The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: Izybat on February 20, 2017, 06:30:39 PM
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Anyone else up for running a half marathon in 2017?
I've been trying to get myself back into running. I always seem to get into it at the beginning of the year, and then fall off the bandwagon at some point in spring or summer. This year I'm considering signing up for a half marathon in the fall so that I have some motivation to keep running and keep getting stronger.
Anyone else already doing this or willing to try with me?
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Well, I've already run one this year, but I'm signed up for a couple more! I'm always in for motivation. You should also check out the Strength & Fitness 2017 thread. The runners aren't as vocal as the lifting folks at times, but we are there and it is a good place to track fitness related goals.
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/strength-fitness-2017/ (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/strength-fitness-2017/)
What half are you aiming towards?
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I am planning on running the Salt Lake City marathon in the end of April. It's good to have something to work toward.
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@hudsoncat, I'm currently thinking of the Mohawk Hudson River Half marathon (in Albany, NY) in October. I'm trying to give myself plenty of time to train for it, as I'm just getting back into running after almost a year off. For whatever reason, I tend to sign up for races and then something happens where I can't complete them. Once it was tendinitis, once it was getting a concussion (my stupid dogs knocked me over), once it was just family stuff that got in the way. Sing up opens on March 8th, and I'm told it tends to fill quickly, so I have to decide soon if I'm really going to go for it.
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I'm actually trying to run a half in each state (Not the most mustacian, but we budget for it and make it work). I'm excited to hear about both the half's mentioned above. We haven't done Utah or NY yet! I'm running the Garmin Half in Olathe, KS in April and the Mini Marathon in Indy. I've done the Mini/Indiana before, but it's a really fun race (and fairly cheap for us since we are local).
It sounds like you've had some bad luck there Izybat, but hopefully this time it'll work out for you. I've only missed one so far I had signed up for... about a week before a half once, I tripped over my dog (on a run) and really wrenched my knee. I did not think running a half 5 days later on a still sore knee was a good idea. Missing a race you spent money on is so frustrating.
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I also have a goal to run my first half this year. Got up to about 9 miles for my long run before cold weather hit, but I'm a little out of shape now. I got 2 5-milers in during our mini-spring last week, had to take walk breaks on hills. If I train 3x/week starting in April I should be able to do it by August.
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Yeah, getting back into it after time off can be challenging. I'm just plugging away at it and hope to get there by this fall.
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I'm running one in about two weeks. Haven't really trained hard for it due to hamstring injury. But last night I ran a very slow six miles and legs felt okay. I figure I'll just plod along really slow the day of the race and be okay.
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Well, so far I've been maintaining my training schedule as planned. I'm on week 4 of couch to 10K, which is a 14 week program. Not sure if I'll actually run a 10k race or just do it on my own, but at least I'm still plugging away at it. After the 10K I plan to up my running from 3x a week to 4 times a week (at a slightly lower distance), and start ramping up for the half marathon in the fall.
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Yay! Runners!
My first half this year is in Montana in July, but have already done a 10K in February and will be doing a 50K on the 18th of this month. Haven't decided what else to do yet. I know there are several races in October that I'm trying to decide between, but I also HATE spending the money, so I need to look at best bargain with travel too.
Cheap race suggestions in the Midwest welcome!
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Yay! Runners!
My first half this year is in Montana in July, but have already done a 10K in February and will be doing a 50K on the 18th of this month. Haven't decided what else to do yet. I know there are several races in October that I'm trying to decide between, but I also HATE spending the money, so I need to look at best bargain with travel too.
Cheap race suggestions in the Midwest welcome!
Wow! A 50K, that's impressive. I used to really want to run a marathon, but at the moment, I'd be really happy to complete a half. Once I get that one under my belt, then we'll see.
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I just signed up for the Utah Valley Half Marathon on June 10. (Thank you, work discount!)
Last year I ran a half for the first time, and then three more. Kind of. The last two happened after a lot of work drama and I no longer had time to train. I certainly didn't "run" them, but I did finish. Unfortunately, I messed up my hip in the process.
Drama has disappeared, and I've been ordered to find a hobby. Hip seems to be doing better, so I'm running again (along with swimming laps, yoga, and a foam roller). Will try for six halves this year, plus whatever other shorter races I can get free or discounted through work. And, hopefully, one sprint distance triathlon. Because it sounds like fun.
I know I'll be doing the Provo City 5k (discounted), the Run of Remembrance 10k (free), and the Freedom Run 10k (free), along with an employee 5k that I'll have to pay a whopping $5 for. :)
I have runkeeper, and signed up for the 2:20 Run/Walk/Run training plan.
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I'm doing the Myrtle Beach half marathon tomorrow. I encourage everyone to sign up for something whether its a 5K all the way up to a 50k. Once you sign up you are committed, and at least for me, really gives me the motivation to put in some training runs. Good luck to anyone doing a long run this weekend!
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As you can maybe guess from my name I will be running the largest half in the US in May the BRooklyn Half. To OP one thing I always tell myself is well even if something happens like an injury in almost every case I can still finish the half because I can always walk. I know that's not there goal but somehow it makes me feel better knowing I always have a way tout finish and takes the pressure off.
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Yay! Runners!
My first half this year is in Montana in July, but have already done a 10K in February and will be doing a 50K on the 18th of this month. Haven't decided what else to do yet. I know there are several races in October that I'm trying to decide between, but I also HATE spending the money, so I need to look at best bargain with travel too.
Cheap race suggestions in the Midwest welcome!
Are you doing Missoula in July? I LOVED that race! Really I just loved Missoula, but the race was great too!
Midwest halfs I have enjoyed are all spring races, not necessarily October but for your future radar:
- Mini Marathon: Indianapolis, IN May. Only cheap if you sign up way early, but it's a fun race if you like big races. (like sign up in June 2017 for the May 2018 race)
- Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon: Springfield, IL, early April. This was one of my favorite races. Nice, smallish. Fun scenery if you like history as you run past all the Lincoln sites.
- Bayshore Half Marathon: Traverse City, MI, late May. Super pretty. Great finish line food. Solidly organized. Fills up super fast (usually within a couple hours). This group also puts on an October race, I don't know a lot about it, but you might check that out. I think it was something like Devil's Dive... Look up Traverse City Track Club, it's their race.
- Dam2Dam: Des Moines, IA, early June. This one can be a little hot and is fairly low frills, but it's pretty cheap ($40 if you sign up early), has great organization/volunteers, and nice race SWAG usually (Brooks shirt without a lot of lettering and Brooks socks the year I did it).
Those are all bigger races (2000 to 30,000) people, so most are going to be a little more expensive than something super small and super local. But I know a few of those too you are excited to visit north central Indiana. haha!
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Going into 2017 I had the idea of doing a half marathon every month of the calendar year. Well, I missed one in Janurary and ruined that plan. But I did one in February...not a spectacular time, but I didn't want to press too hard early in the season. I have one coming up in the first half of March and will try to kick up the pace bit.
By the Fall, barring injuries, I'd love to be posting a time in the 1:30's. A flat course would be nice...but in B.C. this is not something easily found.
We will see. :)
Good luck to everyone in their running exploits!
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...one thing I always tell myself is well even if something happens like an injury in almost every case I can still finish the half because I can always walk...
I haven't trained too much for my event. I told my friends that I will resort to walking if I have to. But I know that during the day of the event pride will kick in, and I will try to gut it out and run (very slowly) all the way to the end. The longest I've ran is 10 miles. That took me 90 minutes, and I stopped to take a bathroom break. That was a 9-minute pace, but for this half marathon, in less than a week, I will probably run a 11 or 12-minute pace. It's the DC Rock & Roll half so maybe it will be best to run slow and enjoy the sights.
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Ran Key West Half in January and doing Paris tomorrow! Also scheduled for Geneva in May. I'm doing the Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel Marathons as well.
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Ran Key West Half in January and doing Paris tomorrow! Also scheduled for Geneva in May. I'm doing the Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel Marathons as well.
That's awesome. You're doing a ton of travel for your races. Maybe some day I'll manage a cool travel race, but for now, I'm aiming for local.
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Lucky to be living in Paris for a few months! Ran 1:48 this morning!!
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Well, registration for the race I'm looking at opens Wednesday. The FAQ does say something about it tending to fill up, so I have to make my final decision if I'm going to go for it. Maybe I'll just register and then brace for whatever strange karma is going to kick my butt.
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Lucky to be living in Paris for a few months! Ran 1:48 this morning!!
Very impressed! Also amazed at the great places you get to run. Keep it up!
I'm doing the Myrtle Beach half marathon tomorrow. I encourage everyone to sign up for something whether its a 5K all the way up to a 50k. Once you sign up you are committed, and at least for me, really gives me the motivation to put in some training runs. Good luck to anyone doing a long run this weekend!
Ran a 1:50 on Saturday for a new PR!
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Posting to follow. I ran Robie Creek ("the northwest's toughest half" they say) for the third time last April, and my running has been kind of in decline since then. In August my horse bucked me off and my ankle is just now recovering to the point that I can get back into running. I've done up to about 3 miles a few times this winter, so I'm not committing to a half yet, but have been wanting to do the Salmon Marathon (half option) which is September 9th this year, or possibly hit Zeitgeist for the fourth time in November.
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What do you all suggest to eat the night prior and the morning of the half marathon?
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What do you all suggest to eat the night prior and the morning of the half marathon?
Most likely whatever you eat before your long runs. Best not to try anything new. For me its a balance of carbs, protein and some fat. For the race last weekend I had grilled chicken and roasted sweet potatoes (olive oil, salt, pepper) and a small sourdough roll for dinner. In the morning I had oatmeal with nuts and craisins. Other breakfasts before long runs include two scrambled eggs and roasted sweet potatoes or bagel with peanut butter and jelly. The only things I avoid are spicy foods, green leafy vegetables (harder for your body to breakdown) and dairy. Dairy is just because it doesn't sit well with me before a run but might be just fine for you. Good luck!
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I'm in...gulp. I've been working on a couch to 5k program but will be joining a couch to half program in May. The half is scheduled for October (comes with the program). I've never gone more than 5k in my life. I'm planning to keep up with the couch to 5k so I won't be starting at zero in May.
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Most likely whatever you eat before your long runs. Best not to try anything new. For me its a balance of carbs, protein and some fat. For the race last weekend I had grilled chicken and roasted sweet potatoes (olive oil, salt, pepper) and a small sourdough roll for dinner. In the morning I had oatmeal with nuts and craisins. Other breakfasts before long runs include two scrambled eggs and roasted sweet potatoes or bagel with peanut butter and jelly. The only things I avoid are spicy foods, green leafy vegetables (harder for your body to breakdown) and dairy. Dairy is just because it doesn't sit well with me before a run but might be just fine for you. Good luck!
Thanks!
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Before long races, I usually eat pasta with red sauce (nothing spicy) for dinner and drink ~32 oz of water and sports drink. In the morning I drink a little more at breakfast, eat a bagel, two bananas and have a cup of coffee.
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I'm also a big fan of grilled chicken + some carbs the night before a half. I've done the pasta thing, it usually just leaves me feeling heavy the next morning. My husband always loves pasta the night before though, so YMMV. Try some things the night before your long runs. That'll give you an indication of how your body reacts to different foods on a long run. The morning of I usually eat a couple pieces of toast with peanut butter. I'll also take a banana with me to the race and eat it much closer to the start time. My husband (who is a much bigger person) usually has toast/peanut butter, a power/energy bar of some kind, and a banana. Sometimes two. He'll sometimes substitute oatmeal out for the toast depending on his mood. He has a great capacity to eat a lot before a run and never have an issue. If I eat a lot, I usually get stomach cramps, again it's really a YMMV type of thing.
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Currently on the sidelines with a back/hip issue. Haven't run in a week, doctor wants me to take off at least one more. Sigh.
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Well, it's official. I signed up for a half marathon on Oct 8. Now I just have to get there in once piece.
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Sure! I'm a walker and walked 2 halfs last year but fell off the fitness wagon this winter because UGH! COLD! Cold weather kills my motivation. So, I'm going to get back out there and a half marathon is the perfect goal. I'll probably do a virtual half through yes.fit or Harry Potter running club. Can't wait to see what you all are doing.
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Well, it's official. I signed up for a half marathon on Oct 8. Now I just have to get there in once piece.
Congrats! No backing out now.
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I'm set for a week later...October 14.
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Last week backpacking I did a 15 mile, 15 mile, 14 mile and 18 mile day. Full winter backpack in the Georgia mountains. I have little desire to run a marathon. My wife is an Ironman athlete. That's her gig.
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The half marathon is done! My friend and I arrived to a very cold Washington DC. On race day it was sunny and clear and temps were in the mid-20s when we started making our way to the starting line. I don't think the temps got above mid-30s the entire race, and there was a slight breeze coming from the west. My hands and feet were numb when I started running, and it took about two miles to get warm. But after getting warm the run was rather comfortable. We started around close to the White House, made our way around the Kennedy Center and the Watergate Complex. We could see Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River. Some of the notable neighborhoods we ran through was Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Howard University, Capitol Hill, and finishing at RFK Stadium. I enjoyed running through the neighborhoods. The denizens came out to cheer us on. I thoroughly enjoyed drinking the small amounts of champagne and Miller Lite that some of the younger folks were handing out in small paper cups! That beer was refreshing!
Our pace was slow. We averaged 12 minutes 30 seconds per mile (that's a jogging pace comfortable to hold a conversation). My friend hit the wall at mile 11, her usual faltering point, but with a little encouragement we ran all the way to the end. Our total time was 2 hours and 47 minutes.
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@Cornbread OMalley, that's awesome! That weather is far too cold for me, I hate running outside in winter (treadmills are a lifesaver). That pace is probably close to what I'll be doing in my race this fall, so it's good to hear from others in the same group!
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Great job Cornbread OMalley! I love D.C. I ran the Army 10-miler a few years ago, it was a great experience to run around the national mall.
I'm excited to be back to running this week. I'm sure it'll suck a bit after three weeks off, but hopefully worth it in the end. My hip/back feel much better now, we'll see what running brings.
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Sadly, I'm having to take some time off at the moment. I came down with some sort of crud and I'm coughing up a storm. Hopefully, it won't last long and I'll be able to get back to training soon.
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Great job Cornbread OMalley! I love D.C. I ran the Army 10-miler a few years ago, it was a great experience to run around the national mall.
I was hoping the half marathon route would go past more DC monuments. I still had a good time nonetheless.
