5 weeks to half marathon
corinic91
Posts: 148 Member
So I think I'm in trouble. I signed up for my first half marathon months ago, with plenty of time to train and it was going great. I was steadily building my mileage, but I was still months away so I only got up to about 4 miles comfortably. Fun fact, I have type 1 diabetes and have been having serious trouble controlling my blood sugars the past few months. It has to do with my insurance and the supplies they've been sending me (or not sending me). Long story short, my high blood sugars have been making me so ill that I haven't been able to train at all in nearly 5 weeks now. I feel like I'm back even before square one, and my half is in just 5 short weeks. At this point, I plan on doing a run/walk, but I'd still like to pull this off without dying or giving up. Does anybody have any suggestions, now that my blood sugars are back in control, for a good training plan to bring me back to speed in just over a month?
I'm not expecting this to be a killer race. I just don't want to feel like *kitten* about myself having slacked off during my training.
I'm not expecting this to be a killer race. I just don't want to feel like *kitten* about myself having slacked off during my training.
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Replies
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You'll be fine. I didn't run for 6 weeks prior to a half marathon in April due to a knee injury and it was fine. I ran the distance again last week and again this week. It will be fine, take your time.0
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Go ahead and do it and if you have to walk some so be it.0
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I agree with the walk/run method, do what feels right for your body and enjoy the course, there's always another HM ..0
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You may just surprise yourself on how fit you still are. Since you have 5 weeks, I suggest doing a long run one weekend by using time instead of mileage. You'll know how you will feel.0
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Walk/run it and don't worry about time just get the finish in and put it behind you. You can knock this one on its head without an issue if you are flexible.0
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It'd definitely doable if you run/walk.
My question is: is your blood sugar under control and are you well enoughto/should you do a half?
Ideally, if you're gonna use this 5 weeks to actually train, add a mile or 10 minutes to whatever your current long run is each week.0 -
So I think I'm in trouble. I signed up for my first half marathon months ago, with plenty of time to train and it was going great. I was steadily building my mileage, but I was still months away so I only got up to about 4 miles comfortably. Fun fact, I have type 1 diabetes and have been having serious trouble controlling my blood sugars the past few months. It has to do with my insurance and the supplies they've been sending me (or not sending me). Long story short, my high blood sugars have been making me so ill that I haven't been able to train at all in nearly 5 weeks now. I feel like I'm back even before square one, and my half is in just 5 short weeks. At this point, I plan on doing a run/walk, but I'd still like to pull this off without dying or giving up. Does anybody have any suggestions, now that my blood sugars are back in control, for a good training plan to bring me back to speed in just over a month?
I'm not expecting this to be a killer race. I just don't want to feel like *kitten* about myself having slacked off during my training.
The first thing you need to figure out is what your run/walk intervals are going to be for the race. Don't just plan to run "until you are tired" and then walk because you'll end up hating it and probably wear out too quickly. While you're doing training runs, find an interval that makes you happy and that you feel you can sustain for 2-3 hours. My half marathons were done at either 3 minutes run/1 minute walk or 4 minutes run/1 minutes walk. I'm currently working on 5:1 for my next race. My sister does full marathons at 6 or 7 minutes run/1 minute walk.
While you're figuring out your best interval, you need to be increasing your distance. I assume you already had a training plan in place so you know you should be increasing your total weekly distance by about 10% per week, no more than that. Ideally, you'd be doing two shorter runs and one long run each week. When I've trained for half marathons, I got to the point where my short runs were 6 miles and my long runs increased by a mile every other week (with the opposite week also at 6 miles). You don't have the luxury of that much time but you also shouldn't plan on trying to get to a really long run (11+ miles) in before race day.
