First half marathon

samthepanda

So on Sunday I completed my first half marathon. I was in my early 40s before I started jogging. I jogged with an ‘all comers’ group for a while at my gym which dwindled to me and one other. I was always the slowest. I did a couple of 10k races , not fast but ok. In a moment of madness I entered the half marathon after a while of having those ‘one day I’ll do it’ thoughts. Literally that week my running partner got injured so i didn’t run for ages as without that accountability it was all to easy to not go out because it was wet, a bit cold, I felt a bit rough....suddenly it’s December! Getting back into routine was hard, running beyond 3 miles felt impossible! I went back to couch to 5k to get my confidence back. Training was hampered by anxiety ramping up, IBS flare up, some horrible weather! 3 weeks before I had a major wobble. I had only done 2 8-9 mile runs which ended badly with awful IBS issues and I wasn’t sure I would be able to do ( the thought of spending an hour in a portapotty mid run was not appealing). Following advice from some awesome people on here I decided to go for it. I had never expected to be any decent time, but I decided to not worry about it at all, my aim was purely to finish.
The day before the run I was incredibly nervous but I slept well and I felt better on the day. I had arranged to start with someone I met on the event page and we ended up doing the whole thing together. This was a big event and very well organised. The forecast had been for a very cold start - WRONG! It was over 10 degrees hotter than forecast, bright and sunny. I had packed several spare layers which fortunately I managed to throw to hubby as we were setting off as I had failed to find the baggage drop.
Part 2 to follow....

samthepanda

Worried about my IBS issues I kept the breakfast routine simple-porridge and immodium.
This is a big run through a city, and it turned out to be very well supported. some parts of the route were in the ring road but even there we ran in one lane and in most parts there was traffic next to us which was going slowly so many hooted or cheered. We ran mainly through residential streets and I was amazed how many people had come out to support us (encouraged by the sunshine I’m sure). I had been warned that there were some bad hills on the route so we set of slowly, soon passed by so many others which was demoralising but later we were glad as we didn’t struggle too badly on the hills.
Without boring you with all the details it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. Stomach held out with no issues, some hip pain but nothing terrible. We ran (albeit slowly) nearly all the way with just 2 walk breaks (on hills). There was a lot of support from the crowd and other runners.
I completely missed the 12 mile marker and was so pleased to realise I had less than a mile left! I still felt good. We finished in 3:00:02 (this included a toilet stop and a selfie at a local beauty spot). It wasn’t fast but I am so proud that I finished, so glad I went for it and didn’t give in to my fear and anxiety. I felt so good on finishing I have entered next years event,
If you’re thinking about it and still hesitating my advice would be just do it.

solieco1

Great work on the day and in not giving in to your fears!!! I don’t even know you and I’m just beaming with pride at your finish! Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈!

lemonwater1

Sounds like it ended up going really well! Great job on preserving!

amybrown1228

Congratulations!!! That is a wonderful accomplishment I'm also delighted to hear that you've already signed up for next year! Like you, I started slooooowly when I was in my early-mid forties. Keep it up!

Stew501

Congratulations, that’s an amazing accomplishment!