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The half marathon is done! My friend and I arrived to a very cold Washington DC. On race day it was sunny and clear and temps were in the mid-20s when we started making our way to the starting line. I don't think the temps got above mid-30s the entire race, and there was a slight breeze coming from the west. My hands and feet were numb when I started running, and it took about two miles to get warm. But after getting warm the run was rather comfortable. We started around close to the White House, made our way around the Kennedy Center and the Watergate Complex. We could see Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River. Some of the notable neighborhoods we ran through was Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Howard University, Capitol Hill, and finishing at RFK Stadium. I enjoyed running through the neighborhoods. The denizens came out to cheer us on. I thoroughly enjoyed drinking the small amounts of champagne and Miller Lite that some of the younger folks were handing out in small paper cups! That beer was refreshing!
Our pace was slow. We averaged 12 minutes 30 seconds per mile (that's a jogging pace comfortable to hold a conversation). My friend hit the wall at mile 11, her usual faltering point, but with a little encouragement we ran all the way to the end. Our total time was 2 hours and 47 minutes.
This is great!! Its smart to dress for how you'll feel most of the race after getting a mile or two into it. I think its great you got your friend through the mile 11 wall. Maybe later in the year you'll try another on your own to see how you would do at your own pace?
I did my second half marathon of the year. This was a trail half marathon and my time was 2:26. I'm absolutely thrilled because last year at the same course my time was 2:50!! Its great to see what it looks like to go from barely able to run 13 miles to really try and race 13 miles.
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I'm so glad there are so many people interested in running! My training is going well. I just hit two miles, and should hit 3 by next week (thanks C25k!). I'm still hoping to run a 10k by the last weekend in May, but my training is slower than I would have liked because of a few illnesses. Hopefully I can still pull it off.
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This is great!! Its smart to dress for how you'll feel most of the race after getting a mile or two into it. I think its great you got your friend through the mile 11 wall. Maybe later in the year you'll try another on your own to see how you would do at your own pace?
I did my second half marathon of the year. This was a trail half marathon and my time was 2:26. I'm absolutely thrilled because last year at the same course my time was 2:50!! Its great to see what it looks like to go from barely able to run 13 miles to really try and race 13 miles.
I may run another and really train up for it this time. I didn't really train very hard because of injuries so the slow pace was probably good for me. I didn't run further than seven miles during my last training efforts. I haven't ran at all since the half marathon but plan to start running again in the morning. My legs have been feeling strange lately but maybe that's because the muscles have atrophied some with the lack of running. The all-you-can-eat crab legs with butter I had a few days after the race probably didn't help either! That's really impressive with your trail half marathon time. I imagine running along a trail is pretty scenic and have more challenges with the terrain.
I'm so glad there are so many people interested in running! My training is going well. I just hit two miles, and should hit 3 by next week (thanks C25k!). I'm still hoping to run a 10k by the last weekend in May, but my training is slower than I would have liked because of a few illnesses. Hopefully I can still pull it off.
You can do it. If you can get to 5 miles in your training then you probably can gut it out and finish the 10K.
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I'm so glad there are so many people interested in running! My training is going well. I just hit two miles, and should hit 3 by next week (thanks C25k!). I'm still hoping to run a 10k by the last weekend in May, but my training is slower than I would have liked because of a few illnesses. Hopefully I can still pull it off.
You can do it. If you can get to 5 miles in your training then you probably can gut it out and finish the 10K.
I've run one 10k previously, but it was about 3.5 years ago. I did pretty much what you said, trained up to about 5 miles, then just dug in and did the full 10k during the race. It'll probably be similar this time around. I'm only sad because I'm using a training app and because I've been sick it's putting me off the schedule of the app, which was just about perfect for the race. Oh well, I'll figure it out either way.
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I'm doing my first trail half marathon June 4. I've done two road half's and really love the distance; it's long enough that I have to train in order to make it (something that has not been the case signing up for a 10k) but not SO much training and time commitment as a full marathon (I've done one of those). I'm nervous and excited to try the trail one, I've run on trails periodically over the years but never raced on trails. I could never figure out how people could actually RUN up some of the trails I am puffing to hike up (and I'm not a complete couch potato). Then a friend told me the secret to trail running: You are allowed to WALK! Who knew? Well, maybe I can be a trail runner. The next thing I learned was that you should not, in any way, shape, or form, compare your road pace with your trail running pace. It is so different...worse. And if you do, you might cry, or kill yourself trying to keep the same pace. When I'm just getting back into running regularly, I can comfortably run 4-6 miles at about a 9:30 to 10:00min/mile pace. On the steep trails my race will be on, I was going at a 13:00-14:00 min/mi pace on the way up and about 9:30 on the way down. So SLOW feeling, but the "effort" was about the same.
A friend in my new town in Montana said she was going to do this one, so I figured, "why not?" However I lost track of time and just started training for it last week (that meant in order to train up to a 13 mi long run, and increasing by 1 mile per week, I needed to do a 6 mi long run the first week---having not run for MONTHS. Well after a couple 3-4 mile runs, I went out with the plan to do 4-5 miles. Just before the 5 mile mark I was feeling good, so I figured I'd go for 6. I did and it was fine. Just quite tight the next day. Then when it came time for "long run" day I decided I better do it on the trails I'll be racing on (lots of elevation gain and loss). So I set out to do 6 at as slow a pace as necessary, missed a turn, ended up going to the top of the ridge, and had to run 7.75 miles to get back instead. Oops. Stupidity can make you stronger!? But at least I'm a week or two ahead on my 9-week get-your-s**t-together-quick plan. :)
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I've signed up for one in September. Having never run further than 12k before this should be quite the challenge...
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I've signed up for one in September. Having never run further than 12k before this should be quite the challenge...
You can do it. I've never run further than 5k before and I'm going to try. I'm joining a training group for newbies and my goal is just to finish (walk, run fine) before they close the course. ;-)
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I've signed up for one in September. Having never run further than 12k before this should be quite the challenge...
You can do it. I've never run further than 5k before and I'm going to try. I'm joining a training group for newbies and my goal is just to finish (walk, run fine) before they close the course. ;-)
I'd like to say I'm with you on that, because ultimately it's 13.1 miles however you traverse the distance, but in my heart I know I want to run the whole thing. I'm going to have to allow myself to walk without feeling guilty or discouraged about it, because that's going to be my problem. Hopefully I can get my mind right before my half in October.
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Just found this thread.
I'm running a half marathon (SB Wine Country Half) in 3 weeks, May 13.
I have only done 2 before, in 2009 and 2010. My last one was the same race SB Wine Country half. My goal back then was to beat a 10:00 mile, so 2:10:59. I finished in 2:11:04. Dang it (I'm female and 5'2".) Injury sidelined me. I suffered from piriformis syndrome, which caused sciatica pain. It came on about 3 weeks before the race. I tried physical therapy. In the end, I had to quit running. I took a year off. Trained for a triathlon, short distance, and started running in vibrams. Cue the achilles tendonitis.
Anyway, then I had a baby at 42, and I figured my running days were over. A year ago, I started up again on a whim, but using my own made-up run/walk combo to avoid injury. It worked. I increased my run splits. Then I increased my pace a bit.
So I am now doing Galloway, currently at about 4 min run/ 1 min walk. Coming in around 11:45 to 12:30 per mile. Longest run has been 9+.
I'm on the ramp up, so my schedule will be:
This weekend: 10 miles
Next weekend: 11
Following weekend: 8-9 miles
Race weekend!
The hard part for me now (and it was the same before 7 years ago), is boredom. I am running with a training group - but half of the people are running the 1/2 marathon but run at a 9:00 mile. The other half run more my pace, but aren't training - so they are doing more like 4-5 miles. It's very lonely running 2 hours by yourself. I can manage 1 to 1.5 hours just losing myself in my thoughts. Then it gets tough, even running with an ocean view. Only a few more weeks though. I'm now at the point where I need to think about water and gu. Of course I got rid of my fanny packs with water bottles years ago...figuring I'd never need them.
So. The next thing that my coworker is doing, and that I've been thinking about for a couple of decades, is the Pier to Peak 1/2 marathon. It's Labor Day weekend, so a really hot time of year. 13.1 miles up hill, from the pier to ~4000 ft. In this case, I'll probably do way more walking than running. If I manage this 1/2 marathon without injury and without being miserable I may do it.
But again, it will be lonely. There's a different training group in town a friend has done. It's all summer, $225, 3x a week. I can afford that - but again, my age (almost 47) and physical limitations (short, stocky, prone to injury) make me wonder if I'll be running alone again. It's not worth $225 for a training plan and group fitness if I'm by myself. Max times for that one seem to be 4.5 hours, but I hear from a friend they let "walkers" start early.
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13.1 miles up hill, from the pier to ~4000 ft.
Holy cow! That sounds like a bit of torture. More power to you if you're going to attempt that. I'm having a hard enough time contemplating 13.1 miles that are relatively flat if not slightly downhill.
Good luck with your training and your upcoming race.
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My last one was the same race SB Wine Country half. My goal back then was to beat a 10:00 mile, so 2:10:59. I finished in 2:11:04. Dang it (I'm female and 5'2".)
I know we say that a half marathon is 13.1 miles, but more precisely it's about 13.1094 miles. So for a 10:00 mile pace, you'd need to run a half marathon in about 2:11:05.6. That means in 2010 you met your goal with a second to spare. :-)
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My last one was the same race SB Wine Country half. My goal back then was to beat a 10:00 mile, so 2:10:59. I finished in 2:11:04. Dang it (I'm female and 5'2".)
I know we say that a half marathon is 13.1 miles, but more precisely it's about 13.1094 miles. So for a 10:00 mile pace, you'd need to run a half marathon in about 2:11:05.6. That means in 2010 you met your goal with a second to spare. :-)
I think I love you.
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13.1 miles up hill, from the pier to ~4000 ft.
Holy cow! That sounds like a bit of torture. More power to you if you're going to attempt that. I'm having a hard enough time contemplating 13.1 miles that are relatively flat if not slightly downhill.
Good luck with your training and your upcoming race.
Yeah, it's one of those things that would DEFINITELY be more walking than running, if I attempt it. I run some hills now (and my upcoming half is rolling hills with a big one in the middle, and a medium one at mile 11). When I run hills I pretty much cut my 4:1 run:walk to 1:1. It's more of a "hey look I finished this crazy thing". If I do it.
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Cross Post from Strength & Fitness thread...
Ran a half marathon on Saturday. Went out way too hard for my fitness (those three weeks off in March were not great), paid for it in second half of the race (major positive split). Also, who knew Kansas had so many hills?! I would say it was a wake up call, but frankly, I knew it would be a suffer fest and it was for the last three miles. Now I just need to focus on building for a push at a fall half marathon where I'd like to attempt to PR.
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...who knew Kansas had so many hills?!...
haha! That's funny! Lot's of rolling terrain out there in Kansas!
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So this weekend was the "10 mile" weekend.
It was hot (70F, 10 degrees hotter than last weekend).
I had a cold (stuffy head/runny nose).
The course was rolling hills, with no bathrooms (my coach is a camel.)
Luckily, I re-read parts of my book "Half Marathon Guide for Women" (approx) by the Galloways. And it says RIGHT THERE:
- long run pace should be at least 3 min/mile slower than your expected pace
- slow down 30 sec/mile for every 5 degrees above 60F
- you are building endurance no matter how slow you are.
- Take walk breaks BEFORE you physically need them
Good thing:
- My 9.7 miles was at a pace of 2:05 min/mile SLOWER than the prior week's 9.3 miles
- I ran out of water at mile 7 (the car was at mile 9.2, with more water)
- My hips started crying at mile 7. My walk breaks were longer and slower after this point
- The cold didn't help
So, I have to remind myself - race in a couple of weeks
- This is for fun
- I am going to finish
- I am going to finish with a smile on my face
- I am not going to injure myself before this
Physical limitations. They're a bummer.
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Ran my 3rd half of 2017 yesterday and cut my time down from 1:48 to 1:45 since March. Feeling good!
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Ran my 3rd half of 2017 yesterday and cut my time down from 1:48 to 1:45 since March. Feeling good!
That's awesome! Congrats.
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Ran my 3rd half of 2017 yesterday and cut my time down from 1:48 to 1:45 since March. Feeling good!
*applause*
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Ran my half on Saturday!
Cold and windy to start.
As expected, my hips started bothering me just before 7 miles. (Hills are especially bad for me. This one is mostly uphill the first half, so aching started earlier.)
Anyway - aching hips from mile 7 to 12. Knees joined in at 11 mile marker. Took an ibuprofen - so wasn't sore afterwards on the same day, or the next day, even though I forgot to stretch. Who knew it was the miracle drug? Probably everyone but me.
Finished in under 3 hours with a smile on my face. Stopped to pee when I had to, and also took a pic along the way (it's a REALLY pretty course - Santa Barbara Wine Country half).
All of my other friends are super speedy, but there were vast groups of people doing the run/walk thing like me. I found my people!!
I think somebody might have died though. A friend I ran into at the finish mentioned ambulances and 15 minutes of CPR on a young woman. Nothing in the news though. Yikes.
So I signed up for my "bucket list" race, Pier to Peak in September. But that will be it for me for half marathons. Too long. I prefer 10Ks.
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Ran my half on Saturday!
Cold and windy to start.
As expected, my hips started bothering me just before 7 miles. (Hills are especially bad for me. This one is mostly uphill the first half, so aching started earlier.)
Anyway - aching hips from mile 7 to 12. Knees joined in at 11 mile marker. Took an ibuprofen - so wasn't sore afterwards on the same day, or the next day, even though I forgot to stretch. Who knew it was the miracle drug? Probably everyone but me.
Finished in under 3 hours with a smile on my face. Stopped to pee when I had to, and also took a pic along the way (it's a REALLY pretty course - Santa Barbara Wine Country half).
All of my other friends are super speedy, but there were vast groups of people doing the run/walk thing like me. I found my people!!
I think somebody might have died though. A friend I ran into at the finish mentioned ambulances and 15 minutes of CPR on a young woman. Nothing in the news though. Yikes.
So I signed up for my "bucket list" race, Pier to Peak in September. But that will be it for me for half marathons. Too long. I prefer 10Ks.
Congrats on finishing your race!
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Ran my half on Saturday!
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Finished in under 3 hours with a smile on my face. Stopped to pee when I had to, and also took a pic along the way (it's a REALLY pretty course - Santa Barbara Wine Country half).
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Good job!
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My time for my first HM was about 2:15. This was nearly three years ago. I would like to run another half or more. this year.
What is the most Mustachian way to run marathons? They can get very expensive. I signed up at the last minute for the Rock and Roll half marathon. For a $200 registration fee, I received a $50 shirt and paid $150 to have people run with me for two hours.
