Half Marathon training support group?

electriq

slb: Thanks! I hope so too! In the meantime there is massage and stretches to be done.

urban: nice job! I inhaled food after my last long run of 16km, total craziness that sort of hunger


In terms of hydrating I wear a camelpak for my long runs (anything over an hour). I don't find it bothers me at all so this option works well for me. Its sort of about finding your preference really, good luck with that.

mlb929

My 12 yo wanted to run with me this AM, I generally only run on Friday or Saturday, but wouldn't tell him no. We did a fast 3.5 mile loop. He beat me home by several minutes. But I still had a super great 5K time and was pleased with my run. I'll get a second workout in at my lunch hour to keep on my regular routine.

Electriq - I so missed something in the posts - the massage I think - but stitches? I'll have to reread. Take care.

Also, I got a hydration belt, I bought the Nathan Trail Mix Belt - VERY pleased with it. I carry a gun when I run and was worried it may not fit, but it was perfect fit, plus had extra pouch to keep my phone by itself.

katapple

I carry a gun when I run and was worried it may not fit, but it was perfect fit, plus had extra pouch to keep my phone by itself.

holy moly!! that's some hard core right there ;-P

curlytop89

I have a belt and I tried it a couple times last year with one 8 oz water bottle, the flat king that come with the belt. It drove me nuts. I couldn't get the belt to stay put. If I tried to wear on my hips then it would ride up and start bouncing and if I wore it up high on my waist and tightened the straps, one it looked ignorant, and then my arms were bumping it with the water bottle. I have just been carrying a bottle lately, but when and if I have to do longer distances, I'm not sure what I will do. Has any else had this problem?

KimertRuns13_1

Slb - thank you!!

I did BodyPump last night a very very short run. I got frustrated because everyone kept calling my cell phone and I would have left the phone but I have to keep it with me because of the gym's childcare policy. SO, I gave up on running at half a mile and called BodyPump good enough for the day. I increased weights quite a bit in class so I don't feel so bad about not getting a run in.

Tonight my plan is 5 miles but if I just go 3 I will be fine with that. The week to few days before a half marathon is tough for me because I hate trying to figure out just how much to do. I want my legs fresh. I am definitely taking a break on Fri and Sat though.



Electriq - I hope you heal soon!


Lots of great running going on! Great job everyone.

summertime_girl

Did strength training, rowing, and the treadwall at the gym today. Getting ready for a 3 mile run now. Barn later! Busy exercise day.

adhillman01

Tuesday I ran a short 2 miles with my husband, which was fun. I always enjoy when he's with me. Too bad he won't go a half marathon distance. Tomorrow I'm doing another 20ish minute workout then rest on Friday and race on Saturday. I'm really starting to get nervous now, but I'm really excited. As far as water goes I carry a bottle with me but I come back to my house to refill part way through my run. I've tried the camelbak. Mine is old and moved around way too much. If I continue this I may upgrade to a new one that might stay put better.

JonC03

So how does everyone schedule their workouts. I work in retail as a store manager and my schedule is different each week. Some days i dont go in untill noon, and others i open and am out at 4:30. Some days are close the store and open the next day. Some times i find it difficult to plan and schedule my runs so that i'm not running one night at 8 or 9 and getting up in the morning at 7 and going for another run then. Really trying to not injure my legs by over doing it.

mlb929

So how does everyone schedule their workouts. I work in retail as a store manager and my schedule is different each week. Some days i dont go in untill noon, and others i open and am out at 4:30. Some days are close the store and open the next day. Some times i find it difficult to plan and schedule my runs so that i'm not running one night at 8 or 9 and getting up in the morning at 7 and going for another run then. Really trying to not injure my legs by over doing it.

This is one of my reasons for only running 1 day a week and doing Insanity Cardio the other 5 days. I don't work retail, but the office I work my hours are never consistent. So somedays I get up early and workout early, will start with Yoga and work out on my lunch hour, or if at night, I just a more mild routine so I know I can hit it hard the next AM again, it's all about working out best for my body. I so a upper body workout or yoga the day before my long run each week.

mlb929

I carry a gun when I run and was worried it may not fit, but it was perfect fit, plus had extra pouch to keep my phone by itself.

holy moly!! that's some hard core right there ;-P

LOL Katie, I'm sure it would make you feel better if you knew I carry one all the time not just when I run. I never used to carry one when I ran, but a local runner was attacked by a pack of dogs and the same weekend a runner was chased by a man with a pipe, I live in the country and run roads in the middle of no where, so I'm armed purely for personal safety, if I ran in the city, I probably wouldn't worry as much, but I'm totally alone for miles and miles. It's really all what you get used to I supposed. Not to mention, I'm a danged good shot !

summertime_girl

Pouring rain AGAIN, but I joined the gym, so at least I'll still be able to exercise this morning. Looks like my run will be on the treadmill.

KimertRuns13_1

Pouring rain AGAIN, but I joined the gym, so at least I'll still be able to exercise this morning. Looks like my run will be on the treadmill.

Yay for the gym!! Put that treadmill on 2% incline and it'll be as close to running outside as you can get.!

Crosstraining and upper body day for me. I'm going to let my legs rest the next 2 days for my half.
Tonight I will be packing everything for my trip. My friends and I got matching (but different colored) shirts for our race. I'm not a huge fan of the shirt. It's fit is awkward. But I will be a good sport and wear it anyway! lol

mlb929

Kimert - I generally do upper body strength training the day before my long run - is that what you do?

summertime - I hate running in hard rain, a light rain I'm good with . I ran my marathon is a downpour and ended up with blisters on my arches and shivering that wouldn't end, no thanks! I do intervals when I have to treadmill train cuz I get bored so fast.

