Half Marathon training support group?

sufikitkat

I just ran my first half marathon on September 24th!! Wish I would have seen this sooner...but I am aiming to do another one in the spring :-) My time was 2:06:16! I LOVE to run and am addicted to halfs...looking towards a full someday! Anyone want to friend...feel free!! Good luck to everyone that will be running one and congrats to all that have!

Pebble321

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

I like the Sports Beans Extreme. I'm a little unnerved by the gels and gu for the texture. Plus I like the extra caffeine. I also like chocolate covered espresso beans.

I usually use glucose jelly beans from the chemist, but I'd like to try something a little less processed - I'm wondering about sultanas or other dried fruit. I hadn't thought of chocolate coffee beans I may hunt some out and try them... I'm sure the caffeine would be a good thing. The only problem is going to be melting in the heat - probably not a good option for a long run in the Australian summer

FunRun08

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

I like the Sports Beans Extreme. I'm a little unnerved by the gels and gu for the texture. Plus I like the extra caffeine. I also like chocolate covered espresso beans.

I usually use glucose jelly beans from the chemist, but I'd like to try something a little less processed - I'm wondering about sultanas or other dried fruit. I hadn't thought of chocolate coffee beans I may hunt some out and try them... I'm sure the caffeine would be a good thing. The only problem is going to be melting in the heat - probably not a good option for a long run in the Australian summer

This might seem random but I was at a 14m trail race over the summer and they had skittles at the halfway point. A small handful chewed slowly really helped me get through the second half of a hard race. I have never tried gu or sports bean because they make me nervous and my stomach is sensitive to caffeine when Im running. I tried skittles on a couple of long training runs and have really liked the rush of sugar without any stomach issues.

SueInAz

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

I like the Sports Beans Extreme. I'm a little unnerved by the gels and gu for the texture. Plus I like the extra caffeine. I also like chocolate covered espresso beans.

I usually use glucose jelly beans from the chemist, but I'd like to try something a little less processed - I'm wondering about sultanas or other dried fruit. I hadn't thought of chocolate coffee beans I may hunt some out and try them... I'm sure the caffeine would be a good thing. The only problem is going to be melting in the heat - probably not a good option for a long run in the Australian summer

I haven't tried any of the beans or gels instead I've been eating dried cranberries. I eat a few before I start running and then about a tablespoon at the one hour mark. They seem to be working for me. I like the Skittles idea, too, mostly just because I love them.

summertime_girl

3 miles on the treadmill (it's POURING) and a 60 minute plyometric class. I'm feeling a strain in my right IT band, which is freaking me out a little with the race coming up on Saturday. Trying to go easier until that clears up, and wearing compression socks in the meantime.

slb106

Congrats SLB and Funrun on your amazing half marathon finishes!!!

I Pr'd my half marathon yesterday. I had wanted to come in around 2:20 but made it in 2:23:03 which is 5 minutes less than when I finished a half marathon in the spring. I'm super stoked with my time and the fact that with the exception of a potty stop and walking through one water station I ran the entire 13.1 miles, which I have not ever done in training at all!

That's awesome! Congratulations! I can't believe you beat your time by 5 minutes, and with a potty stop!! Great job on running the whole thing too!

UrbanRunner81

I ran 12 miles today! I am so happy. I ran faster than I did my 10 miles last week. It was raining the entire time, but it was awesome. I felt great afterward. I inhaled a banana and raw nuts afterward.
I tried Gu Chomps during my run and I really think that helped a bunch. I don't feel completely drained. I feel pretty good about my half on the 15th!

KimertRuns13_1

Congrats SLB and Funrun on your amazing half marathon finishes!!!

I Pr'd my half marathon yesterday. I had wanted to come in around 2:20 but made it in 2:23:03 which is 5 minutes less than when I finished a half marathon in the spring. I'm super stoked with my time and the fact that with the exception of a potty stop and walking through one water station I ran the entire 13.1 miles, which I have not ever done in training at all!

That's awesome! Congratulations! I can't believe you beat your time by 5 minutes, and with a potty stop!! Great job on running the whole thing too!

Thanks..the potty stop really frustrated me but I am glad it hit when it did because it was convenient. There were no other porta potties along the rest of the course that I could see. AND I ran the entire thing without music...alone, which has never happened before.

mlb929

Great job on the race finishes - especially the PR!