Obviously registration costs less when you plan further ahead. You can also get a better deal if you get a package deal for 3 rock and roll marathon events in one year.
I don't know about other marathons, but the rock and roll marathon will let you run for free if you raise enough money for charity; then everyone wins.
I would like to travel to do half marathons because it is a great way to slow and see what foreign cities have to offer. I have run in my hometown of St. Louis, Denver, as well as beautiful Estes Park
Colorado has a slacker half marathon that is all down hill.
Where has been your favorite place to run? favorite, event, crowd, or location?
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...the rock and roll marathon will let you run for free if you raise enough money for charity; then everyone wins.
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Colorado has a slacker half marathon that is all down hill.
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I didn't know that about the Rock & Roll marathon. I'll pass the info along to my friends. I don't know about an all-down-hill run. Would seem to be terrible on the knees and hip joints. And speaking about leg joints, I'm taking a break from running because my left knee developed pain. I ran two miles the other day and started favoring the left leg due to the pain. My right leg did most of the work and was sore for two days.
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Doing my half in two weeks w/ my kids (both 10yo). Love virtual races- cheaper and I don't have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn.
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Where has been your favorite place to run? favorite, event, crowd, or location?
I posted a few of my favorites on the first page of this thread, but those were just midwest based in response to another poster. I'd also add these:
-Oak Barrel Half Marathon: Lynchburg, TN Not a lot of crowd support, but it's so well run with nice touches (good SWAG, good price), very pretty area, and a great post race party.
-Army 10-miler: Washington, D.C. Not a half, but this race is a lot of fun. Starts and finishes at the Pentagon and the rest of the race runs past a lot of D.C. sites (Arlington, National Mall, Kennedy Center, etc)
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Had to ask google about the concept of a virtual race. So you run anytime, anywhere, and they track your distance with GPS?
As much as I enjoy running, motivating myself to get up early to go for a run is very rare.
Running along side so many other people is very motivating for me.
Has anyone ran a relay race? Your team runs 200 miles over the course of 24-48 hours. Miami to Key West; Chatanooga to Nashville...
runragner.com
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Doing my half in two weeks w/ my kids (both 10yo). Love virtual races- cheaper and I don't have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn.
I love this.
I did a couple of sprint triathlons. First when I was 40. I learned to swim! And in the ocean! Very proud of myself.
But. It was $275 for the training group (including lifeguards for ocean swims) and $125 for the entry fee. Then there was the "gear", which I bought discounted (wet suit and tri shorts, goggles).
I had a baby and stopped. Haven't gotten back into because: $400 for an hour long event.
My gym (the Y), had a thing 2 years ago in May where they did an Ironman. You pay $20. Then you do an Ironman triathlon during the month of May. There are prizes for the first to finish. Well, I decided that was cool. But I also knew there was no way I'd win. So instead of paying the $20 I just did it and tracked it on my own. I was already in the habit of swimming 2x a week, so I finished that in 3 swim days. The very last day of the month though, I was on the spin bike for 21 miles.
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So I'm gearing up to start my extended training plan for my half marathon, which isn't until the fall. I printed out a training schedule that is designed for 18 weeks, and figure that's close enough to when my race is scheduled. After I run my 5k this Saturday, I'll switch modes and start that plan.
I've been in a bit of a down swing motivation-wise (with running and other things), so I'm hoping that having signed up for this race will push me to keep going and don't let myself go backwards training-wise.
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I signed for a half-marathon in November. It will be my first since 2014, having 2 babies back-to-back, and adopting a Whole30 lifestyle. I started running about 6 weeks ago and it has been slow going.
Does anyone here do Ragnar Races? I was thinking about the Reach the Beach relay in September. I'm not sure how Mustachian these races are but they are a lot of fun!
Reach the Beach
https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/reachthebeach
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My official 20 week training group starts Tuesday. First week mileage is 7...gulp...dropping in...
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Had to ask google about the concept of a virtual race. So you run anytime, anywhere, and they track your distance with GPS?
As much as I enjoy running, motivating myself to get up early to go for a run is very rare.
Running along side so many other people is very motivating for me.
Has anyone ran a relay race? Your team runs 200 miles over the course of 24-48 hours. Miami to Key West; Chatanooga to Nashville...
runragner.com
I just saw I posted the same thing after you. I have done 4 of these races - 2 from PA to DC, 1 in Las Vegas and 1 Miami to Key West (my fave). They are a lot of fun, but can be expensive; race fee, travel fee, food, hotel (unless camping), van sharing, gas, etc. I have made some great friends through these. I would like to do the one in NH this September.
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First week of training is done. Mileage total: 5. I got all of my runs in despite the logistical challenges. 5 was hard (and not all at once). 13 seems impossible...
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This is a cross post from another thread, but here it goes.
I just completed my week one of my half marathon training schedule. Total mileage for the week, 12.4 miles. They were pretty slow miles, and more walking than I would have liked, but I have plenty of time to work on it. Race is approximately 20 weeks away.
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First week of training is done. Mileage total: 5. I got all of my runs in despite the logistical challenges. 5 was hard (and not all at once). 13 seems impossible...
I thought that when I first started running. I kind of still thought that as I waited for the start of my first half marathon. But as long as you train consistently, you might be surprised at how quickly you adapt. I'm not saying it's not still hard (and some days it's really hard), but someday you might find that 5 miles goes from a weekly totally to Monday and you'll be surprised at how easy it goes!
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First week of training is done. Mileage total: 5. I got all of my runs in despite the logistical challenges. 5 was hard (and not all at once). 13 seems impossible...
I thought that when I first started running. I kind of still thought that as I waited for the start of my first half marathon. But as long as you train consistently, you might be surprised at how quickly you adapt. I'm not saying it's not still hard (and some days it's really hard), but someday you might find that 5 miles goes from a weekly totally to Monday and you'll be surprised at how easy it goes!
Oh yeah, it's definitely hard, but you get there! Little by little.
As long as you don't increase mileage too quickly!
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VEGAS BABY!!!!
Oh, right MMM Forum....ummm I've chosen the Vegas Half Marathon because I can get free rooms and travel hacked flights there easily...Also I signed up for the 2007 Vegas Half but then got micro stress fractures in both my feet from poor form and ramping mileage too quickly so didn't get to run it. So back for Vengeance!
It's not until mid November so I'll be ramping up very sloooooowly this time :)
I did later in 2012 train for a race more properly and complete a half in 2 hours 3 minutes and 37 seconds. So my goal this year is to break 2 hours.
First week of training is done. Mileage total: 5. I got all of my runs in despite the logistical challenges. 5 was hard (and not all at once). 13 seems impossible...
I thought that when I first started running. I kind of still thought that as I waited for the start of my first half marathon. But as long as you train consistently, you might be surprised at how quickly you adapt. I'm not saying it's not still hard (and some days it's really hard), but someday you might find that 5 miles goes from a weekly totally to Monday and you'll be surprised at how easy it goes!
Agreed, pre training for the half I ran the most I had run was a 10K (6.2 miles) so the first Sunday my long run called for 7 I was like woah, but before you know it I was doing 8, 9, 10 - 10 was highest I got and then the race day atmosphere/excitement carried me the other 3. The first 4-6 weeks is tough but then seems like you kind of get in a groove (at least for me)
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First week of training is done. Mileage total: 5. I got all of my runs in despite the logistical challenges. 5 was hard (and not all at once). 13 seems impossible...
You'll get there with enough training and rest. I remember my body would hit a plateau and stay there for quite awhile. There was a period of time that I could not get past 4 miles during my training for one race. I don't remember exactly how long the time frame was, but I do remember hitting the wall at 4 miles and limping home. This went for about 2 weeks IIRC. It was frustrating. Then suddenly I cruised past 4 miles like it was never a problem.
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Thanks for the encouragement guys! I'm doing a group program with the local parks and rec department. The schedule ramps up slowly and has 4 runs (2 group) and 2 cross training sessions (1 group) per week. The mileage totals vary up and down with 3 rest/low mileage weeks built in to the schedule. I'm sore but just muscles. And my legs feel like lead towards the end of each run. Part of the challenge is fitting it into the schedule but I've got the kids biking with me and DH joining for the shorter runs as well. The whole family may get fit (which amuses me greatly). The kids are wanting to try a 1 mile fun run in August and perhaps a family 5k next spring. Whatever Mom does must be awesome right? Week 2 is behind me...only 18 more to go. Weekly mileage total: 5.75.
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Week 2 of my training plan is done, total mileage of 10.2, which is slightly less than last week because I missed one of my runs this week.
I've been getting very discouraged lately, because I don't feel like I'm improving at all. I've been running 3 times a week on average since January, but it doesn't feel like it's getting any easier. Despite all the runs I've been doing, when I go for a run I can't even make 3 miles without having to walk a bunch. This is extremely frustrating to me, since I feel like when I first picked up running several years ago, I was better than I am now, and I had just started out.
I'm fighting the urge to give up, even knowing I'll be mad if I do, because my constant frustration is getting to me.
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I've heard a lot of advice about switching either to walk-run intervals or dramatically slowing your pace to build mileage. Our group leader is harping on slow miles while endurance is being built.
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Izybat- how fast are you running? So many running challenges can be fixed by just slowing down. Like at the start of the run, slowing down when you are suffering is usually too late to save the run (but necessary, again, we've all been there). It's also very hard to progress if you are doing the same runs day after day. My running progressed significantly when I starting switching things up a bit. I had consistently been running 3 miles at the same pace basically 4 times a week. I was super good at running 3 miles at that pace. Faster? Not so good. Longer? Not so good. More runs? Meh.
So I made one mid-week run a little longer and a weekend run a 'long' run (meaning my longest run of the week, but not always a super long, 10+ mile run or anything!). I started taking one of the shorter runs and made it into a tempo run or I'd run intervals (on the road, no easily accessible tracks nearby!) or I'd run to the one legit hill and do hill repeats. Basically my weeks went from: Monday- 3 miles, Wednesday- 3 miles, Thursday- 3 miles, Saturday- 3-4 miles, to something more like: Tuesday- tempo/interval/hills day, Wednesday- 3 miles/recovery (Super slow, whatever pace my legs have in them depending on how hard I went the day before), Thursday- 5 miles/easy, Sat or Sunday- long slow run. I not infrequently would throw another short/easy run in there somewhere. It's not easy to get there though. I'm still struggling to get back after a spring of injuries/sickness/inconsistent training.
The one other thing I'd say is there is no shame in walking. It can be frustrating I know, but you do what you got to do to get the mileage in. If walking is what it takes, then walk a bit. Keep your walking pace up and don't walk too long. Quick break to get your breath under control and go again. For me, sometimes it's mental too. I think I need to walk so I do a systems check: Breathing? Not too bad actually. Shoulders? High and tight, lets relax those. Feet? Okay. Legs? Not terrible. etc. By the time I get to the end of my checklist I realize I just wanted to walk because, well, I wanted a break. But nothing hurts and my breathing isn't ragged, so I give myself a pep talk and make myself continue.
Also, if you are in a part of the world where summer is coming in, humidity is a killer! It always takes me a while to adjust and I always walk more during the summer.
TL, DR: Slow down, run different speeds/distances, walking is okay, do a systems check to see if you really NEED to walk (or just mentally want too), humidity sucks.
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Thanks for the encouragement, everyone.
The main challenge I have with the advice is that I'm already running at a very slow pace and running any slower is basically walking (I run a 12 minute mile when I'm being 'fast' and my normal pace is like a 13:30.) I haven't tried any sprints or tempo runs, as I'm a bit intimidated by them (being a died in the wool Turtle).
The training plan I'm attempting to follow is this: http://www.halfmarathons.net/18-week-half-marathon-training-schedule/. It's a four day a week training plan, and does have the long slow weekend run, along with one shorter run of 2-3 miles. The other two runs are the more 'average' length ones that start around 3 miles and go up to 5-6 miles as the training progresses.
I try to use the running philosophy of "run until you can't, then walk until you feel guilty", which I read somewhere once and it felt about right with what I was doing. My major frustration is that in previous years my running has progressed faster. (I seem to start over from scratch every year because about halfway through the year I get bored and stop, then have to start all over again.) It's never taken me this long to get up to a full 3 mile run, so I'm just grumpy.
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Well, my run today made me feel somewhat better. I ran inside on the treadmill (I'll take 70 deg AC over 90 degree weather any day!). There is a distinct difference in my ability to run on the treadmill over running outside. On Sunday, I made it less than a mile and a half before walking. Today, I made it 3.1 miles before I gave myself a break. I completed a total of 4 miles, with only a tiny fraction walking.
Now I just need to figure out what the difference is, as it could be many things. Maybe I go out too fast? Maybe my form changes drastically when I run outside? Maybe it's just the effort of having to push myself forward with or without the hills. I'll keep an eye on it and see if I can pinpoint what my issues are.
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Glad you had a good run today. Mine was two miles of sheer torture...approximately 8 billion degrees in the shade, no shade, no breeze. I had to walk extra to finish. I'd love to be able to run 3 miles on a treadmill even. It probably didn't help that this morning I worked outside for 4 hours hauling and shoveling dirt, putting up fencing. I was so tired before my run. The stuff had to be done today and I will get 2 rest days before my next "long" run...which is something like 3 miles.
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Glad you had a good run today. Mine was two miles of sheer torture...approximately 8 billion degrees in the shade, no shade, no breeze. I had to walk extra to finish. I'd love to be able to run 3 miles on a treadmill even. It probably didn't help that this morning I worked outside for 4 hours hauling and shoveling dirt, putting up fencing. I was so tired before my run. The stuff had to be done today and I will get 2 rest days before my next "long" run...which is something like 3 miles.
Holy cow! That alone would have been enough to make me think about skipping my run. Good on you for sticking with it!
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Glad you had a good run today. Mine was two miles of sheer torture...approximately 8 billion degrees in the shade, no shade, no breeze. I had to walk extra to finish. I'd love to be able to run 3 miles on a treadmill even. It probably didn't help that this morning I worked outside for 4 hours hauling and shoveling dirt, putting up fencing. I was so tired before my run. The stuff had to be done today and I will get 2 rest days before my next "long" run...which is something like 3 miles.
Holy cow! That alone would have been enough to make me think about skipping my run. Good on you for sticking with it!
The hard physical work has been making it hard for me to get runs in. When I trained for my last Half I was mostly a SAHD working very part time, now I'm mostly a carpenter/Construction worker occasionally watching the kids...
This week has been in the 90's with high humidity and I've been building a deck....after work runs just are not happening. I leave at 6:15 in the morning so that would be tough to pull off too though theoretically possible hmmm
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Yeah....I really want to keep the commitment to actually do this. But extreme yard work beforehand is hideous. I was so sore I have taken 3 days off. Back to running tomorrow to finish out week 3. Of course, then there is the other flower beds I need to help with so we can finish this weekend.
