3 at the start of your time.

I'm going but only to cheer on the runners. 

Won't you be thinking 'that should be me out there!!'??

Of course, but I have Hastings the week after to keep me quiet (ish) and it's paddy's day so I can drink and cheer if need be  

Khanivore wrote (see)

Are there any hills?

So you did Gosport, Silverstone ....... and now youre asking about hills in Reading

Im starting to detect a theme here ....... cmon Khanivore, suck it up and do a hill once in a while ...... not everything is about a PB

I'm in. First timer and newbie runner that couldn't wait for next year (and Reading is my hometown/football club so it really has to be my first half) Took a charity place this week so I haven't followed a structured training plan.

I have been running longer at weekends this year - built up to 11.5 miles in a shade under two hours last Friday evening but no hills or speedwork. Not bothered about my time - just want to be on my feet coming into the Madejski.

Would appreciate tips on how to approach the next few days - thinking parkrun tomorrow and 10k Sunday with a slow 5k Tuesday and a short jog Thursday. That sound fair?

Seedee - I think your plan looks pretty reasonable. You could probably even sack off the jog on Thursday and rest up before the big day. The most important thing now is to get to the start line feeling fresh and ready to go.

The biggest tip I could give is to run your own race at your own pace. Dont get carried away at the start of the race and blast out of the blocks like a whippet. Its too easy to run at the pace of the people around you rather than the pace youre comfortable with. Most of us have made that mistake at some point in the past. Get your pace right and you'll have a little bit left in the tank for the last mile, and you'll enjoy the finish in the stadium. Get the pace wrong and that last mile will hurt like a muthaf*cka!

I'm Back for my 5th Reading but running dressed as a Leprechaun this year as its on St Patrick's day I got my half marathon PB at Reading last year coming in at 1.37. Don't think i will be anywhere near that this year as in training i have been roasting in my costume? Does any one know the name of the pub about 8 miles in its the one that has glasses of beer outside as we come out of the town centre.

used to be the Nags Head Rob...probably still is but I don't live in Reading.  Its the pub at the bottom of the hill?

Bottom of Russell Street hill - the pub is still there and I assume will be giving out beer. The hill is just under 500 paces to the top so for some the beer is a necessary evil! 

BTW If anyone want to join me I am running the 1:55 pace group so look forward to seeing you next Sunday.

Cheers Gazza. Did eight miles in the end yesterday - will go out tomorrow and then nothing more strenuous than walking the dog.

David Falconer 3 wrote (see)

Im starting to detect a theme here ....... cmon Khanivore, suck it up and do a hill once in a while ...... not everything is about a PB

 

Haha what can I say, I love pancakes! I did the croydon 10k last year thinking there are no hills in London and so it must be flat. Scarred for life! It's hilly!!!

I will do hills after the London Marathon is out of the way. I assume then that Reading is flat?  

Reading is known for it's mountains. Don't forget you oxygen tank.