You mentioned that you *were* running 4 miles comfortably, but your longest comfortable distance doing a run/walk is what is going to be important now. Any idea what that starting point is? It's going to be the determining factor for how to figure out a training plan for the next five weeks that will have you relatively comfortable on race day without risking injury before then.0 -
Yeah, I don't know if you're going to be 'fine'. Can it be done? Sure, but it won't be a fun experience. You worked up to 4 miles, then took 5 weeks completely off, so you will have lost fitness. More importantly, you have a blood sugar problem that might not be under control quite yet?
Real talk - This doesn't sound like a good idea at all.
edited for spelling0 -
you gonna die.
ded srs.
cancel the race and see if they'll put your fees towards next year's event. and don't feel bad either. you were ill. succumbing to illness is NOT the same as slacking off in training. take some time to start slowing increasing your training to make sure that your medical issues are under control, and then hit up an appropriate race when you're satisfied that, you know, you ain't gonna die0 -
you gonna die.
ded srs.
cancel the race and see if they'll put your fees towards next year's event. and don't feel bad either. you were ill. succumbing to illness is NOT the same as slacking off in training. take some time to start slowing increasing your training to make sure that your medical issues are under control, and then hit up an appropriate race when you're satisfied that, you know, you ain't gonna die
^this
Also, I'm a little shocked at how many are saying that this is a good idea and that you'll be fine. Perhaps they know a lot more about your particular situation than I do, but suggesting that a mostly untrained type 1 diabetic who is dealing with blood sugar regulation jump into a HM with woefully inadequate training seems like potentially dangerous advice. (No, that isn't quite right.) It *is* dangerous advice.
Have you asked your GP about this?0 -
DNF0
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If you had no health issues, I'd say you can do it but you're probably gonna have a miserable time.
I'm concerned that with your blood sugar levels you haven't tested out how you will do with prolonged periods of exercise - do you know what happens to your blood sugar when you've been out on the pavement for 2+ hours? Have you tested how you respond to various amounts of carbohydrate, what sorts of things you tolerate well, and how frequently you need to drink/eat? I think 5 weeks is enough time to do all that, but I am not familiar enough with your condition to know how tricky it makes things compared to a healthy person - I'd think that it makes things trickier.
I think you'll have a much better first race if you ask to move your registration out to next year (usually they will allow this if you have a good reason - like health issues) and sign up for another half that is 3-6 months from now so you can get all this worked out and get some more miles on your feet. And that also gives you time to talk to your doctor about any precautions he or she might have for you.
tl;dr - yes, I think you will regret that missed training time.0 -
I only got up to about 4 miles comfortably.
I haven't been able to train at all in nearly 5 weeks now.
my half is in just 5 short weeks.
If you can't do a 10 mile run within 2 weeks (I doubt it) then this is going to suck for you with or without insulin issues. Even if you can run 5 miles of this, walking the additional 8 miles will probably take you about 2.5 - 3 hours.0 -
This.Yeah, I don't know if you're going to be 'fine'. Can it be done? Sure, but it won't be a fun experience. You worked up to 4 miles, then took 5 weeks completely off, so you will have lost fitness. More importantly, you have a blood sugar problem that might not be under control quite yet?
Real talk - This doesn't sound like a good idea at all.
edited for spelling
And theseyou gonna die.
ded srs.
cancel the race and see if they'll put your fees towards next year's event. and don't feel bad either. you were ill. succumbing to illness is NOT the same as slacking off in training. take some time to start slowing increasing your training to make sure that your medical issues are under control, and then hit up an appropriate race when you're satisfied that, you know, you ain't gonna die
^this
Also, I'm a little shocked at how many are saying that this is a good idea and that you'll be fine. Perhaps they know a lot more about your particular situation than I do, but suggesting that a mostly untrained type 1 diabetic who is dealing with blood sugar regulation jump into a HM with woefully inadequate training seems like potentially dangerous advice. (No, that isn't quite right.) It *is* dangerous advice.
Have you asked your GP about this?
Health issues aside, I have done a half marathon undertrained and it was not a fun experience. At all. 4 miles is a long way from 13.1 even with walking. Throw in the medical issues and I would be out for sure.
