Should I run the HM I've been training for?

RunnerElizabeth · April 2013

I have a half marathon scheduled for May 5th. I've been training for it at about 20+ miles per week. My long run on Sat was 11 miles and I'll do 12 this weekend. This is not my first half and I was pretty confident that this would be my fastest to date. However in the last couple of days I found all of my childcare options have fallen through. Now I can still run in the race with my 3 year old in the jogger (joggers are allowed and my daughter can be bribed to be a good companion for 2 1/2 hours) but more than likely I'm looking at my slowest half, I'll probably be looking at 2:30. Should I even bother?

Anyone ever run a half with a jogging stroller?

PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot · April 2013

I'd say do it anyway. It isn't the type of race you planned for, but you've put the work in, and your little one will probably enjoy the extended ride

Best of luck with your decision!

stutba · April 2013

I will be running my 1st and hope to finish in 3 hours. Is what your saying is it isnt worth it and why bother if your not speedy?

salemnye · April 2013

Do it any ways and plan for a better time later on

There might be some more halves later in the year you could sign up for as well. And you can still continue to run halves just time it yourself and push yourself to get better.

RunnerElizabeth · April 2013

I will be running my 1st and hope to finish in 3 hours. Is what your saying is it isnt worth it and why bother if your not speedy?

I didn't mean it like that at all! I just meant that running with the jogging stroller is really hard! And given that I won't achieve a PR yet I will be increasing my level of effort by a lot I wondered if there was really any point.

But from reading these responses and giving it additional thought, I've decided there is a point. 1. I trained for it. 2. I'd still run that day race or not and without childcare, I'd still be pushing the jogger. 3. I signed up for this specific race because I was excited about the course, it's on the road but along the ocean most of the way. 4. I think my daughter will enjoy it because of the ocean views 5. There will be other races and other halfs should be easier than this one will be.

samanthlou · April 2013

I say go for it - you've trained hard and 13 miles pushing a jogging stroller is pretty bad a**

LoosingMyLast15 · April 2013

you paid for it - run it. why not challenge yourself than running with the stroller.

good luck

btsinmd · April 2013

This will likely be your best time while running with a stroller. If and when you do another half marathon with a stroller, you can try and work on a better time, but it'll be harder because she will be bigger.

Completing it with a stroller is a more difficult goal, but it sounds like you are up for it. Good luck!

tabbydog · April 2013

I will be running my 1st and hope to finish in 3 hours. Is what your saying is it isnt worth it and why bother if your not speedy?

I didn't mean it like that at all! I just meant that running with the jogging stroller is really hard! And given that I won't achieve a PR yet I will be increasing my level of effort by a lot I wondered if there was really any point.

But from reading these responses and giving it additional thought, I've decided there is a point. 1. I trained for it. 2. I'd still run that day race or not and without childcare, I'd still be pushing the jogger. 3. I signed up for this specific race because I was excited about the course, it's on the road but along the ocean most of the way. 4. I think my daughter will enjoy it because of the ocean views 5. There will be other races and other halfs should be easier than this one will be.

So this will be your half marathon PR pushing a stroller. If you ever have to do it again you will have a time to beat.

tabbydog · April 2013

Oops, someone already said that, I didn't read all the way through. :laugh:

watchhillgirl · April 2013

The decision is entirely yours. If you are looking for an excuse not to run it, then this is a perfect one. Depends on your reasons for doing the HM in the first place.