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Week 3 finished. Mileage total = 7.5. Today's long run was 3 miles. It took me 42 minutes to complete (running 3 minutes and then walking 1). It was supposed to be at a slow, comfortable to talk pace. I think it's maybe getting a bit easier? I jogged the last quarter mile and ran the last few hundred yards. Not much I know but longer than I've run for years.
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Week 5 finished. Mileage total = 9. I'm apparently running a lot better...the group leader suggested I consider switching from the run-walk group to the run group. Long run today was 4 miles. I'm starting to not feel like a junked bus all the time.
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Week 5 finished. Mileage total = 9. I'm apparently running a lot better...the group leader suggested I consider switching from the run-walk group to the run group. Long run today was 4 miles. I'm starting to not feel like a junked bus all the time.
Nice! When is your race?
I've been sporadically running like once a week at best. But now that I'm basically 4 months out I need to get serious! Going to start trying to get in twice a week minimum for July.
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October 14. 15 weeks left. I'm nervous about transitioning to the run group. But 5 weeks ago I couldn't run 1/8 mile and this morning I did 4 miles (run 4 min/walk 1) and had enough left over to run the whole last half mile at a faster pace and not be exhausted when I finished. So maybe the run group will be okay. I can still walk if needed and the mileage increases pretty slowly.
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I haven't run in two weeks due to ankle pain. I think I'm going to try tomorrow to see if it feels any better. Not sure what to do if it doesn't, since that will seriously depress me. This exact same thing happened the last time I tried to train for a half marathon, I got tendinitis in my ankles and had to stop running for two months. Trying to stay positive. 14 weeks left.
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Success, if only minor. I tried running today, which I haven't done in two weeks. My ankle didn't hurt like it has been, so I actually ran on it. I didn't want to push it though, so I only did one mile, which gives me a total weekly mileage of... 1 mile. Tomorrow starts a new week. We'll see if it holds up enough that I can slowly ramp back up.
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Success, if only minor. I tried running today, which I haven't done in two weeks. My ankle didn't hurt like it has been, so I actually ran on it. I didn't want to push it though, so I only did one mile, which gives me a total weekly mileage of... 1 mile. Tomorrow starts a new week. We'll see if it holds up enough that I can slowly ramp back up.
Great! Take it slow and easy (walk intervals?)...glad you can get back into it.
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I ran again today, and the ankle seems to be holding up so far. I did run walk intervals (as suggested) and it was probably wise. Last week I actually had my husband take a video of me running to see if we could figure out what was going on with my form. It turns out (not a big surprise) that I am a shuffle runner, which likely explains why I'm so slow. I tried to focus on my form while running today, knees and feet, plus keeping my arms low (they tend to creep up). I'm also going to start adding short sprints to the end of some of my runs, because I think that will also help with form.
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I've heard a lot of advice about switching either to walk-run intervals or dramatically slowing your pace to build mileage. Our group leader is harping on slow miles while endurance is being built.
Yes. I use the Galloway method and finally bought a book "Half Marathon Training for Women" or something like that.
The long run days are supposed to be SLOW. Very SLOW. You are still building endurance, no matter how slow you go.
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Well, my run today made me feel somewhat better. I ran inside on the treadmill (I'll take 70 deg AC over 90 degree weather any day!). There is a distinct difference in my ability to run on the treadmill over running outside. On Sunday, I made it less than a mile and a half before walking. Today, I made it 3.1 miles before I gave myself a break. I completed a total of 4 miles, with only a tiny fraction walking.
Now I just need to figure out what the difference is, as it could be many things. Maybe I go out too fast? Maybe my form changes drastically when I run outside? Maybe it's just the effort of having to push myself forward with or without the hills. I'll keep an eye on it and see if I can pinpoint what my issues are.
I like the treadmill. I found my pace made the most progress when I used a 3-day a week training plan, and one of the days was intervals. I loaned that book to someone, but one week it would be 200's, the next 400's. Also 800's and 1600's. The shorter the interval, the faster the pace. The book helped you calculate it. I'm sure you can find a similar calculator on line.
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I decided to join a local running training group ($) for the Pier to Peak. The half is Labor Day weekend, and it's allll up hill. There are 5 of us at work (current and former coworkers) doing it, and I will for sure come in dead last. (The only female and a good 10-17 years older than 3 of the guys).
It's a 3x a week group, and first day was great. Hill repeats, with sprints at the top of the hill. I'm looking forward to it.
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October 14. 15 weeks left....5 weeks ago I couldn't run 1/8 mile and this morning I did 4 miles (run 4 min/walk 1) and had enough left over to run the whole last half mile at a faster pace and not be exhausted when I finished.
Another week down: mileage total = 10.5. Our long run was 4.5 miles. I did 4 min run/1 min walk on the way out and....ran...the...whole...way....back. 2.25 miles with zero walk breaks. It took 31 minutes so I wasn't running fast. And I was pretty tired but I finished. :-)
I signed up for a 5k with a friend on July 30. She wants to run the whole thing but I'm somewhat hopeful since its only 0.75 miles further. I've done 5ks in the distant past but always walked part of it.
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My first training group week mileage was a little under 10 miles. So my normal week would be about the same, but I usually did one 2.5 mile run and one 7 mile run.
This week was
Tues: hill repeats
Thurs: 40 minutes of "comfortably hard, hardly comfortable". About 80% pace, where you can speak in 3-5 word sentences. This was hard yo. My hips were not happy with the turnover.
Sat: 3 miles uphill. The route mimics the hardest part of the actual race course (which is all uphill, I did mention that). They timed us, and we will repeat the course near the end of the training. I didn't come in last!
Sadly, only about 5 hours after we finished, a massive forest fire broke out over the mountains and the whole area we were running has been evacuated.
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Well, I ran several times this week. I did two runs that were 2 miles each (run/walk), and then today I tried to run and couldn't, so I walked 2 miles. Total weekly mileage 4 or 6 depending on how you count.
Ever since I realized that I shuffle when I run, instead of running the 'proper' way, I've been trying to fix my form. Unfortunately, what this means is that new muscles are getting used that weren't before and they're rather sore. My hamstrings and my glutes aren't happy at all, and unfortunately, they're pulling on my lower back. I have a really bad lower back, so this caused enough lower back pain that I couldn't run today (hence walking instead of running.
Trying not to be discouraged again so quickly.
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Ran my first half of the year yesterday. Time was 2:41ish, which I'm ok with. Last year I ran this one in 2:39 with better training. I took up a run/walk/run strategy after messing up my hip with a lack of training for two halves last fall. The run/walk/run (along with twice weekly yoga) keeps the hip pain at a bare minimum, and it doesn't really seem to be hurting my time at all.
I'm signed up for a few more halves this year, and have roped a friend in to helping make sure I keep on my training. He's not a runner, but is trying to keep up on his own exercise. We've decided that we will do 5 times a week of whatever exercise we agree to (running and yoga for me). We keep track of when we miss days, and if someone hits 5 missed workouts, they owe the other person a meal. We used the same method to give up caffeine and to be more punctual. So it seems to work.
My next scheduled run is August 26th, with a possible addition on the 19th if my schedule works out. Hoping for a PR.
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Joining in! My half is Oct 15 - St Louis Rock n Roll.
this will be my second half. I Did Disney Tinkerbell in May 2015. final time was 3:03 (13:20 mile avg), and that included a bathroom stop and the thousands of people who would just start walking directly in front of me causing me to have to go sideways or temporarily slow down til the hoards passed them. everyone says Disney races are slow, not meant for PRs, too many people doing them for fun and not following race friendly etiquette.
my goal for that race was sub 3:00 and I was pretty bummed it didn't officially happen. My phone said I'd done 13.4 mi, and combining that with the bathroom break, I was probably closer to 2:57.
regardless, this time I want a REAL sub 3:00! I've been running 3x a week and I am averaging 3 miles 2x during the week, and my long weekend runs so far have been 4 miles. I need to get back on the Galloway site and print out my prescribed distances so I don't fall behind.
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So, today we ran 4.8 miles with a 1600 ft elevation gain. Roughly mile 2 to mile 7 on the actual course. And it SUCKED. Worst part, it's not even the hardest part of the course.
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Joining! I'm running the Richmond, VA half in November, starting a community training program in August ($ but it doubles as social time), and am currently working on getting my carcass back into something approaching shape. I've been running three times a week for all of July and this weekend will get up to five miles for my long run. We've had a heat wave so it's been really tough to get out there, but I haven't skipped a planned run yet.
I ran a very unexpected three-minute PR at the same race last year. I don't think lightning is going to strike twice, so my goal is run no slower than my previous PR (1:44).
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My running situation is starting to really take a toll. For whatever reason (and it is likely a combination of many reasons) I don't feel like I'm making any progress. I've had several injuries/ouchies that had to be dealt with, but ultimately, I think it's my mind that's holding me back. I feel like I can't do it, so my body is telling me I can't. My race isn't until October, but at the rate I'm training (or really, not training), I'm not sure if I can still make it or not. Sigh.
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My running situation is starting to really take a toll. For whatever reason (and it is likely a combination of many reasons) I don't feel like I'm making any progress. I've had several injuries/ouchies that had to be dealt with, but ultimately, I think it's my mind that's holding me back. I feel like I can't do it, so my body is telling me I can't. My race isn't until October, but at the rate I'm training (or really, not training), I'm not sure if I can still make it or not. Sigh.
That sounds really frustrating! It's so demotivating to feel like you're trying and trying, and not making any progress. Running can be such a freaking slog, especially over the summer--don't know how the weather is where you are, but I keep reminding myself that the more I grind now, the easier it's going to feel in September and October when it's 70 degrees instead of 95. Running also doesn't always lend itself to linear progress. There are a lot of plateaus that seem endless, punctuated with sudden breakthroughs, as long as you can stick with it and trust the process.
I know you said you've been dealing with some injuries. Have you considered stepping up your cross-training game, if you're not already doing that? Strengthening your core can help with a lot of mechanical issues. Plus the stronger you are overall, the easier those runs are going to feel. Can you bike, swim, or try something like aqua-running if the pavement pounding is getting to you?
And of course, you can do this! If you're committed and do the work between now and October, there's no reason you can't finish a half by then, especially if you're open to run/walking.
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Izzybat....sorry to hear that you're struggling. I second what fluffmuffin suggests. And definitely the encouragement. A run/walk half is still a half; I'm doing that for mine because I need to take it slow restarting running after 13 years off. And the heat is a major problem for feeling progress. We're running inside (track and treadmill) in my group this week and the rest of our summer runs are in survival mode until it cools off. Our coach is encouraging longer walk breaks if we run outside. Hang in there...
I'm having trouble fitting in my runs. As I mentioned, we're inside (heat index of 105+) until the weather gets better. That complicates finding time because it's more difficult to keep the kids occupied (when we can go outside, they bike with me and are therefore busy). Plus, we had a family emergency so I'm trying to squeeze stuff in between trips out of town. If I want to get my training mileage for the week, I need to put in another 3.5 miles tomorrow before heading out again. My long run this week was supposed to be 5 miles but I had to cut it off at 3.5 and go tend to another issue. I don't know how much/if it will throw me off track to not get in a full long run (or maybe even my weekly mileage). After tomorrow, I won't have an opportunity to run until next Monday.
I did a 5 mile run/walk last Saturday. Run-walk on the way out and ran the 2.5 miles back from the turn around. Never run that far before. We have 6 miles scheduled for July 29 and then I have a 5K the 30th.
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Way to go on your longest run ever, Mongoose! It always feels amazing to knock down a mileage number you thought you'd never be able to handle.
I'll be slogging through 5 this weekend. My boyfriend and I are going to do a trail run Sunday with the local running store, so hopefully having people to talk to and a new environment will help it pass quickly. I'm planning on 6 the week after, then cut back to 4 the first weekend of August, which will be my training program's first group run. I don't know what it is--I really struggle with getting up to 6 miles at a time. It's not like it's THAT much harder to run 6 miles than 5 (or so I'm trying to remind myself right now). Once I get to 6 it's smooth sailing unless I act like a moron, so it's definitely mental.
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My running situation is starting to really take a toll. For whatever reason (and it is likely a combination of many reasons) I don't feel like I'm making any progress. I've had several injuries/ouchies that had to be dealt with, but ultimately, I think it's my mind that's holding me back. I feel like I can't do it, so my body is telling me I can't. My race isn't until October, but at the rate I'm training (or really, not training), I'm not sure if I can still make it or not. Sigh.
It sounds like you're going through what I went through. For a long time I couldn't get past the 4-mile mark while training. For some reason I was drained and muscles had stiffened to the point of causing pain. But I just kept training and training; suddenly one day I hit the 4-mile mark and energy level was high and muscles felt fine. I increased my training exponentially at that point. Just keep training and embracing the adversity. It'll bolster your mental toughness, and you'll learn a lot about yourself.
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How did everyone's weekend runs go?
To quote my high school cross country coach, mine was "character building" aka absolutely effing awful. But I made it without walking and five miles can't hurt that much again in this training cycle. Right??
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Ran 2 5ks this week and 2 miles of hills on a trail. Feeling great! Then we rearranged some furniture and I stubbed/broke the little toe on my right foot. Evil coffee table! It feels ok in my shoe but I cut my long run off at 4 miles (instead of 6) because it was throbbing. DS also brought home a cold. Kind of a disappointing end to the week but most of it was good. Total mileage = 12. We're scheduled for a "rest week" so I won't have much mileage this coming week. I do have a 5k I signed up to run tomorrow....hopefully I'll feel up to it.
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Did 7 miles today. Felt good at the time, but it's my longest run in about 2 yrs and I know it's going to hurt later! I've missed a midweek run 1 day for the last 2 weeks and was feeling pretty distressed about needing to keep my mileage up. Still averaging 10 miles a week.
I can't believe yiure running w a broken toe, mongoose! Sounds awful.
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I'm going to try to get get trained up for one in October. Been doing sprint triathlons. Less time to bike now, so I can spend a bit more energy on running.
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Ran a 5k race today. Was feeling good at the end except for my one toe being sore. I could've easily doubled it. My friend and I ran the whole way. She found out this week that her fitbit was logging at 1 mile for every 2/3 that she ran so we took it very easy. She had only been running 2 miles max in training. We also don't have a correct time because we stopped mid-race to help an elderly lady retrieve her run away wheeled walker and load it into her car etc. I'm guessing it was around 39-40 minutes of running. (Classic for me: something weird had to happen. Would have been nice to get a time but oh well.)