I started Month 2 of Insanity for my training, and I"m SOOO sore. Tomorrow is recovery day, I'm looking forward to it - however my 12 has been begging a run with me in the AM, and I'm working too late this week to do it after work. So I may need to run with him in the AM and do recovery at lunch, not much of a recovery day. I will do 12 miles on Friday, my second 12 mile run before my race so may go 13 if I'm feeling it at mile 10. Thursday, I'll stick with upper body weight training, but may swap out for Yoga to get that extra recovery day in if I don't do well on Wednesday for it.

It's started to rain - I got a new rain jacket to run in - but it's a little on the tighter side, can't decide if I should send it back or try it. I'm worried too loose will chafe somewhere, but it's tight on my shoulders - any opinions?

mlb929

I ran 12 miles today! I am so happy. I ran faster than I did my 10 miles last week. It was raining the entire time, but it was awesome. I felt great afterward. I inhaled a banana and raw nuts afterward.
I tried Gu Chomps during my run and I really think that helped a bunch. I don't feel completely drained. I feel pretty good about my half on the 15th!

Awesome work on speeding up! Make sure you get in your proteins, nuts are good, but there may be something better to help with your recovery and DOMS.

sharonsjones

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

I like the Sports Beans Extreme. I'm a little unnerved by the gels and gu for the texture. Plus I like the extra caffeine. I also like chocolate covered espresso beans.

I usually use glucose jelly beans from the chemist, but I'd like to try something a little less processed - I'm wondering about sultanas or other dried fruit. I hadn't thought of chocolate coffee beans I may hunt some out and try them... I'm sure the caffeine would be a good thing. The only problem is going to be melting in the heat - probably not a good option for a long run in the Australian summer

Ok this may sound stupid, but how do you carry your gu pacs and other nutrition during your run? I'm doing my first 1/2 in Nov and I have used the gu pacs before a long run but I don't carry anything with me while I'm running.

UrbanRunner81

I ran 12 miles today! I am so happy. I ran faster than I did my 10 miles last week. It was raining the entire time, but it was awesome. I felt great afterward. I inhaled a banana and raw nuts afterward.
I tried Gu Chomps during my run and I really think that helped a bunch. I don't feel completely drained. I feel pretty good about my half on the 15th!

Awesome work on speeding up! Make sure you get in your proteins, nuts are good, but there may be something better to help with your recovery and DOMS.

I ate lunch shortly after I got back. I had a big plate of butternut squash mac n cheese. I am feeling pretty good. I also made a large latte out of almond milk, too. I got lots of protein in! I think I might have some low fat keifer with some protein powder I have here in a few minutes though, too as I am starting to get hungry again.

Sharons ~ I carry everything in my camelpak waist belt. There lots of pockets. I keep my keys, GU, ipod and phone all in there.

mlb929

Glad to know you fueled up urban...I'm speaking from experience of being sore all week I think

Sharons - I so can't go without a fuel belt on me, it's like my rt arm, I have to carry everything but my house with me.

robmaguire1

For the first time I ran 7 miles. A little sore, but feeling pretty good.

sufikitkat

3 miles on the treadmill (it's POURING) and a 60 minute plyometric class. I'm feeling a strain in my right IT band, which is freaking me out a little with the race coming up on Saturday. Trying to go easier until that clears up, and wearing compression socks in the meantime.

Similar issue happened to me and I tapered for a full week no running just cross training and lots of yoga. It helped a lot!

mlb929

For the first time I ran 7 miles. A little sore, but feeling pretty good.

Great job on that first 7 miles. When people ask about my running another half marathon - I tell them, once I figure out I could run 7 miles, I could run 13 and once I could run 13 I could do 26. You're on path to greatness

mlb929

For the first time I ran 7 miles. A little sore, but feeling pretty good.

Great job on that first 7 miles. When people ask about my running another half marathon - I tell them, once I figure out I could run 7 miles, I could run 13 and once I could run 13 I could do 26. You're on path to greatness

summertime_girl

Did 4.5 miles this morning, but nervous about the twinge in my leg. I don't want to end up hurting myself for my race on Saturday!

slb106

Urban, great job on the 12 miles! You're going to do great at your half!