Lots of races have roll over registration. Or if there are a number of events going on you could switch to a shorter distance.0 -
How many of you saying she's going to die or shouldn't do it have actually completed a half marathon? This isn't an ultra-marathon, for crying out loud, it's 13.1 miles. I've run races that distance beside non-runners who were otherwise in good shape but didn't train for the race at all, or had only run as far as 3 or 4 miles. Since I run/walk in intervals so did they. Yes, I had to coax them along through part of it when they got tired. Yes, they were tired and sore the next day but it's certainly doable.
The plain fact of the matter is you can WALK a half marathon at a 3.5 mile pace in under 4 hours. She's not going to "die" if she does this. Would you really tell someone who's in reasonable shape that they shouldn't walk that far or for that long or run for some and walk the rest? Someone who was running 4 miles straight several weeks ago can easily pull that off. I see no need to discourage her from giving this a try given that she could simply walk the distance if running it turns out to be a problem.
The OP says her blood sugar issues are now under control. Well, she's got five weeks of training to discover if that's really true or not. Telling her she's going to "die" trying this is just plain silly. Discouraging her from giving it a try is unfair.
OP, if you're serious about wanting to do this and working out a training plan, message me with the details on your current fitness level (once you get a chance to get out there and determine how you're feeling) and I'll help you the best I can.0 -
How many of you saying she's going to die or shouldn't do it have actually completed a half marathon? This isn't an ultra-marathon, for crying out loud, it's 13.1 miles. I've run races that distance beside non-runners who were otherwise in good shape but didn't train for the race at all, or had only run as far as 3 or 4 miles. Since I run/walk in intervals so did they. Yes, I had to coax them along through part of it when they got tired. Yes, they were tired and sore the next day but it's certainly doable.
The plain fact of the matter is you can WALK a half marathon at a 3.5 mile pace in under 4 hours. She's not going to "die" if she does this. Would you really tell someone who's in reasonable shape that they shouldn't walk that far or for that long or run for some and walk the rest? Someone who was running 4 miles straight several weeks ago can easily pull that off. I see no need to discourage her from giving this a try given that she could simply walk the distance if running it turns out to be a problem.
The OP says her blood sugar issues are now under control. Well, she's got five weeks of training to discover if that's really true or not. Telling her she's going to "die" trying this is just plain silly. Discouraging her from giving it a try is unfair.
OP, if you're serious about wanting to do this and working out a training plan, message me with the details on your current fitness level (once you get a chance to get out there and determine how you're feeling) and I'll help you the best I can.
I have done a number of half marathons. I know that a few of the others you are referring to have done them as well. At least one has done an ultra.
As I said, I've done a half marathon undertrained, with a lot more miles under my belt than the OP. I don't recommend it. That's not even considering medical issues.
I know you can walk 13.1. I know people who have. It is also not a fun endevour for the undertrained.
I'm typically a go for big goals type person. But I also balance that with how reasonable they are. Can the OP finish? Probably. I still don't think it's a good idea.0 -
How many of you saying she's going to die or shouldn't do it have actually completed a half marathon?
What's your experience with crippling type 1 diabetes?
What's the harm in pushing back her HM another 12-16 weeks so she can prepare. I mean, back when she signed up she didn't set a date 5 weeks out, did she? Of course not, because that would have been insane. She gave herself months to prepare. What has changed between now and then that taking time to train is no longer a good thing?0 -
Thanks for everyone's feedback. First off, DavPul I wouldn't say my diabetes is "crippling". My control was relatively bad for several weeks, yes, (compared to my normally very stable control) but it's back in check and I'm feeling fine. I'm not going to push my body if I'm really feeling bad (which is why I've stayed away from running for the past few weeks). My main concern was that I know my overall fitness level has decreased in my time off.
