Half Marathon training support group?

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Replies

  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    The weather is conspiring against me this morning. Was up, dressed, and ready to run, and it starts to downpour. It's way too cold for a rain run today. Fortunately, my job allows me to take off any time, and exercise (or whatever) so if it looks like there's going to be a break, I'll run. Training plan calls for 3.5 miles today.
  • FunRun08
    FunRun08 Posts: 203 Member
    Hay all, I just found this group, I am running my first half October 2nd. I'm super pumped and ready to rock it!! When I get time to sit for a while Im excited to read thru all your success stories :) good luck all!

    Hi!
    I will run the half-marathon Rock'n'Roll on Oct 2nd. Are you too? You said that you are gonna rock it, so I assumed that yes. If not, good luck anyway!

    Actually I am running the Wineglass half in Corning NY. It's supposed to be a beautiful course and relatively flat (which is good). Some of my runner friends have run it in the past and said its a great race for a marathon newbie like myself. :)
  • Hay all, I just found this group, I am running my first half October 2nd. I'm super pumped and ready to rock it!! When I get time to sit for a while Im excited to read thru all your success stories :) good luck all!

    Hi!
    I will run the half-marathon Rock'n'Roll on Oct 2nd. Are you too? You said that you are gonna rock it, so I assumed that yes. If not, good luck anyway!

    Actually I am running the Wineglass half in Corning NY. It's supposed to be a beautiful course and relatively flat (which is good). Some of my runner friends have run it in the past and said its a great race for a marathon newbie like myself. :)

    My first half is also on Oct. 2nd, but in Maryland. It's the first annual race for the organization, so I have no idea how the course will be. Hopefully it's flat! Good luck to the both of you!
  • paladeac
    paladeac Posts: 81 Member
    The weather is conspiring against me this morning. Was up, dressed, and ready to run, and it starts to downpour. It's way too cold for a rain run today. Fortunately, my job allows me to take off any time, and exercise (or whatever) so if it looks like there's going to be a break, I'll run. Training plan calls for 3.5 miles today.

    Cold rain is my least favorite...

    I would encourage you to give it a try once in a while. If nothing else, you really get a sense of what you need to wear in case the weather's nasty on race day.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member

    Cold rain is my least favorite...

    I would encourage you to give it a try once in a while. If nothing else, you really get a sense of what you need to wear in case the weather's nasty on race day.

    I'll add, no matter how prepared you may think you are, you can't prepare enough. My first marathon, was horrible, downpour, cold, windy, and huge puddles. I ended up with blisters on my arches of my feet and felt like hypothermia, it took days to feel warm again. I used to not mind the rain, but 26.2 miles of it was horrible.
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    I think I'd need to buy some rain gear to go when it's cold out. I have run in the rain in the past, but only in warm temperatures. I don't have a suitable rain coat, and I'd have been freezing today. I gave some consideration to dragging out my Disney World Mickey Mouse poncho, but decided I'd look too ridiculous :)

    I did an hour on the elliptical, and will try to run this evening if I can. I'd hate to miss a training day.
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    Ran 4 miles today. Also some weight lifting.

    I am thinking I will run another 4 Thursday and then I have my 10k Sunday!
  • I am definitely interested. Right now I am running 4-5 miles at a time. I would love to be part of a group and follow a formal training program.

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  • katapple
    katapple Posts: 1,108 Member
    Linnea ~ I also like Hal Higdon's training program, I'm loosely following it for my full :) Keep up your mileage over the winter, you can repeat a long run each week if you wish...we did for this half that I just completed, and I never felt better!

    FunRun~ Good luck on your upcoming half!! Do you get wine and a glass after?? That would be awesome!

    Bprague ~ I hope your ankles start feeling better, I would def see the doctor about it!

    Paladeac ~ So sorry about your injury!

    27strange ~ Sorry abotu your knee acting up, I hardly ever run two days in a row...but probably because I'm so busy getting other forms of exercise in, I just don't have time for it LOL

    Urbanhippie ~ Good luck on your 10k!

    Shelly ~ Have you signed up for anything yet?

    Ran 8 miles yesterday, but let my husband use the garmin so I couldn't keep track of pace. (it was supposed to be a race pace run) Instead I based it off of my HR and what I think I could sustain for 4.5 hours, and I actually managed 9:50/mile, which is better than what I want my race pace to be :) Physically this run wasn't hard, mentally though it was. It was my first solo run in weeks! I have really come to depend on my band of girls from half marathon training, makes me worry about my long lonely full LOL
  • katapple
    katapple Posts: 1,108 Member
    PS: Half Marathon Pictures!

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    this is my friend Megan, who I was helping push to the end, we did all of our training runs together as well is this half!
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    right at the finish:
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  • lp0007
    lp0007 Posts: 125 Member
    Hi guys,
    Was wondering if I could drop into this thread. I have run half marathons since I was 18 (am 28 now) so have had 10yrs of running fun :happy: I have always used Hal higdon's plans and did so when I was running marathons too. Sadly I got injured a couple of years ago and that scared me so much that I stopped running completely. But luckily I have just got a really cool new doctor who has given me the confidence to start running again, yay! So far I have been running 3 x a week and am slowly building up to run the Brighton half marathon in feb 2012. Fingers crossed I don't get injured..... Nice to meet you all in this thread :smile:
  • 27strange
    27strange Posts: 837 Member
    Ran 4 miles today. Also some weight lifting.