Sharons, I realized after my half that I really need to carry a drink or snack with sugar with me during my runs. So now I'm trying to figure out if I would like a belt or camelback better.

Rob, congrats on the 7 miles! Glad it went well!

Summertime, I hope your leg pain doesn't turn into anything major! Are you going to rest now until your race?

summertime_girl

I'm leaning towards just cross training. I'll ride and elliptical, maybe a class or two, but I'm going to try not to run, at least not run hard, until after Saturday.

SueInAz

Sharons, I realized after my half that I really need to carry a drink or snack with sugar with me during my runs. So now I'm trying to figure out if I would like a belt or camelback better.

I bought a Nathan belt with two 10 ounce bottles two weekends ago and wore it for the first time on my 7 mile run last Saturday. I found I have to really shove it down over my hip bones to keep it from bouncing around and then shove it back down after a walk interval/taking a drink. But I like it.

I took the big plunge this week and asked to switch my canceled mini marathon to a Half for the PF Chang's Rock N Roll Arizona in Phoenix this coming January. I sure hope I'm ready for this! My first official race is a 10K on the 23rd of this month (in place of the aforementioned mini marathon).

lae1227

I'm thinking of doing the Pittsburgh half in May as well!

sharonsjones

Aren't there water stations along the run? I just figured there would be. If not I need get a belt.

UrbanRunner81

Aren't there water stations along the run? I just figured there would be. If not I need get a belt.

There are, but I like to carry my own water, so I can drink when I need it, not have to slow down and try to move through a crowd to get water. I can never drink out of those cups without spilling all over myself. I mean it is a personal preference.

UrbanRunner81

I'm thinking of doing the Pittsburgh half in May as well!

Are you in Pittsburgh? I am going definitely do the half. I need to sign up and pay for it.

bprague

Anyone done the Bryce Canyon Half? I'm looking into this one. I'm a bit worried about the altitude though. I live in NJ so everything is higher altitude!

SueInAz

Anyone done the Bryce Canyon Half? I'm looking into this one. I'm a bit worried about the altitude though. I live in NJ so everything is higher altitude!

I live at 2400 feet above sea level. My in-laws have a cabin in the White Mountains at around 7400 feet. I LOVE going up there to run. I haven't done anything longer than 4 miles there yet but I'm a newbie runner (started in April) and really didn't notice that much difference in how I felt even though it's also a lot more hilly than flat Tucson. I have gone hiking closer to home on Mt. Lemmon at above 8000 feet many times and THAT I notice. Huffing and puffing a lot. :laugh:

UrbanRunner81

I ran 4 miles of hills today. The last 1/2 mile was pretty big uphill grade. Not sure what it was but it felt like I was digging my legs up as I moved to the top.

KimertRuns13_1

Yesterday I ran my first time since the half Sunday. I ran just a little over 5k on the treadmill at 2% incline (I suggest doing this if you run the treadmill!!). I felt pretty good and strong. Just a slight irritation in my right knee, which started towards the end of my race on Sunday. I'm keeping an eye on it and it really doesn't bother me otherwise so I think that's good.
I'm planning on BodyPump tonight and maybe a couple of miles on the treadmill or elliptical...maybe even the ARC Trainer.

Hubby and I have a half at the end of the month, hopefully. So, he is planning 8 miles this weekend. Not sure if I want to go over 6 but I will be doing a long run Saturday either way.

mlb929

Help me figure out what to do..... Do I?

1. Yoga Today, Run 13 miles tomorrow, Hill runs Saturday - Hills run would be up the 4 mile hill that is from mile 7-11 on my half marathon in 2 weeks.

2. Insanity Today (intense cardio), rest tomorrow - hill runs Saturday.
3. Yoga today, 12 miles to include the hills tomorrow, rest Saturday

I really want to "test" run part of the route of my half in 2 weeks. I'm out of town on business next weekend so this will be my only opportunity. However, I run alone, and not sure I feel safe being out there by myself. It's very desolate and industrial. I really want to run the route but safety is a concern. Our family friend said he would drive the route and walk the hill and hang out in the area while I ran it if I wait until Saturday since DH is out of town. So this is really a smarter plan and gut tells me to not run it alone, but also messes with my typical schedule. (That type A personality of mine get me every time).