Feeling good. Rest week so I only have 6 more scheduled miles to complete.
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At this point, it doesn't really look like the half marathon I signed up for is going to work out for me. I've been struggling at lot this spring with my running, not the least of which was figuring out (about a month ago) that part of the reason why I'm so slow is that instead of running in proper form, I shuffle when I run.
My husband signed up for a 5K in October (the week after my Half Marathon is supposed to be). He wants me to run it with him, and given all the trouble I've been having, I decided to start over from scratch with my training. Today we did the first day of C25K together. It felt much harder than it should have for someone who has been (nominally) running several times a week for 7 months, but hopefully this time I'll train properly, with correct form.
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I've been pretty slack in posting an update here well because...I haven't really been able to do a lot of training with work going super crazy the past 3 months.
Last week I completed my annual local fun run of 11.1km. Last year's time was 59:55, this year 60:38. Having only lost 43 seconds and doing so much less lead up running actually meant that I was really happy with it.
This Saturday there's a 10k really close to home which I'm going to enter into. They have a half marathon option but I'm not going to stretch myself just yet with that... bit worried about injuries with the soccer season just ended and I've picked up a niggle or two.
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Joining! I'm running the Richmond, VA half in November, starting a community training program in August ($ but it doubles as social time), and am currently working on getting my carcass back into something approaching shape. I've been running three times a week for all of July and this weekend will get up to five miles for my long run. We've had a heat wave so it's been really tough to get out there, but I haven't skipped a planned run yet.
I ran a very unexpected three-minute PR at the same race last year. I don't think lightning is going to strike twice, so my goal is run no slower than my previous PR (1:44).
I'm joining and I"m running the same race as you and I also joined the training team. My goal is 1:59:59 so I'll be way behind you but I'm excited. This will be my second marathon, but that was 5 years ago.
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I'm joining and I"m running the same race as you and I also joined the training team. My goal is 1:59:59 so I'll be way behind you but I'm excited. This will be my second marathon, but that was 5 years ago.
Awesome TX2RVA, see you out there on Saturday amidst the 800 other people :) I hope you enjoy the training team--last year was my first year with them, and I ended up with a really great group. Everyone is so supportive and positive.
This week was kind of a struggle for me. I had a sick dog and some crazy scheduling stuff, so I only managed to run three times for a total of 13 miles. It's okay though, I was due a cutback week. And it finally--FINALLY--seems like the heat wave has broken. I've been feeling really discouraged with my pace, but with runs in 60-70 degrees with minimal humidity over the weekend (instead of 85-95 with like, 95% humidity...) I was running 20-30 seconds/mile faster and feeling so much better. I really suck at running in the heat, which is unfortunate in my geographic location.
The pup is also turning one tomorrow, so she can start running with me! (And maybe my boyfriend, since she's a live wire and could probably use two runs a day...but he's super-fast so she'll start with me until she gets in shape.) We've done some casual run/walks with her and she's seemed okay, but she's a complete moron so this will be an adventure...
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Ooh boy, this was a week. I was on vacation, and missed 4 training runs with the group. So I did my own thing:
1. Hiked 2.5 miles from 10,000 to 11,000+ ft. (and back) - 5 miles total.
2. Ran 30 minutes of hill repeats on vacation, elevation 6500 ft (I live at sea level)
3. Ran an easy 35 minutes along the river (6500 ft)
4. Ran the course that the team did on Sat, but I did it on Sunday (got back Sat night).
- 6.8 miles with a 2862 ft elevation gain.
- First 4 miles were great, I could feel the help from being back at sea level
- last 1.5 miles sucked so bad. I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the top. It was very hot, and I was getting light headed.
Total mileage: 11.6 + 5 miles of hiking.
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I've really slacked on my running this summer and pretty much everything else fitness wise. I've consistently run 3-4 times for 10-12 total miles each week and rode my bike/swam at least 1-2 times a week, but completely dropped all strength training since early June. Zero speed or hill work (I mean, one time I ran while at my sister-in-law's house and about died on the hills, but outside that...) Time to get back at it!
I have some 5k & 10K's this fall with my running club and a Half Marathon in Dec. My job might have some free entries into a local half in November, but I can't decide if I want to put in for it or not. If I did it, I'd want to do a PR attempt (lovely flat course for it, usually great weather!). I'm not sure I have the fitness base from this summer to jump into a fall PR training plan. Last PR was set at a different race that same weekend, but my summer mileage had been consistently 20-25 miles plus biking/swimming/strength training. I know I have a enough base to safely run a half and even post a solid time, but to PR? Maybe... Maybe not... I was also about 7 pounds lighter in weight.
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I've slacked on the running quite a bit lately. Might go for a walk tonight and listen to podcasts.
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Half-marathon training started this past Saturday. The first group run wasn't bad, but this Saturday should be much better since the starting times will be staggered. I'm going to try to follow the program as written except I have to move some days around because I have the November Project every Wednesday. So for the upcoming week:
Sunday: 3 mi.
Monday: Cross-train a.m. | Barre p.m.
Tuesday 3mi + gym a.m. | yoga p.m.
Wednesday: November Project a.m.
Thursday: gym a.m. | 3mi. p.m.
Friday: cross-train a.m.
Saturday: 3mi a.m.
I'll take rest days as needed on Mondays or Fridays.
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TX2RVA, glad you had a good first run! It definitely gets better after the first week with the staggered start times. Personally, it was really nice to be running with people again--I always go so much faster.
My big running development is how well the idiot dog is doing! She's been fantastic. We need to work on turning, but she's figured out "run" and "whoah" commands, doesn't swerve in front of me like she does on walks, and basically trots in a perfect straight line two feet out from my left. She's run with me five times at this point for a max of two miles. We'll stick with two miles for the next week then get up to three. Hopefully by the end of the month she can handle all of my non-long-run mileage, weather permitting.
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Sunday:
3 mi.
Monday: Cross-train a.m. | Barre p.m.
Tuesday 3mi + gym a.m. | yoga p.m.
Wednesday: November Project a.m.
Thursday: gym a.m. | 3mi. p.m.
Friday: cross-train a.m.
Saturday: 3mi a.m.
Midweek update: Yoga was cancelled yesterday due to the soggy ground. This morning's November Project workout was great. I signed up for the half/training team just so I could get better at the NP workouts :p I'm sure it is way too early to notice any changes but I felt much better and was able to stay towards the lead pack during the workouts. They have a pop-up workout on Friday that is nothing but stairs/hills -- I'm worried it is going to make my Saturday run with my group just awful, but oh well.
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@Fluffmuffin -- that is awesome you've trained your pup to run with you. I had a Lab years ago and she nearly killed me on a run!
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This has not been my best week of running. I left to go visit family right after Saturday's rainy group run, and had carefully packed all of my running clothes...and left my shoes sitting right inside the front door. So no Sunday run.
Then Monday I felt really sick all day, so no run.
Tuesday was cross-training. No run.
Today is run or die. And I might die because the humidity is brutal.
My boyfriend took the moron dog for a run over the weekend. She PRed in the mile by about two minutes...Dad is a lot faster than Mom.
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Sunday: 3 mi.
Monday: Cross-train a.m. | Barre p.m.
Tuesday 3mi + gym a.m. | yoga p.m.
Wednesday: November Project a.m.
Thursday: gym a.m. | 3mi. p.m.
Friday: cross-train a.m.
Saturday: 3mi a.m.
Completed all my scheduled workouts last week and I'm on track to do the same this week. I feel very slow and I think running 3 miles is much harder than running 6 but I'm sticking to the training plan as it is written.
These mornings have been so HUMID! I nearly died at the November Project yesterday. I'm running with my group tonight so hopefully that won't kill me.
@fluffmuffin - I enjoy running in the rain, it disguises the sweat!
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Finally hitting most of my training runs regularly due to the deal I've got worked out with a friend.
I edited the deal a bit yesterday so as to hit all of them... If I don't keep to my schedule, I lose half a point for the workout. i.e. if I schedule a run at 8:00am, and I don't go until 8:30am, or I do yoga instead, or some such thing, I don't get full credit for the workout. However, I still need to finish the thing, or I lose a full point.
Thus far, neither my friend nor I have lost any points, although I expect under the new terms, I might start. We'll see.
I'm now around halfway through the sub 2:30 half program on runkeeper. Yesterday I managed to run one of my fast miles at 10:17... 50 seconds less than my last fast mile for this round of training! I'm quite pleased.
My next scheduled half is a week from Saturday. And I'm trying to decide if I'm willing to drive a ways to one in September.
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Missed 10 days of training due to a family emergency....only squeezed 2 2-mile runs in that time. Rejoined my group for 8 miles yesterday.... I managed but it felt terrible, especially the last mile. Plus I'm super sore today. I hope this isn't going to be like starting over.
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I feel like the biggest struggle with training can be re-starting after life circumstances disrupt your routine, so way to go Mongoose and 10dollars for getting back out there :) And Mongoose, it won't be like starting over. It's really hard to go from 2 miles to 8--I'm sure you would have felt fine for a shorter 3-5 miler.
Did 6 with the training team on Sunday. My running buddy and I started super conservatively since the humidity was awful and we both felt like shit, so we were pretty much by ourselves for the first three miles since everyone else on the team went blasting out. But then magically around mile three we started rolling people back up, and ended up finishing mid-pack. I've never understood the appeal of starting fast and then dying, since I hear they give out awards based on where you finish at the end, not at mile 2. And these people are all experienced runners! I just don't get it.
#teamnegativesplit
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Did our last big long run Saturday before the race in 2 weeks. Time to taper!
10.8 miles, 3797 ft of elevation gain, finished the training run at 2 seconds under 3 hours.
My hamstrings started off tight and basically hated me the whole run. That sucked.
I'm getting better at calorie management. I basically need Gu every 40-45 minutes. Probably will need 5 on the race, used 4 this week.
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Hello MMMers. First post and thought it'd be fitting to start off here, seeing as this is a goal I've recently set myself.
Signed up out of the blue a month ago for my first ever half-marathon, which is towards the end of September. Furthest distance I'd run before signing up was 10km, but that was a year ago while I was relatively fit. My main goal is only not to walk at any point, but secretly I'd like to hit a sub-1:50 time! Not sure how realistic this is.
So far, I've knocked off 3 minutes on my 5km since starting (from 25:00 to 22:00) and am feeling great. Looking forward to logging my journey with everyone else in this thread.
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Welcome young_money! If you can do 10k you can do a half...just don't slack on your training. Love the ambitious goal time!
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TX2RVA, glad you had a good first run! It definitely gets better after the first week with the staggered start times. Personally, it was really nice to be running with people again--I always go so much faster.
My big running development is how well the idiot dog is doing! She's been fantastic. We need to work on turning, but she's figured out "run" and "whoah" commands, doesn't swerve in front of me like she does on walks, and basically trots in a perfect straight line two feet out from my left. She's run with me five times at this point for a max of two miles. We'll stick with two miles for the next week then get up to three. Hopefully by the end of the month she can handle all of my non-long-run mileage, weather permitting.
It is funny the things you don't notice until you become a runner. I never realized just how darn humid Richmond is in the summer or how hilly Northside can be :-|
I did hill repeats this morning after my 3 mile run. My form had been off because I always lean forward so today I stayed upright and took smaller steps. It was much easier.
My legs have been so heavy the last week or so. Yesterday I actually took a rest day and stretched for over an hour. What a difference!!! Stretching... whodathunkit!
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Two days ago, I ran for the first time in over a month! I could only handle a mile, and my legs were sore for two days! Today they feel a lot better.
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Posted a personal-best (distance-wise) of 14km two days ago. Was feeling utterly rubbish early (first 5km) but eventually settled into my stride and felt really good for most of the remainder. To those in this thread discouraged at all - it gets easier! I remember huffing and puffing trying to finish 5km not too long ago. Now I have some genuine belief that I can take down this half marathon!
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Weekly mileage: 17. Tuesday was hill repeats followed by a trail run. 9 mile long run today. My legs felt like lead the last two. (Full disclosure: I'm doing run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute). I'd been struggling all week with an evilly tight muscle but it's (temporarily?) let loose. Because I appear to love torture, I then went and played a softball game with the kids. :-)
For the upcoming week, we're going up to a 10 mile long run. It still seems like a horrific distance to cover but I've definitely improved since May.
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Ran my second half of the year this morning and PR'd! Came it at about 2 hours and 27 minutes, a full 10 minutes better than my last PR! I'll grant you, this was a massively downhill half... It lost more than 3000' in elevation. So if my next half in two months comes in around this time, I'll be thrilled. :)
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Ran my second half of the year this morning and PR'd! Came it at about 2 hours and 27 minutes, a full 10 minutes better than my last PR! I'll grant you, this was a massively downhill half... It lost more than 3000' in elevation. So if my next half in two months comes in around this time, I'll be thrilled. :)
Good job!
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Weekly mileage: 17. Tuesday was hill repeats followed by a trail run. 9 mile long run today. My legs felt like lead the last two. (Full disclosure: I'm doing run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute). I'd been struggling all week with an evilly tight muscle but it's (temporarily?) let loose. Because I appear to love torture, I then went and played a softball game with the kids. :-)
For the upcoming week, we're going up to a 10 mile long run. It still seems like a horrific distance to cover but I've definitely improved since May.
I also use the run 4 min / walk 1 min. On flat ground, or slight hills. With this almost-all-uphill-half coming up, all bets are off. I generally end up running only 1/3 to 1/2 because some areas are just REALLY steep.
Big race is on Sunday. We are tapering! The really really bad thing is that we are expected to get a heat wave. Low of 67/ high of 86 in the city. Which means it could be in the 90s on the mountain.
It's pretty common this time of year, and I knew that when I registered. But...it's been unseasonably cool during ALL of the training runs, so I'm not used to the heat. This might get ugly.
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Good luck on Sunday, mm1970! That's a huge bummer about the weather conditions. Don't forget to adjust your pace and time goals--it will only get ugly if you try to be a hero in conditions you aren't acclimated to.
I'm chugging along. We're out of town this weekend for a wedding so I'm going to have to do 9 by myself...haven't decided if I'm going to try to wake up early and do it Friday before we leave, or if I'm going to go for a change of location on Saturday. I'm worried about leaving it until Saturday because we're probably going to be up late Friday night with the rehearsal dinner etc.
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Yes good luck mm1970, I've got one on Sunday too!
I am not really sure how a hack like me tapers (always had a chuckle whenever an Australian swimmer blamed their tapering after a poor showing), but I've been sorta putting my feet up over the last couple of weeks.
