Half marathon in 12-weeks: who's ready?

mollymoo89

I'm in!!

pinbotchick

Just a note to all - there are no "sad" or "bad" running times. We all should be proud of ourselves that we are getting out there and doing something!!!!

On that note - on shorter (2 to 4 mile) runs, I vary from 12 to 14 min miles. On longer (5+ miles) runs, I vary from 13:30 to 15 min miles. Time of day, humidity, heat and course selection all affect my times. I am very proud of myself for getting out there and "just doing it!!" my goal is to finish the 1/2 marathon even if I walk run it. Next year I can work to improve my time.

I agree that you should go to a store that specializes in running shoes and have them analyze your gait. Like most women, I pronate and the shoes to compensate for this made a big differance in the aches and pains. It was worth every penny to me. If you enter a 5k or 10k sponsered by a running store - coupons will be in the goody bag. If it's a charity race and you itemize on taxes, you may be able to count the entry fee as a tax deduction (double check with your accountant).

Earlier someone posted they were thinking of getting a running belt to hold water. I bought a belt that holds 4 eight ounces bottles. In this heat and humidity, I've been drinking 3 on 6 mile runs. Now, I'm thinking I should have gotten the 8 bottle belt. I'm going to try and wean myself down to a bottle every 1.5 miles. I may have dreamed this but I think I read somewhere - weigh yourself before and after running. If you came back weighing more, you're overhydrating. If you come back weighing less you're underhydrating. Has anyone else heard this??

Edited to add - great job on the runs today!!!!

jacqueline0821

Just a note to all - there are no "sad" or "bad" running times. We all should be proud of ourselves that we are getting out there and doing something!!!!

On that note - on shorter (2 to 4 mile) runs, I vary from 12 to 14 min miles. On longer (5+ miles) runs, I vary from 13:30 to 15 min miles. Time of day, humidity, heat and course selection all affect my times. I am very proud of myself for getting out there and "just doing it!!" my goal is to finish the 1/2 marathon even if I walk run it. Next year I can work to improve my time.

That is great that you are so proud of yourself for whatever times you run! If I finish I am proud of myself.

akasullengal

Did my long run for the week, which was just 4 miles (just starting the training), and it went just fine. Getting up early to beat the heat helps. The issue is just getting up. Once I was out there, I was fine. Could have even gone for longer, but didn't want to stretch myself too much today. 5 miles is a couple weeks down the road, which I'm looking forward to. Only wish it would be cooler outside, so I wouldn't have to get up at 6 on the weekends to get moving outside!

Amy_B

Just a note to all - there are no "sad" or "bad" running times. We all should be proud of ourselves that we are getting out there and doing something!!!!

On that note - on shorter (2 to 4 mile) runs, I vary from 12 to 14 min miles. On longer (5+ miles) runs, I vary from 13:30 to 15 min miles. Time of day, humidity, heat and course selection all affect my times. I am very proud of myself for getting out there and "just doing it!!" my goal is to finish the 1/2 marathon even if I walk run it. Next year I can work to improve my time.

I agree that you should go to a store that specializes in running shoes and have them analyze your gait. Like most women, I pronate and the shoes to compensate for this made a big differance in the aches and pains. It was worth every penny to me. If you enter a 5k or 10k sponsered by a running store - coupons will be in the goody bag. If it's a charity race and you itemize on taxes, you may be able to count the entry fee as a tax deduction (double check with your accountant).

Earlier someone posted they were thinking of getting a running belt to hold water. I bought a belt that holds 4 eight ounces bottles. In this heat and humidity, I've been drinking 3 on 6 mile runs. Now, I'm thinking I should have gotten the 8 bottle belt. I'm going to try and wean myself down to a bottle every 1.5 miles. I may have dreamed this but I think I read somewhere - weigh yourself before and after running. If you came back weighing more, you're overhydrating. If you come back weighing less you're underhydrating. Has anyone else heard this??

Edited to add - great job on the runs today!!!!

You're very right on the time. As long as we're getting out there and moving our bodies, we should be proud of ourselves! That being said, I still tend to obsess about it a bit.

As for the hydration, I know I've heard to weigh yourself before and after to know how much you need to replenish. I don't bring water on my runs (I'm the one who asks about water running belts), but I can tell a difference in a race when I've had some water to drink in the middle a few times.


My time is usually between 9:30-10:00/mile, and it doesn't seem to matter the length of my run. Should I expect my shorter runs to be faster as a general rule? I don't always know how long I'm going to run when I go outside to run, so I just start running at my normal pace. I plan on working on speed on the treadmill more consistently from now on. I assume that'll improve my time.

lisajuly

Morning ladies, I'm just about to leave for my run.

Let's see, if I'm runnng on the tm, I average around 10:30- 10:45 pace. If I'm running outside, it's ususally closer to 10:20. Though there are days when i do a LSD (long slow distance) and i drop it down to 11 min mile. My race paces for shorter races (right now) is under 10mm for a 5k and about 10:10 for over 10miles. One of the things that got me injured 5 years ago was running every run "balls out" , thinking i had to beat my time from the last time i did that run. I took my a while to embrace running slower at times. I still have a bit to go to get back the speed i had pre-injunry, and honestly, i may never get it back.

and for question #2, yes. DEFINITELY get fitted. It's one of the best things you can do for your feet (and your knees!)

I have a Fuel Belt and I'm not overly thrilled with it. It seemed to move around too much (bounce, i guess). I have a Nathan handheld bottle and i LOVE it. i can fit a gel or 2 in the pocket, my car key and/or probably a cell phone if i ran with one. When i know it's going to be HOT, i put it in the freezer the night before with Powerade Zero (diluted with some water) and let that freeze up and then it thaws as I'm running.

Check in with you all later.

Lisa

PS. Val, I honestly don't weigh that much less than you, lol. I find that New Balances seem to better for "not stick thin" runners and don't seem to wear as quickly as other shoes.

mollymoo89

Starting Hal Higdons novice half marathon training program tomorrow and I'm really excited!! Did 3 miles today and I'm ready!

thedreamhazer

Hi everyone!

Here's the link to what will be the thread for the training support!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/106273-half-marathon-support-and-motivation?page=1#posts-1466552

lilchino4af

I'm getting ready to take the plunge and register for the Women's Half Marathon on 21 Nov in St. Petersburg, FL (http://www.womenshalfmarathon.com/stpetersburg/). It's my first ever (most i ever ran at one time was 6 miles) so I'm a little nervous about how I'll do. But, I've got 19 weeks to train so I should be good to go some race day, right!?

Thanks for the link for a training plan - that will be a huge help!!

iRun4wine

Hey... where did everyone go??? :huh:

lisajuly

Hey... where did everyone go??? :huh:

Hey, we're over here ===> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/106273-half-marathon-support-and-motivation?page=1#posts-1466552 Come join us

Natalie43

bump

Natalie43

i'm in! i've got my first half marathon on sept 26 in Greenwich, England and need support too.