    I am thinking I will run another 4 Thursday and then I have my 10k Sunday!

    Good deal! Foot's doing well then? Best of luck with the 10k Sunday!
  • 27strange
    27strange Posts: 837 Member
    Ran 8 miles yesterday, but let my husband use the garmin so I couldn't keep track of pace. (it was supposed to be a race pace run) Instead I based it off of my HR and what I think I could sustain for 4.5 hours, and I actually managed 9:50/mile, which is better than what I want my race pace to be :) Physically this run wasn't hard, mentally though it was. It was my first solo run in weeks! I have really come to depend on my band of girls from half marathon training, makes me worry about my long lonely full LOL

    That's a great training pace! Best of luck with the mental game, its tough to run solo long distances if you aren't accustomed to it. Good luck with the continued training :-)
  • runnerdad
    runnerdad Posts: 2,081 Member
    Ran 8 miles yesterday, but let my husband use the garmin so I couldn't keep track of pace. (it was supposed to be a race pace run) Instead I based it off of my HR and what I think I could sustain for 4.5 hours, and I actually managed 9:50/mile, which is better than what I want my race pace to be :) Physically this run wasn't hard, mentally though it was. It was my first solo run in weeks! I have really come to depend on my band of girls from half marathon training, makes me worry about my long lonely full LOL

    Although I am a big proponent of having a running group for training (helps keep you motivated and commited), you do need to throw in some solo long runs in your marathon training (and probably 1/2 training too) to work on the mental toughness. You have to know that you can dig deep and pull through it on your own when the going gets tough.
  • im interested to join the group... im planning to run a full marathon next year...
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    I have been bad at posting here. Ooops.

    I was suppose to run my last real long(ish) run before my half this past Saturday.
    After an evening of margaritas and fried appetizers running is tough! What was suppose to be 8 miles turned into only 5. But oh well.
    This week I have:
    Mon - 4 miles
    Tues - rest, moving new furniture!ha
    Weds - 5 miles w/2 mile tempo
    Thurs - not sure yet!
    Fri - usually a rest day, but considering a speed workout
    Sat - 6 miles
    Sun - 3 miles

    next week is my week before my half marathon. I have not decided exactly my plan. I want my legs as fresh as I can have them for my race. Suprisingly I am not nervous yet. I was a bundle of nerves before my first half. I hope i can keep the nerves at bay before this next one.
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    PS: Half Marathon Pictures!

    Awesome pics! Cant wait for my first half!! Congrats!!
  • sjcply
    sjcply Posts: 817 Member
    Today is rest day on running, Gonna get some strength on for my upper body tho!!

    Happy Hump day everyone!! :drinker:
  • katapple
    katapple Posts: 1,108 Member
    Ran 8 miles yesterday, but let my husband use the garmin so I couldn't keep track of pace. (it was supposed to be a race pace run) Instead I based it off of my HR and what I think I could sustain for 4.5 hours, and I actually managed 9:50/mile, which is better than what I want my race pace to be :) Physically this run wasn't hard, mentally though it was. It was my first solo run in weeks! I have really come to depend on my band of girls from half marathon training, makes me worry about my long lonely full LOL

    Although I am a big proponent of having a running group for training (helps keep you motivated and commited), you do need to throw in some solo long runs in your marathon training (and probably 1/2 training too) to work on the mental toughness. You have to know that you can dig deep and pull through it on your own when the going gets tough.

    Thanks for that! I know I should probably do some of my runs alone....doesn't make me happy, but I know it needs to be done ;-P A lot of the girls are joining me halfway through my long runs, so I will be running the first part alone, and the last part alone...hopefully that will be enough to toughen my mind :)
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    Today is supposed to be a cross-training day, but I need to double up since I didn't get to run yesterday. Did an hour speed walk with a friend this morning, but still need to get in a 3.5 mile run to stay on track with my plan.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Gals and guys, sorry I haven't been participating much.

    I have to confess the 10k really took it out of me and I'm convinced I'm not ready for the half marathon yet. I've been in similar situations before and forcing myself through a race has made me hate running, hurt myself or make myself ill, and give it up for months. I don't want that to happen.

    I'm also still too slow to be in the main pack and being right at the back for long races time and time again is a very lonely, miserable experience.

    I think I'm going to pull out of the race and go back to running being a fun part of my favoured training routine. I plan to keep up a respectable distance over winter and work on my speed when the weather drives me indoor.

    Good luck with all your race plans!
  • Katapple...Nice pics!
    I couldn't find a running buddy to train with so I've been running alone from the beginning. I guess I'm used to it now because I kind of like it. It's the one time during the day that I have to myself. I don't listen to music either so it's just me and my thoughts :smile:

    Ip0007 and rcvinluan...welcome! I've enjoyed using Hal Higdon's program.