Should be fresh for the weekend :)
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Good luck on Sunday, mm1970! That's a huge bummer about the weather conditions. Don't forget to adjust your pace and time goals--it will only get ugly if you try to be a hero in conditions you aren't acclimated to.
I'm chugging along. We're out of town this weekend for a wedding so I'm going to have to do 9 by myself...haven't decided if I'm going to try to wake up early and do it Friday before we leave, or if I'm going to go for a change of location on Saturday. I'm worried about leaving it until Saturday because we're probably going to be up late Friday night with the rehearsal dinner etc.
Yeah, the training runs have taught me that:
3:30 is a stretch goal. If everything goes well and I feel good, I can do 3:30.
3:45 is a reasonable goal. If I'm having an average day, I can probably hit this.
If it's hot? All bets are off. My goal is to finish and not die. I've mostly dialed in the calorie management (Gu every 40 minutes) and water (generally hitting about 12-16 ounces of water an hour, every other refill I toss in an electrolyte tablet). But I still melt in the heat. If it's hot my "walk/run" will turn into a straight up walk, and I'm okay with that.
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Suddenly getting very excited...race is less than 17 hours away!
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Suddenly getting very excited...race is less than 17 hours away!
Good luck.
RANDOM SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!
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Suddenly getting very excited...race is less than 17 hours away!
Good luck.
RANDOM SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!
RAMDOM SHOUTS OF THANKYOU.
(I should go sleep)
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Suddenly getting very excited...race is less than 17 hours away!
Good luck.
RANDOM SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!
RAMDOM SHOUTS OF THANKYOU.
(I should go sleep)
Dream big.
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Wow... what a race.
Running gets quite lonely on a long track when there's only a couple of hundred people doing it... unless someone is within 1 second of your pace, you won't be running with anyone else out there. I was fine for the first 7.1k - split was about 39:30. The legs started getting a bit wobbly at 14.1k (80:15).
But with just 800m to go I started getting severe cramps in the calves. Slowed me to a walk in patches and the last km took an agonising 7 & a half minutes. Finished the race in just under 123 minutes, short of my stretch goal by 3mins, but still thrilled nonetheless.
Anyway, got another one to run in 2 weeks, and will be shooting for 2 hours for sure :)
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Wow... what a race.
Running gets quite lonely on a long track when there's only a couple of hundred people doing it... unless someone is within 1 second of your pace, you won't be running with anyone else out there. I was fine for the first 7.1k - split was about 39:30. The legs started getting a bit wobbly at 14.1k (80:15).
But with just 800m to go I started getting severe cramps in the calves. Slowed me to a walk in patches and the last km took an agonising 7 & a half minutes. Finished the race in just under 123 minutes, short of my stretch goal by 3mins, but still thrilled nonetheless.
Anyway, got another one to run in 2 weeks, and will be shooting for 2 hours for sure :)
Fantastic effort!
Take it easy tonight. Maybe go find a cute physio on Tinder. ;)
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Wow... what a race.
Running gets quite lonely on a long track when there's only a couple of hundred people doing it... unless someone is within 1 second of your pace, you won't be running with anyone else out there. I was fine for the first 7.1k - split was about 39:30. The legs started getting a bit wobbly at 14.1k (80:15).
But with just 800m to go I started getting severe cramps in the calves. Slowed me to a walk in patches and the last km took an agonising 7 & a half minutes. Finished the race in just under 123 minutes, short of my stretch goal by 3mins, but still thrilled nonetheless.
Anyway, got another one to run in 2 weeks, and will be shooting for 2 hours for sure :)
I get you on the loneliness!
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The race report!
So, we got a heat wave. It was supposed to hit on Tuesday and break on Thursday. Well, it hit late (Weds) and didn't break until...afternoon of race day. Boo! In fact, the hottest day all week was race day. No fog.
So remember those goals:
- Plan A (stretch goal) 3:30
- Plan B (totally do-able) 3:45
- Plan C 4:00
- Plan D - just finish! <---- this was it. I finished. I came close to Plan C but just couldn't pull it out in the end.
So, the weather:
- It was 75 and muggy at the start (6:30 am), and by the time I finished, it was 95F at the top. Most of the race was really really hot. It was easily 85 at mile 4. I melt in the heat. Peak temp in town that afternoon was over 100, then we had a freak wind/rain storm that did a heck of a lot of damage, but cooled everything down 20 degrees.
It was interesting to see how it affected everyone. My coworkers all did great...but they were probably off their goal paces by 1:00 per mile.
My training team was similar. Our leaders were off by 1:00 to 1:30 per mile (slower than normal). One woman hit her goal dead on (sub-3:00). The woman who usually runs a little faster than me beat her goal finishing time by 30 minutes. In the heat. That's crazy. (She did a sub-3:00.)
My finishing time was off by about 2:00 per mile from what I might have been able to do in better weather. But one of our group was off by 3:00 per mile. She was having a worse day than me (still finished ahead of me though!) There were several times that I didn't think I was going to finish. After mile 9, it was really just "finish". I drank a ton of water and electrolyte, but it was still miserable. Those last 4 miles took me >80 minutes. (Of course, the two steepest mile-long sections are in there.) I wasn't going to be a DNF. It was so hot I didn't even know how hot it was. Not until we got into the car to drive back down. The other issue I struggled with was the tight hamstrings. I usually do a run/ walk. I had a strategy on the mountain for the spots when I would run. But it was too hot to run in most of them. Too much of either (running or walking) makes my hamstrings unhappy.
Am I going to do it again? My neighbors up the street (husband has done it 2x) brought pina coladas last evening and asked me that. Maybe. If you had asked me last week I would have said "heck yea!" The training program is great and I feel SO STRONG. But I cannot help but be disappointed by the result. My husband is super proud (and I am too), but it's still disappointing to look at that finish time and realize that it doesn't reflect the training I put in. And honestly, that's because life sucks. Sometimes the weather sucks, or you get sick or injured, or you are just having a bad day.
Maybe my coworkers who always slept in later (and thus, did most of their training later in the morning when it was hotter on the mountain) were the smart ones!
Today, aside from chapped lips and really sore toes (everything swelled up, including my feet - I shouldn't have sore toes from an all uphill half!), I feel great.
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...aside from chapped lips and really sore toes (everything swelled up, including my feet - I shouldn't have sore toes from an all uphill half!), I feel great.
Good job! I was able to complete a mile today for the first time in weeks...I rewarded myself with a fresh cup of instant coffee upon returning home.
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Way to go mm1970! Sometimes finishing is all your body can do...and it sounds like you made the most of a tough race (since you keep using the word "mountain") with really challenging weather conditions. You'll get it next time :)
Any chance you can hop in another race in the next couple of weeks, if you feel like your race result wasn't worth all of the work that you put in?
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Way to go mm1970! Sometimes finishing is all your body can do...and it sounds like you made the most of a tough race (since you keep using the word "mountain") with really challenging weather conditions. You'll get it next time :)
Any chance you can hop in another race in the next couple of weeks, if you feel like your race result wasn't worth all of the work that you put in?
Yes, it was an uphill half marathon...from sea level to 3997 feet, over 4000 feet of elevation gain!
I think I'm going to throw a couple of 10ks in the next couple of months. Probably not another half. I don't really like half marathons too much - I like "short and fast" or "low and slow", but trying to go 13.1 miles "fast" is not my jam. I tried this one because it's a test of endurance (and uphill is better for my knees).
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This week was a dropback week so we only ran 4 miles. Thanks to the cooler temperatures and Zyrtec-D I ran my fastest time since I started with this group 5 weeks ago. I have a lot of psychological barriers when it comes to running that I need to work past. I also need to be patient with myself. For the upcoming week:
Sunday - speed work at the track
Monday - Circuit Training at Gym with this routine (slight modified) https://youtu.be/UqFzWx8X5AM (https://youtu.be/UqFzWx8X5AM)
Tuesday - 3 miles plus lower body weight lifting
Wednesday - November Project
Thursday - 3 miles plus lower body weight lifting or foam rolling and 3 miles in the PM with running group
Friday - weight lifting - upper body heavy
Saturday - 7 miles
Question: How does everyone handle rest days? I count my weight lifting days as rest from running and vice versa. My internal alarm clock goes off at 0430 no matter what so I can't sleep in and if I'm awake at that time I feel I should be doing something productive. I don't feel worn out so I guess it is ok.
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Way to go mm1970! Sometimes finishing is all your body can do...and it sounds like you made the most of a tough race (since you keep using the word "mountain") with really challenging weather conditions. You'll get it next time :)
Any chance you can hop in another race in the next couple of weeks, if you feel like your race result wasn't worth all of the work that you put in?
Yes, it was an uphill half marathon...from sea level to 3997 feet, over 4000 feet of elevation gain!
I think I'm going to throw a couple of 10ks in the next couple of months. Probably not another half. I don't really like half marathons too much - I like "short and fast" or "low and slow", but trying to go 13.1 miles "fast" is not my jam. I tried this one because it's a test of endurance (and uphill is better for my knees).
Holy crap... what's that, an average of a 6% gradient uphill for the full race??? Wow... kudos to you, that's astonishing!
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Way to go mm1970! Sometimes finishing is all your body can do...and it sounds like you made the most of a tough race (since you keep using the word "mountain") with really challenging weather conditions. You'll get it next time :)
Any chance you can hop in another race in the next couple of weeks, if you feel like your race result wasn't worth all of the work that you put in?
Yes, it was an uphill half marathon...from sea level to 3997 feet, over 4000 feet of elevation gain!
I think I'm going to throw a couple of 10ks in the next couple of months. Probably not another half. I don't really like half marathons too much - I like "short and fast" or "low and slow", but trying to go 13.1 miles "fast" is not my jam. I tried this one because it's a test of endurance (and uphill is better for my knees).
Holy crap... what's that, an average of a 6% gradient uphill for the full race??? Wow... kudos to you, that's astonishing!
Something like that - it's challenging! But also brutal. And horrible.
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Well I ran a lot more in August then I had in June/July but still not a ton. 5-6 runs with the longest being 4 miles.
Race is 9 weeks from yesterday so I really need to get the mileage up.
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Nice job marty998 and mm1970!!
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My training is progressing. Have had a couple of 4-milers recently that seemed short. The 6 mile rest week long run was pretty easy. I have dropped my per mile time for short runs from 14 minutes to around 12 (running at the same perceived exertion).
Long run this week is 11 miles and very intimidating still. Half marathon is 4 weeks away. Gulp...
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You can do it, Mongoose! Don't think of it like 11 miles...think of it like "only 1-2 more miles of running than last week." And way to go on dropping your pace! Taking 2 minutes off is a huge accomplishment and you should be so proud!
I'm still chugging along. Work is kicking my ass this week, so I'm giving myself permission to just...not force myself to run. My long run last weekend was great, though! I was visiting my hometown so could run on my favorite trail, and a good friend/running buddy met me for my last 4 miles. She's not in great shape right now so I did a warmup mile, tempoed, and had an easy 4 miles with her to wrap up. It was one of those days where I felt like I was flying and could run forever. Runs like that make all of the slogs worth it.
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I survived my 11 miles this morning. It took almost exactly 2.5 hours. It was hot and humid and I don't feel very good right now. 3 more long runs before the race (4 weeks from today). I'm not sure I could've made it two more miles today...
My half marathon goal is to finish. Secret stretch goal: 3 hours or under. I'm guessing that's not going to happen.
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Anyone get horrible headaches only after long runs (8+ miles or more in my case)? Not dehydrated. Not skipping caffeine. Ibuprofen, caffeine, hydration, and eating don't help. It starts about 2 hours after the run is over. I may have had partial relief today from benedryl (antihistamine). This is so weird. I pretty much never get headaches.
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Well fuck. Completed my second one in a fortnight, but this one was a double barrel of pain.
I was on track for 1:57(!!!), right up to about 17.5km in. The last 3.5 unfortunately I was hit with debilitating calf, and then quad cramps.
So embarrassed at essentially having to walk the last 3k, I basically lost 12 minutes trying to drag myself to the line (finished in 2:09 net time).
Having said that it was a stunning view around sydney harbour, over the bridge, under it twice, and a finish on the opera house steps. I guess I had a little longer than most to take it all in at the end :)
Ah well, there's always next year...
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Signed up for a race on the 21st of October and have been following a 12 week training plan pretty religiously. Cut back on swim and bike training in order to do so. Please at my slight increase in speed for shorter distances. Ran 10 miles this past Sunday, very hilly, and sweltering weather. Not fast but got it done. Also able to drink about 4 oz of water during the run, something I previously couldn't tolerate without stitches and stomach cramps. I needed more water so next time will take two small bottles that hold about four to six ounces each.
I have a sprint triathlon in a couple weeks, the the. Half marathon two weeks later. I feel like I'm in good shape for it. Just need cooler weather to help me along. Hating this summer weather lingering so late in the month.
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My wife just completed her second Ironman Sunday, 144.6 miles swimming, biking and running. So incredibly proud of her. Thinking about doing a half Ironman that is 70.3 miles of the ssme. Maybe a full someday, just not right now.
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Good luck Ms Peacock! And well done to your wife Bateaux!
I've signed up for my third HM, race day is 26 November. My training is definitely going to include some longer runs.
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Good luck Marty. Train hard.
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Three weeks to go until race day. I ran 11 fairly blissful miles today. Outside temp dropped about 30 degrees overnight - so this morning was almost *cold*. Started out with shorts, tank, and wind breaker and it was wonderful. Ran 10 miles, picked up doughnuts at the neighborhood bakery, ran home and ate them still feeling virtuous.
I have a sprint triathlon next week and will somehow fit my "long run" in. I think the taper starts soon.
Trying to figure out my "off season" running plan.
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Got in my last truly long run before tapering: 12 miles. I tried to run it Friday but it was afternoon before I could get started and 88 degrees. Decided to stop at 6 miles and ran the 12 yesterday morning. Much better temperatures of 62 with some intermittent drizzle. My race is 2 weeks out and my group is tapering so next weekends long run is only 6 miles.
The training group leader helped me figure out my headaches. Long runs kill my appetite (after, I can be hungry during but have zero appetite for several hours after). I've experimented with a cup of coffee and some food within 30 minutes of finishing and haven't had the headaches.
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Sounds like everyone is making solid progress! I'm so jealous of all the folks starting to taper--I'm not even close. I think I have 13 this weekend and 14 the weekend after that. I'm not worried about the distance, but my chronic hip injury is starting to twinge and I'm losing a toenail. It's so easy to let stuff like that knock back the momentum, so I need to double down on cross training and bite the bullet and buy new shoes (ugh). At least one of my SO's college teammates is a Brooks rep, so I get a solid friends and family discount. I wasn't planning on new shoes this training cycle, though.