I did Cario Recovery this AM, I'm traveling the next two days. Hoping to run 6 or 12 miles in the big city depending on how much time I have since I'm there for business.

KimertRuns13_1

Kimert - I generally do upper body strength training the day before my long run - is that what you do?

Yes usually, but this race is out of town and I won't have access to a gym or even any free weights. So, I will be just doing whatever walking and playing with the kids we do that day at my mother's. I could pack a kettlebell but the ones we have for home are pretty big 54lbs and up and usually anything KB I do is total body. But I know it'll all work out this weekend.

Good luck with your long run!

slb106

3 mile run tonight...last run before my half!!

KimertRuns13_1

3 mile run tonight...last run before my half!!

Good luck! Smash the half! Can't wait to hear about it.

istalkzombies

i'm in!!!

UrbanRunner81

3 mile run tonight...last run before my half!!

Good luck!!!!

sjcply

What does everyone use for nourishment/energy during races? Gels? which are best?

linnea213

3 mile run tonight...last run before my half!!

Good Luck!

linnea213

What does everyone use for nourishment/energy during races? Gels? which are best?

I'm wondering too. I have used the jelly belly beans once, they were ok but so many people talk about the GU I'm interested in trying something different.

linnea213

Did 5 miles yesterday while watching my dvr'd Glee on the treadmil l(rained on and off yesterday). I'm going to crosstrain today with a 15 mile bike ride and JM30DS. Then my weekly weigh in...

KimertRuns13_1

What does everyone use for nourishment/energy during races? Gels? which are best?

Pre race I eat half a bagel or an eng muffin/toast with a tbsp of peanut butter.
At mile 6 I eat a few Honey Stinger chews or Sportsbeans then I just refuel during the race (or long run) as I need to. I have tried Gu and can't stand the texture, Gu chomps are huge and it takes me forever to chew one... The sportsbeans are small and the Honey Stinger chews are soft, both are easy to chew and get down quickly. I carry a handheld water bottle (16 oz) with Nuun added. I can't really say what is best but this is what works best for me.

rosiesparkle100

Eeek, I have just found out I have a place in the London Marathon in April next year. I can't even run anywhere near 5k yet!! Has anyone managed to train from scratch for a marathon in 7 months??

sjcply

I got 16 miles in this week! Next week I will increase it! I lost 3.5 lbs this week! :bigsmile: Woohoo! I am excited with my progress so far! I am ready for my races to get here!

quick question;
I am currently running 4 miles 4 days a week, I have a 5K in @ 22 days.....I am trying to get faster for my race. Should I quit running 4miles and just focus on doing the 3.1 miles at a faster pace? or keep increasing my distance, and not worry about my speed.

(I have a 10K in November and half in March, so I am working for distance in the long run.)

runnerdad

I got 16 miles in this week! Next week I will increase it! I lost 3.5 lbs this week! :bigsmile: Woohoo! I am excited with my progress so far! I am ready for my races to get here!

quick question;
I am currently running 4 miles 4 days a week, I have a 5K in @ 22 days.....I am trying to get faster for my race. Should I quit running 4miles and just focus on doing the 3.1 miles at a faster pace? or keep increasing my distance, and not worry about my speed.

(I have a 10K in November and half in March, so I am working for distance in the long run.)

You don't want to do speed work every day, but if you want to pick up your pace, I would do a speed work out (intervals / fartleks)once a week, and a tempo run (say warm up a mile , run at race pace 2 miles , cooldown last mile) once a week. The other two days, stick with you regular pace.

runnerdad

Eeek, I have just found out I have a place in the London Marathon in April next year. I can't even run anywhere near 5k yet!! Has anyone managed to train from scratch for a marathon in 7 months??

Wow, that would be tough. Probably possible if you are already fairly fit. Most marathon training plans are about 14- 16 weeks, but they assume you are already at the point of doing 15-20 miles a week, and capable of handling at least an 8 mile long run at the start of the plan. It will take you at least a few months to get to that point. Working up your mileage too much too soon is begging for an injury. One of the more experienced runners (maybe earlier on this thread, or check MFP runner's club thread) recommneded a year of establishing your running 'base' before tackling a marathon. And of course, it depends on your goal. If you want to really race it, 7 months is pushing it. If you are going to run/walk and just try to finish for fun, that may be much more possible.

sjcply

I got 16 miles in this week! Next week I will increase it! I lost 3.5 lbs this week! :bigsmile: Woohoo! I am excited with my progress so far! I am ready for my races to get here!

quick question;
I am currently running 4 miles 4 days a week, I have a 5K in @ 22 days.....I am trying to get faster for my race. Should I quit running 4miles and just focus on doing the 3.1 miles at a faster pace? or keep increasing my distance, and not worry about my speed.

(I have a 10K in November and half in March, so I am working for distance in the long run.)

You don't want to do speed work every day, but if you want to pick up your pace, I would do a speed work out (intervals / fartleks)once a week, and a tempo run (say warm up a mile , run at race pace 2 miles , cooldown last mile) once a week. The other two days, stick with you regular pace.

makes total sense! Thanks!!

summertime_girl

3.5 miles this morning, and a long ride. Zumba and a 30 minute run yesterday. Hectic weekend coming up!

SueInAz

Eeek, I have just found out I have a place in the London Marathon in April next year. I can't even run anywhere near 5k yet!! Has anyone managed to train from scratch for a marathon in 7 months??

If you work out the details and don't think you'll be ready, do you have the option to run the Half marathon instead? I know most races will let you opt out of the marathon and run the Half up to the day of the race itself so that might be an option if the full thing just isn't going to be doable.