    Kimert...I'm also trying to decide what next week (week before my race) looks like. I think my schedule has shorter runs on Tuesday and Thursday, strength on Monday and Wednesday, and then rest on Friday and Saturday. I'm nervous about not doing anything for the two days before my race. Not sure if I should do a short run on Friday.

    Summertime_girl...I have to double up today too! Missed my run yesterday.

    BerryH...I'm sorry that your 10k didn't go well. I would say do whatever you need to to keep yourself healthy and running fun! Good luck!
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    Berry - hang in there. I totally understand! Don't give up and just keep on doing what you're doing. When the time comes and you do run that distance you will be so glad you stepped up. It's always good to go based on how you "feel."


    Slb- You may have said, but which race are you doing? I think I have short runs next week too. I like taking a couple of days off before a half marathon. I *may* do some cross training early morning on the Friday before but won't do much more than walking the day before my race.
  • 27strange
    27strange Posts: 837 Member
    Gals and guys, sorry I haven't been participating much.

    I have to confess the 10k really took it out of me and I'm convinced I'm not ready for the half marathon yet. I've been in similar situations before and forcing myself through a race has made me hate running, hurt myself or make myself ill, and give it up for months. I don't want that to happen.

    I'm also still too slow to be in the main pack and being right at the back for long races time and time again is a very lonely, miserable experience.

    I think I'm going to pull out of the race and go back to running being a fun part of my favoured training routine. I plan to keep up a respectable distance over winter and work on my speed when the weather drives me indoor.

    Good luck with all your race plans!

    You gotta do what is best for you. Sounds like you have weighed the options and are making the smartest decision for yourself both physically and mentally. There are 1/2's to run all the time, maybe next spring or summer you will be there. Running should be fun be for all else!

    I, too, am struggling this week with training. I have bum knees and the 15k I did Sunday really took its toll this week, don't know why, because I have run 15k distances the last couple of weekends no problem. I really want to work up to and complete the 1/2 in November, but I hate that after long runs I need 3 days to recover. I'd almost rather run 3 miles 7 days a week than just get to run 3 days a week with one run being long...I dunno. I talked to my old PT from my last knee injury and am following his recommendation of doing cross training this week, taking a break from running for a few extra days.
  • Kimert, I'm doing the Run for Shelter in Annapolis, MD. Which one are you doing? It makes me feel better to know that you take the two days off before the race. That's what my training schedule says to do, but I guess it made me kind of nervous.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Katie - great photos, it's awesome to see someone smiling while running.

    27 - I struggled with knee pain for years, and finished my first marathon in a mess. I then switched up training, I only run 1 day per week now, I do Insanity and P90X, which has really really helped knee pain. They say the majority of knee pain is actually hip strength.

    I'm doing my long run Friday 12 miles, I'm still 5 weeks away from my half marathon, but will be traveling 2 of those weeks and will do shorter runs. I'm hoping for 12, 6, 13, 6, then race weekend.
  • runnerdad
    runnerdad Posts: 2,081 Member
    Gals and guys, sorry I haven't been participating much.

    I have to confess the 10k really took it out of me and I'm convinced I'm not ready for the half marathon yet. I've been in similar situations before and forcing myself through a race has made me hate running, hurt myself or make myself ill, and give it up for months. I don't want that to happen.

    I'm also still too slow to be in the main pack and being right at the back for long races time and time again is a very lonely, miserable experience.

    I think I'm going to pull out of the race and go back to running being a fun part of my favoured training routine. I plan to keep up a respectable distance over winter and work on my speed when the weather drives me indoor.

    Good luck with all your race plans!

    Sorry your 10 K was a rough run. No need to apologize - we all have runs that don't go well from time to time. If you don't think you can run the 1/2 for fun, drop out! We are here for fun and fitness, and if pushing yourself to do the half is not fun and risks injury, forget about it., with no regrets. There will be other races, when you are better prepared to tackle them.
  • paladeac
    paladeac Posts: 81 Member
    8 miles in a steady rain.

    Not my greatest time, but at least I was out there.
  • peachyolives
    peachyolives Posts: 46 Member
    This is probably a little late (as I see this group started in the beginning of September!), but I'm running a half marathon as well and would love to get in on this. I'm running the Rock 'n Roll Savannah one on November 5th. Super excited! I just started running this year and have since run four 5K's...I'm sort of doing my own thing with training (my longest run so far has been 8 miles), but a support group is always good. :)

    Is anybody else running theirs in November?
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    This is probably a little late (as I see this group started in the beginning of September!), but I'm running a half marathon as well and would love to get in on this. I'm running the Rock 'n Roll Savannah one on November 5th. Super excited! I just started running this year and have since run four 5K's...I'm sort of doing my own thing with training (my longest run so far has been 8 miles), but a support group is always good. :)

    Is anybody else running theirs in November?

    I'm running my second half on October 22, but it's a hard hard route. I'd like to one in November and in December if I can find a closer to local one. I'll be doing one in March for sure, which I'm hoping to PR at, it's super flat and should be easy.
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