Moving forward, I'm going to continue training with run/walk intervals and gauging my fitness from there. My half doesn't allow changes after registration so it's too late to change or cancel my race, but if before the half and I'm still struggling with a few miles, I certainly know when to say when.
SueInAz, once I get a few runs in, I'll PM you. Thanks for your support!0 -
If you're just gonna do what you're already planning to do and pay no mind to others saying "bad idea" why ask?0
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Perhaps I come from a different background, but if my medical condition keeps me so ill that I can't continue my planned activities for months on end, that's indeed crippling. whether I balk at the term or not, I still have to plan my training around it accordingly.
My question remains, if you feel that 5 weeks is enough time to prepare for a HM, why didn't you sign up for one that started sooner than several months away?0 -
I can only speak from my experience, and what I would do.
I am at my goal weight. I am in good shape - I completed an Olympic distance triathlon last month, with full effort all the way, no walking on the run, no stopping on the bike, no resting on the swim. I do not have type 1 diabetes, or any other illness. My resting heart rate is sub-50 bpm.
I would consider 5 weeks to be the minimal training time necessary for me to safely complete an HM. My max run distance is currently 9 miles, so that gives me four weeks on 10% mileage increase per week, plus a taper week. I'd be expecting it to be a pretty miserable run since I'd be operating at my run limits (muscular and skeletal stresses from running are different from the bike and swim, even though I have the endurance base).
Contrast this to your fitness levels. You are still 25 pounds overweight (presumably, by your profile) You have type 1 diabetes which you are currently struggling to control. You could run maximum four miles, five weeks ago, and haven't run since. I'm assuming this is your first big event.
I'm not trying to be mean or discourage you - I think everyone should have goals like this. But I absolutely think this is the wrong time to do it. Even walk/run, you are probably going to have a very unpleasant experience, and you may even end up in an ambulance. Personally I would rather DNS on my own terms, than DNF in an ambulance.
Forget this race, get stabilized, put in a good 16 weeks of training, and have an enjoyable race. Run all the way and feel like you really killed it, instead of limping through.
By the way, this is coming from someone who had a bicycle accident the week before my big race. So I am no stranger to the stubborn desire to race no matter what. But I was sure to get myself physically checked out and cleared by my doctor to race, and it didn't substantially impact my training, since it at the start of my taper week anyway.0 -
I can only speak from my experience, and what I would do.
I am at my goal weight. I am in good shape - I completed an Olympic distance triathlon last month, with full effort all the way, no walking on the run, no stopping on the bike, no resting on the swim. I do not have type 1 diabetes, or any other illness. My resting heart rate is sub-50 bpm.
I would consider 5 weeks to be the minimal training time necessary for me to safely complete an HM. My max run distance is currently 9 miles, so that gives me four weeks on 10% mileage increase per week, plus a taper week. I'd be expecting it to be a pretty miserable run since I'd be operating at my run limits (muscular and skeletal stresses from running are different from the bike and swim, even though I have the endurance base).
Contrast this to your fitness levels. You are still 25 pounds overweight (presumably, by your profile) You have type 1 diabetes which you are currently struggling to control. You could run maximum four miles, five weeks ago, and haven't run since. I'm assuming this is your first big event.
I'm not trying to be mean or discourage you - I think everyone should have goals like this. But I absolutely think this is the wrong time to do it. Even walk/run, you are probably going to have a very unpleasant experience, and you may even end up in an ambulance. Personally I would rather DNS on my own terms, than DNF in an ambulance.
Forget this race, get stabilized, put in a good 16 weeks of training, and have an enjoyable race. Run all the way and feel like you really killed it, instead of limping through.
By the way, this is coming from someone who had a bicycle accident the week before my big race. So I am no stranger to the stubborn desire to race no matter what. But I was sure to get myself physically checked out and cleared by my doctor to race, and it didn't substantially impact my training, since it at the start of my taper week anyway.
and ^this
Despite what some would have you believe...that we're being too negative and chicken littleish...we actually have your best interests in mind with our advice. What we don't want to happen* is for you to have a miserable experience and become someone who talks about how you ran/tried to run a HM a few years ago and completely gave up running after that. Running can be an awesome experience. Do it correctly and a few years from now, you can talk about the multiple HMs you have completed and how you're striving for yet another PR in an upcoming race.