I feel like I've been flying through my long runs this year, which has been cool. We did 8 at 8:08 on Saturday, and week before last 11 at 8:22 overall with 7:50 and 7:45 splits for the last two miles. My race pace for my first half was ~8:05! It's really amazing to see what you can do with hard work and a few more years of experience. Unfortunately, I'm 29 so it's statistically likely that I'm at my running peak and that I'll never run faster than I can right now. Whomp whomp...
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I'm going to miss the "Half Marathon in 2017" target, but yesterday I signed up for the Gary Bjorklund half marathon in June, 2018. Excited! I get to go home, and run along the north shore of Lake Superior for a day :-)
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Got in my last truly long run before tapering: 12 miles. I tried to run it Friday but it was afternoon before I could get started and 88 degrees. Decided to stop at 6 miles and ran the 12 yesterday morning. Much better temperatures of 62 with some intermittent drizzle. My race is 2 weeks out and my group is tapering so next weekends long run is only 6 miles.
The training group leader helped me figure out my headaches. Long runs kill my appetite (after, I can be hungry during but have zero appetite for several hours after). I've experimented with a cup of coffee and some food within 30 minutes of finishing and haven't had the headaches.
I was going to say that I often get headaches after long runs. And I'm generally not hungry after long runs either, not until the next day.
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Three weeks to go until race day. I ran 11 fairly blissful miles today. Outside temp dropped about 30 degrees overnight - so this morning was almost *cold*. Started out with shorts, tank, and wind breaker and it was wonderful. Ran 10 miles, picked up doughnuts at the neighborhood bakery, ran home and ate them still feeling virtuous.
I have a sprint triathlon next week and will somehow fit my "long run" in. I think the taper starts soon.
Trying to figure out my "off season" running plan.
Good luck! i'm still trying to figure out my off season running plan too. My race was a month ago, and I decided that I wanted to cut back from 3x to 2x a week:
Weds: 3 miles
Saturday: 6-8 miles
Yeah, that didn't happen. In the first 4 weeks, I ran exactly 4 times. All on the weekend: a 10k race (disappointing finish), 2.6 mile run to the farmer's market, 4.6 mile run to cheer on friends running a 5k, and 3.2 mile run with a group.
I realized that after such a long hard bout of training, I got burned out. So the only way I'll keep momentum is to pay for it (I have a hard time with that). I joined a paid road/ trail running group on Sundays, that will be around 3-5 miles. (Generally plans for 4 miles or 40 minutes. But I don't do 4 miles in 40 minutes. Plus my best buddy joined the group and she's just getting into running. This group is going to be for fun.)
Then, the coach for the uphill half decided to have a regular "maintenance" track group until her next big training group. Since my Weds morning runs have not happened once, I signed up for that.
So, new plan:
Tues 6 am paid track workout. Today was ~2.75 miles (100 repeats)
Saturday "long" (free) run. I may join a free group for this. I'm going to cut myself some slack and not try for 8 miles. I think 5 miles is fine, and I might throw in an occasional 10k race.
Sunday "fun mom's group" paid run. 3-5 miles, depends on if my friend is there and the terrain. I'll be going at her pace if she's there and my own if she's not. There are plenty of people about our pace (11:00 to 15:00 run or run/walk combo).
We'll see about next year. I may just do the same half marathons next year that I did this year. Remember I hate half marathons? But if I want to do the all uphill one in September (to get a better time, assuming it's not 95F again), then I might as well do the one in May as a warmup.
One of the women in my first "mom's running" group this weekend made a good comment. I've been trying to challenge myself. What she said was "my strengths are short and fast. I've decided to play to my strengths and enjoy it." So, yeah.
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Well, today is a sad day. This morning was the half-marathon that I signed up for in the spring. I didn't run it. For various reasons, mostly due to injuries and lack of training progress, I didn't manage to complete my training plan (I barely got started to be honest), and therefore didn't go to my race.
I guess there's always next year.
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Great job mm1970! I could never even attempt a 4000 ft elevation gain race.
My race is next Sunday! Haven't done nearly enough regular mileage, but I did get in a 11er last weekend and did 3 miles this weekend. Did a 10 miler 2 weeks beforehand... I'll do 3ish miles on Tuesday then that will be it. I know I'll be able to finish, but the result is going to vary pretty wildly. Hoping for 3-3:15
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My race is in two weeks.
Meanwhile this weekend I competed in a sprint triathlon and placed first in my age group on Saturday. On Sunday I ran the Army 10miler. Overcome by heat and inadequate feuling post triathlon. It was a strugglefest but I got done right about the 2 hour mark.
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My race is in two weeks.
Meanwhile this weekend I competed in a sprint triathlon and placed first in my age group on Saturday. On Sunday I ran the Army 10miler. Overcome by heat and inadequate feuling post triathlon. It was a strugglefest but I got done right about the 2 hour mark.
If it makes you feel better, Facebook made it look like everyone was having a rough time at the Army 10 miler! Even super-badass fitness instructor active duty multi-marathoner-types, who didn't do triathlons the day before. The humidity was just impossible.
I did 13 on Sunday, which will be my second-longest run of the training cycle. It wasn't too bad (despite the deathweather), since I was running with a friend whose pace is usually about a minute slower than mine. If I hadn't been running at such a relaxed pace, I would have died.
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My race is in two weeks.
Meanwhile this weekend I competed in a sprint triathlon and placed first in my age group on Saturday. On Sunday I ran the Army 10miler. Overcome by heat and inadequate feuling post triathlon. It was a strugglefest but I got done right about the 2 hour mark.
If it makes you feel better, Facebook made it look like everyone was having a rough time at the Army 10 miler! Even super-badass fitness instructor active duty multi-marathoner-types, who didn't do triathlons the day before. The humidity was just impossible.
I did 13 on Sunday, which will be my second-longest run of the training cycle. It wasn't too bad (despite the deathweather), since I was running with a friend whose pace is usually about a minute slower than mine. If I hadn't been running at such a relaxed pace, I would have died.
The weather was horrible. I don't think they had enough water stations for the weather - not their fault because in "normal" weather what they had would have been fine.
I was useless most of the day Sunday aside from eating and eating and eating. Rested Monday and Tuesday - back to training tomorrow morning with 6-8 miles inside on the boring treadmill. 10 days ish until race day.
WIll probably do the 1/2 marathon back to back w/ the 10K marine corps run the next day - because I obviously don't learn from past mistakes. Someone offered me a free bib for it and I want the finisher medal!
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My race is in two weeks.
Meanwhile this weekend I competed in a sprint triathlon and placed first in my age group on Saturday. On Sunday I ran the Army 10miler. Overcome by heat and inadequate feuling post triathlon. It was a strugglefest but I got done right about the 2 hour mark.
Yay for first place!
Oh, I remember the Army 10 miler. Assuming it's the same one (I used to live in DC). I never ran it, but like the MC Marathon, I would go and cheer on friends (I was in the Navy back then).
I'm sorry about the struggle-fest - heat is my kryptonite, as you all know from my results posted above.
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I did my long run this week on Wednesday and yeah it was really humid. Was aiming for 12-13k but ended up stopping at 9.
The section from Km 8-9 is all uphill and I suffered badly through it. Walked the rest of the way home which was a good warm-down actually.
6 weeks away from my next race. Plenty of time to ramp up the training distances. Will try again for 13k this next week.
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Half marathon completed. I survived...but wasn't sure there for awhile. It was 87 degrees with high humidity...lots of the course was in the sun. Had an unexpected asthma attack around mile 6. Haven't had one for a long time, including throughout my training. Maybe too much heat and humidity? I've been running when it's cooler than it was during the race. Managed to cross the finish line (at a walk by that point) in around 3 hours and 20ish minutes. I was hoping to break 3 hours and was on pace to do that for the first half. Oh well. Technically I finished, which was my primary goal. I'm trying not to be disappointed. I'm going to get a script for a rescue inhaler...don't want to have that experience again. DH wants to run with me next year. Maybe I'll try again. Hopefully we won't have a freak October heat wave again.
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Four weeks left until race day. The morning temps drop drastically starting tomorrow, I'm quite curious to see if my runs improve because last week's humidity was brutal. My times are getting faster which is motivating. I've gone from 9:30 to 8:45 minute miles since I started running in August, all I need is to run 9:09 mm to reach my goal for the half.
I'm curious to see if I will continue running though winter or retreat back to the comforts of the weight room. It is so tempting to just focus on what comes easy to me.
I hope everyone that is battling injuries feels better soon!!!
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Sounds like everyone is making solid progress! I'm so jealous of all the folks starting to taper--I'm not even close. I think I have 13 this weekend and 14 the weekend after that. I'm not worried about the distance, but my chronic hip injury is starting to twinge and I'm losing a toenail. It's so easy to let stuff like that knock back the momentum, so I need to double down on cross training and bite the bullet and buy new shoes (ugh). At least one of my SO's college teammates is a Brooks rep, so I get a solid friends and family discount. I wasn't planning on new shoes this training cycle, though.
I feel like I've been flying through my long runs this year, which has been cool. We did 8 at 8:08 on Saturday, and week before last 11 at 8:22 overall with 7:50 and 7:45 splits for the last two miles. My race pace for my first half was ~8:05! It's really amazing to see what you can do with hard work and a few more years of experience. Unfortunately, I'm 29 so it's statistically likely that I'm at my running peak and that I'll never run faster than I can right now. Whomp whomp...
This is not motivating for 38 year old me (double whomp, whomp).
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Half marathon completed. I survived...but wasn't sure there for awhile. It was 87 degrees with high humidity...lots of the course was in the sun. Had an unexpected asthma attack around mile 6. Haven't had one for a long time, including throughout my training. Maybe too much heat and humidity? I've been running when it's cooler than it was during the race. Managed to cross the finish line (at a walk by that point) in around 3 hours and 20ish minutes. I was hoping to break 3 hours and was on pace to do that for the first half. Oh well. Technically I finished, which was my primary goal. I'm trying not to be disappointed. I'm going to get a script for a rescue inhaler...don't want to have that experience again. DH wants to run with me next year. Maybe I'll try again. Hopefully we won't have a freak October heat wave again.
Nice job Mongoose!! I forget if you have run one before?
did you follow any specific program for your pace or do a run/walk type training? My wife is considering signing up for one next April with my sister and her goal would be finishing in their 3 hour 30 minute time limit so just curious what worked for you.
Humidity/heat sounds brutal, been a crazy fall everywhere it sounds like :/
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This is not motivating for 38 year old me (double whomp, whomp).
Well, I'm also a lot more experienced with running so I know a more about what is and is not achievable for me with a certain baseline level of work :) I could run faster if I wanted to eat/breathe/sleep running, but I just...don't. I love to run, but I also have a lot of other things that I want to put my time and energy into. Anomalies like last year's race aside, I have a good sense of what my output will be with a given level of input. Whereas you're just starting to begin your journey--it's so exciting to see those chunks of time coming off each mile!
I really fucked up some personal scheduling and completely missed the 14 miler. I had a small medical procedure on Friday and have barely been able to use my arm since then. I could barely wash my hair Saturday and Sunday; anything more physically rigorous than walking around the block was totally out. I haven't decided if I'm going to try to make it up this weekend or not. I increasingly DGAF about this race but I've already put in so much effort, it seems idiotic to half-ass it now.
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This is not motivating for 38 year old me (double whomp, whomp).
Well, I'm also a lot more experienced with running so I know a more about what is and is not achievable for me with a certain baseline level of work :) I could run faster if I wanted to eat/breathe/sleep running, but I just...don't. I love to run, but I also have a lot of other things that I want to put my time and energy into. Anomalies like last year's race aside, I have a good sense of what my output will be with a given level of input. Whereas you're just starting to begin your journey--it's so exciting to see those chunks of time coming off each mile!
I really fucked up some personal scheduling and completely missed the 14 miler. I had a small medical procedure on Friday and have barely been able to use my arm since then. I could barely wash my hair Saturday and Sunday; anything more physically rigorous than walking around the block was totally out. I haven't decided if I'm going to try to make it up this weekend or not. I increasingly DGAF about this race but I've already put in so much effort, it seems idiotic to half-ass it now.
I was just teasing. Every running book I read talks about the "older runner" and then I realize they are talking about people my age. hahaha.
I don't think you should make it up just continue as planned. I went through a slump about two weeks back and had some teammates go through the same this past week. I hope you feel better soon!
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Half marathon completed. I survived...but wasn't sure there for awhile. It was 87 degrees with high humidity...lots of the course was in the sun. Had an unexpected asthma attack around mile 6. Haven't had one for a long time, including throughout my training. Maybe too much heat and humidity? I've been running when it's cooler than it was during the race. Managed to cross the finish line (at a walk by that point) in around 3 hours and 20ish minutes. I was hoping to break 3 hours and was on pace to do that for the first half. Oh well. Technically I finished, which was my primary goal. I'm trying not to be disappointed. I'm going to get a script for a rescue inhaler...don't want to have that experience again. DH wants to run with me next year. Maybe I'll try again. Hopefully we won't have a freak October heat wave again.
Nice job Mongoose!! I forget if you have run one before?
did you follow any specific program for your pace or do a run/walk type training? My wife is considering signing up for one next April with my sister and her goal would be finishing in their 3 hour 30 minute time limit so just curious what worked for you.
Humidity/heat sounds brutal, been a crazy fall everywhere it sounds like :/
No, I'd never run one before. I did a few 5ks years ago when I was a kid. Other than this, I hadn't run for years...and that really means zero running. It was a couch to half program at the local parks and rec department. I started with 1.5 miles of run 2 minutes/walk 2 minutes and we worked up from there. We had a solid 20 weeks to build up mileages (every 4-5 weeks was a low mileage "rest week"). This race had a 5 hour time limit but all the race walkers were across the line by 4 hours.
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Sounds like everyone is making solid progress! I'm so jealous of all the folks starting to taper--I'm not even close. I think I have 13 this weekend and 14 the weekend after that. I'm not worried about the distance, but my chronic hip injury is starting to twinge and I'm losing a toenail. It's so easy to let stuff like that knock back the momentum, so I need to double down on cross training and bite the bullet and buy new shoes (ugh). At least one of my SO's college teammates is a Brooks rep, so I get a solid friends and family discount. I wasn't planning on new shoes this training cycle, though.
I feel like I've been flying through my long runs this year, which has been cool. We did 8 at 8:08 on Saturday, and week before last 11 at 8:22 overall with 7:50 and 7:45 splits for the last two miles. My race pace for my first half was ~8:05! It's really amazing to see what you can do with hard work and a few more years of experience. Unfortunately, I'm 29 so it's statistically likely that I'm at my running peak and that I'll never run faster than I can right now. Whomp whomp...
This is not motivating for 38 year old me (double whomp, whomp).
I know. I was fastest at 39. Cannot imagine being that speed again. I'm 47!
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Half marathon completed. I survived...but wasn't sure there for awhile. It was 87 degrees with high humidity...lots of the course was in the sun. Had an unexpected asthma attack around mile 6. Haven't had one for a long time, including throughout my training. Maybe too much heat and humidity? I've been running when it's cooler than it was during the race. Managed to cross the finish line (at a walk by that point) in around 3 hours and 20ish minutes. I was hoping to break 3 hours and was on pace to do that for the first half. Oh well. Technically I finished, which was my primary goal. I'm trying not to be disappointed. I'm going to get a script for a rescue inhaler...don't want to have that experience again. DH wants to run with me next year. Maybe I'll try again. Hopefully we won't have a freak October heat wave again.
Heat blows. There's really no way to prepare for it if you aren't training in it.
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Half marathon completed. I survived...but wasn't sure there for awhile. It was 87 degrees with high humidity...lots of the course was in the sun. Had an unexpected asthma attack around mile 6. Haven't had one for a long time, including throughout my training. Maybe too much heat and humidity? I've been running when it's cooler than it was during the race. Managed to cross the finish line (at a walk by that point) in around 3 hours and 20ish minutes. I was hoping to break 3 hours and was on pace to do that for the first half. Oh well. Technically I finished, which was my primary goal. I'm trying not to be disappointed. I'm going to get a script for a rescue inhaler...don't want to have that experience again. DH wants to run with me next year. Maybe I'll try again. Hopefully we won't have a freak October heat wave again.
Nice job Mongoose!! I forget if you have run one before?
did you follow any specific program for your pace or do a run/walk type training? My wife is considering signing up for one next April with my sister and her goal would be finishing in their 3 hour 30 minute time limit so just curious what worked for you.
Humidity/heat sounds brutal, been a crazy fall everywhere it sounds like :/
No, I'd never run one before. I did a few 5ks years ago when I was a kid. Other than this, I hadn't run for years...and that really means zero running. It was a couch to half program at the local parks and rec department. I started with 1.5 miles of run 2 minutes/walk 2 minutes and we worked up from there. We had a solid 20 weeks to build up mileages (every 4-5 weeks was a low mileage "rest week"). This race had a 5 hour time limit but all the race walkers were across the line by 4 hours.
Well if it was your first then double congrats :)
Thanks for the info, I've heard of couch to 5k. 20 weeks sounds like a good steady build up. I've only allowed myself 12 but could run a 5K pretty comfortably at the start. The one shes looking at is about 6 months away so certainly 20+ weeks available, of course a bunch of them are in the dead of winter though.
Thanks for the response. I think she would like it and has been wanting to get in shape and lose weight so I'll see if she mentions it again soon and maybe try and help/encourage her. Always a fine line with spouses!
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Always a fine line with spouses!
Definitely. :-) I tried to get DH to join me back in May but he didn't have the time and not a ton of interest I think. Started making noises towards the end and ran some shorter distances with me a few times. He's planning on running with me over the winter to build up to 5K levels and do the training group next year. I'll do it with him and get a redo. Hopefully it won't be almost 90 degrees next October when it is race day!
I'm going to run a couple of 7K trail races over the winter to keep my motivation up until Spring. Plus my daughter has a 5k (her first) in November that I'm going to run with her. I definitely want to keep going...don't want to have to repeat the first weeks of starting running. Those were brutal.
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Half marathon done last weekend at the Baltimore running festival. I was hoping for 2 hoursish and ended up at 2:23 which was good because it was so hot and a pretty hilly course. Haven’t run much this week because my hips and knees are a bit angry this week.
Qualified for age group nationals for Olympic distance triathlons, so have some training goals for next year.
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Ran my 3rd half of the year yesterday. Time was ok... not my fastest, but not the slowest. I stopped training regularly after the half I ran in August because reasons (none of them good). I've got one more this year on Thanksgiving. I'll hopefully get off my but and train better for this one, but I am planning on doing it as a run/walk.
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Way to go on the AG qualification, MsPeacock! And good luck with your next race, 10dollars--this is a great time of year to be running, so I hope that your training goes well for your Thanksgiving race.
I did my last "real" long run of the training cycle this weekend. We have 8 on Saturday, then it's race day! Crazy how fast it's all gone by.
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My half was 2 weeks ago and I didn't make my goal of 3:00 but finished in 3:04. Bought 2 new pairs of shoes at the expo and I haven't been for a single run since. Have had a few things going on but I feel super unmotivated now with my race over. Need to find that get up and go again!
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My half was 2 weeks ago and I didn't make my goal of 3:00 but finished in 3:04. Bought 2 new pairs of shoes at the expo and I haven't been for a single run since. Have had a few things going on but I feel super unmotivated now with my race over. Need to find that get up and go again!
Sounds like it's time for you to sign up for your next race :)
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Not sure if this is a good place to ask. My running shoes will have 314 miles on them at the end of the week. I bought them in May. They still feel comfortable and don't have any places falling apart. My question is when to replace them? I've heard answers from 300 to 600 miles to "when you start getting bad pain after every run" (which I would like to avoid!). I don't do anything but run in them if that matters. Experienced Mustachian running opinions?
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Happy to help, Mongoose! 300 miles is a good rule of thumb, but honestly, if they still feel good; the tread isn't ridiculously worn down (there will be a layer of one color sole over another color sole; you shouldn't be able to see too much of the base color layer); and you don't have any achiness or joint pain after your runs, I'd keep wearing them. My personal triggers are 1) blisters popping up after long runs if all other factors have remained constant, or 2) achy joints and feet after long runs. I would definitely not wait for bad pain, but for me I'm fine to let it go until I start to get vaguely unpleasant aches after long runs (that can't be explained by "I did a long run"). As a new runner, I would err on the side of caution since you're still learning your body's signals, but I'd let them go for now and re-evaluate how you're feeling next month.
Only using them for running will also help extend their lifespan, so good job there!
Race is in two days! I've been sick all week. First time this has ever happened to me right before a big race. Pretty bummed since I haven't run since Sunday, but I'm telling myself it's just an extreme taper. I'll try to go a couple miles tonight and see how I feel.
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Race report: As predicted in my post on 11/9, it was pretty horrible. Hands-down the most painful half I've ever done. The first 7.5 miles went smoothly, but it's like my body just didn't have the next gear to push hard through the last few miles. I was telling myself to go and my body just...wouldn't. It's like nothing I've ever experienced, outside of dehydration or hot weather: I started getting dizzy and wobbly, my arms went numb, and I couldn't breathe. My training went fine and I should have been fine to cruise in around 1:44/43, so the only explanation that I can come up with is that I had some lingering effects from having just been so sick.
I still ended up around 1:45:30, which isn't objectively terrible (it's not even my slowest-ever half), but it's hard to avoid feeling as though I wasted a training cycle. I might hop in a 10k Turkey Trot. Depending on who shows up I might be AG competitive. We'll see.
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Not sure if this is a good place to ask. My running shoes will have 314 miles on them at the end of the week. I bought them in May. They still feel comfortable and don't have any places falling apart. My question is when to replace them? I've heard answers from 300 to 600 miles to "when you start getting bad pain after every run" (which I would like to avoid!). I don't do anything but run in them if that matters. Experienced Mustachian running opinions?
Buy a new pair. Run in them. If you don't notice a substantive difference, alternative between new and old until you notice the old ones becoming less supportive.
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Not sure if this is a good place to ask. My running shoes will have 314 miles on them at the end of the week. I bought them in May. They still feel comfortable and don't have any places falling apart. My question is when to replace them? I've heard answers from 300 to 600 miles to "when you start getting bad pain after every run" (which I would like to avoid!). I don't do anything but run in them if that matters. Experienced Mustachian running opinions?
Buy a new pair. Run in them. If you don't notice a substantive difference, alternate between new and old until you notice the old ones becoming less supportive.
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Thanks! I got a new pair and was shocked by how flat the old pair was in comparison.
Sorry your race was rough fluffmuffin.
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Ran the Race Sunday!
Rock and Roll half in Vegas, Really fun, parts of it sombering with a tribute to the recent shooting.
Just missed my old PR and finished about 2:04 short of my goal to break 2 hours. Missed my last long run due to a bad cold and was still fighting it race day so that was a partial factor. Going to try again for 2018 to break the 2 hours. Not sure which race yet :)
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Congrats on your race LWTG! If you’re looking for a fast one in the mid-Atlantic, come check out Richmond :)
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The Richmond half was so very cold... although some would say perfect race conditions. My feet were numb for the first 6 miles. I hit my goal of sub 2:00 and came it just over 1:57, which I'll take for four months of running. My next half is in April to keep me running throughout the winter.
Somewhere along the way I drank the Kool-Aid and plan to run the full marathon next November. Why not...
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The Richmond half was so very cold... although some would say perfect race conditions. My feet were numb for the first 6 miles. I hit my goal of sub 2:00 and came it just over 1:57, which I'll take for four months of running. My next half is in April to keep me running throughout the winter.
Somewhere along the way I drank the Kool-Aid and plan to run the full marathon next November. Why not...
Nah, it wasn't perfect race conditions--it was "the best option available if you're going to have extreme weather" conditions :)
Good luck with the full!
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The Richmond half was so very cold... although some would say perfect race conditions. My feet were numb for the first 6 miles. I hit my goal of sub 2:00 and came it just over 1:57, which I'll take for four months of running. My next half is in April to keep me running throughout the winter.
Somewhere along the way I drank the Kool-Aid and plan to run the full marathon next November. Why not...
Nah, it wasn't perfect race conditions--it was "the best option available if you're going to have extreme weather" conditions :)
Good luck with the full!
I was down right angry with weather.com the entire week! Especially since it seemed to drop just for the race because Friday and Sunday were warmer lol. Your time was awesome but I’m sorry it didn’t feel great. You honey badgers are beasts!
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Well done guys, nice to see some more halfs being completed (and some quick times too!)
My last one for the year is next week. Fingers crossed the weather is pleasant for it.
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Congrats on your race LWTG! If you’re looking for a fast one in the mid-Atlantic, come check out Richmond :)
Thanks!
I ran a cold one in Fredericksburg a couple years ago, have to check out Richmond
Somewhere along the way I drank the Kool-Aid and plan to run the full marathon next November. Why not...
*shudders* no fulls for me, too much time commitment for proper training. I'm also in the "Clydesdale" division so that's a lot of knee impact.
Best of luck with yours though if you go for it!
Well done guys, nice to see some more halfs being completed (and some quick times too!)
My last one for the year is next week. Fingers crossed the weather is pleasant for it.
Thanks marty!!
Good luck with yours next week.
Been a fun thread to follow along, we should do another in 2018 :)
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Yep - my next HM in 2018 will be in April, but I'll try and search for one more before then. Planning to join a running club next year too which will be fun.
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Yep - my next HM in 2018 will be in April, but I'll try and search for one more before then. Planning to join a running club next year too which will be fun.
Wow your on it!!
How many have/will you done in 2017?
The one I just finished was my first since 2013. Fun though I think I'll do at least one or two next year. May even do a slow one with my wife at her pace for support. She has never done one and is toying with it as a goal for 2018.
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Finished my last half marathon of the year yesterday morning. Didn't train well for it... Bad fibromyalgia flares with accompanying depression made it really difficult to find the motivation to get out and run. However, I still call it a success. I did finish, after all. Also, unlike last year, the weather was pleasant and so the race itself just made for a nice morning. I tweaked my hip a tiny bit, but it's already feeling better with some stretching. And I finished at 2:51, which for me, on a flat course with sub-par training, is decent.
I'm putting together my race schedule for next year (black friday sales!) and am once again feeling motivated.
This was also the race that officially retired my pair of running shoes with 403 miles. (Luckily, I picked up another pair on clearance after they were discontinued last spring. I can definitely feel the difference between them.) Now I get rid of the oldest pair, the next pair becomes the garden shoes, and these ones become the casual sneakers.
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Yep - my next HM in 2018 will be in April, but I'll try and search for one more before then. Planning to join a running club next year too which will be fun.
Wow your on it!!
How many have/will you done in 2017?
The one I just finished was my first since 2013. Fun though I think I'll do at least one or two next year. May even do a slow one with my wife at her pace for support. She has never done one and is toying with it as a goal for 2018.
Just completed my third for the year. It was quite hot and humid which took it's toll early so the time wasn't great for me (2:12), but still happy I went for it.
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I did 3 this year! Including a half ironman.
maybe next year I'll go for a full.
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Finished the year with:
1 Marathon (Paris)
3 Halfs (Key West, Paris, Geneva)
2 10Ks (Honolulu, local)
1 8K (local)
1 4M (local)
Hoping to run the NYC or Marine Corps Marathon in 2018.
Congrats to everyone for their efforts in 2017 and good luck next year!
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Finished the year with:
1 Marathon (Paris)
3 Halfs (Key West, Paris, Geneva)
2 10Ks (Honolulu, local)
1 8K (local)
1 4M (local)
Hoping to run the NYC or Marine Corps Marathon in 2018.
Congrats to everyone for their efforts in 2017 and good luck next year!
Wow! That sounds like an exciting set of runs! I would love to run NYC someday but need to actually feel comfortable at a half before I'll think of tackling a full.
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Finished my fourth half of the year last week at the Hoover Dam Half Marathon. It was a personal worst, but I'm still happy with it. I didn't do proper long runs leading up too it (I have been running consistently and with enough frequency, just run a lot in the 3-6 mile distance and not much over that distance wise). Other factors: 30,000+ steps each of the three days prior (it was our 'big' vacation for the year), three hours of sleep the night before (concert! Worth it.), and 2300+ feet of elevation gain (I live and train in a really flat area). All that said, it was a nice race. Scenic, fun to see the Hoover Dam mid-race, enjoyed the tunnels and soft surface running. It fit well into our plans for our 50 state goal, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a destination race. I thought it was a bit unorganized and wish the random one mile out and back past the finish line had been built into the start of the race rather than the finish (HATE passing the finish line with 2 more miles to go).
Hoping to add a couple more states next year. I know we'll get North Dakota (DH is in a wedding and there happens to be a Half that weekend) and hopefully at least one more!
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Man, lots of folks with multiple halfs!!! Nice job :)
Also interesting thought popped into my head with people talking of which states they have run halves in....I have never run one in my own home state! Looks like there is one in June literally 5 minutes form my house that I might go for.