Done correctly, you can keep the chance of serious injury fairly low. Done incorrectly and the chance of injury becomes almost certain.
*And what we REALLY don't want to happen is for you to run into a serious health issue while on the course...because when you're explaining to your doctor what you did and the circumstances leading up to the event, he or she is going to be very unhappy with you...because based on the facts we have, this sounds like a potentially Very Bad Idea™.
Ultimately, whatever you decide on the race and whatever you decide to do in the next five weeks, I hope you make net progress towards whatever goal(s) you have chosen.
edit: to update the edited quoted post.0 -
If you're just gonna do what you're already planning to do and pay no mind to others saying "bad idea" why ask?
Who said I wasn't listening to everyone's feedback? I absolutely am, which is why I said I know when to say when. There are plenty of people who said fine idea though, and I personally see no harm in at least continuing to train, not pushing my limits. I asked for advice based on my overall fitness level having gone down some, and what I thought was a reasonable run/walk plan. It's not a full marathon, it's 13.1 miles which I've hiked in a few hours several times.
Again, I'm not disregarding anyone's advice to skip this race, I'm just saying I see no harm in continuing to train until I get a better sense of what's realistic. I do appreciate everyone's feedback, and I'm glad to have seen several opinions. You can't please everyone :laugh:0 -
I can only speak from my experience, and what I would do.
I am at my goal weight. I am in good shape - I completed an Olympic distance triathlon last month, with full effort all the way, no walking on the run, no stopping on the bike, no resting on the swim. I do not have type 1 diabetes, or any other illness. My resting heart rate is sub-50 bpm.
I would consider 5 weeks to be the minimal training time necessary for me to safely complete an HM. My max run distance is currently 9 miles, so that gives me four weeks on 10% mileage increase per week, plus a taper week. I'd be expecting it to be a pretty miserable run since I'd be operating at my run limits (muscular and skeletal stresses from running are different from the bike and swim, even though I have the endurance base).
Contrast this to your fitness levels. You are still 25 pounds overweight (presumably, by your profile) You have type 1 diabetes which you are currently struggling to control. You could run maximum four miles, five weeks ago, and haven't run since. I'm assuming this is your first big event.
I'm not trying to be mean or discourage you - I think everyone should have goals like this. But I absolutely think this is the wrong time to do it. Even walk/run, you are probably going to have a very unpleasant experience, and you may even end up in an ambulance. Personally I would rather DNS on my own terms, than DNF in an ambulance.
Forget this race, get stabilized, put in a good 16 weeks of training, and have an enjoyable race. Run all the way and feel like you really killed it, instead of limping through.
By the way, this is coming from someone who had a bicycle accident the week before my big race. So I am no stranger to the stubborn desire to race no matter what. But I was sure to get myself physically checked out and cleared by my doctor to race, and it didn't substantially impact my training, since it at the start of my taper week anyway.
and ^this
Despite what some would have you believe...that we're being too negative and chicken littleish...we actually have your best interests in mind with our advice. What we don't want to happen* is for you to have a miserable experience and become someone who talks about how you ran/tried to run a HM a few years ago and completely gave up running after that. Running can be an awesome experience. Do it correctly and a few years from now, you can talk about the multiple HMs you have completed and how you're striving for yet another PR in an upcoming race.
Done correctly, you can keep the chance of serious injury fairly low. Done incorrectly and the chance of injury becomes almost certain.
*And what we REALLY don't want to happen is for you to run into a serious health issue while on the course...because when you're explaining to your doctor what you did and the circumstances leading up to the event, he or she is going to be very unhappy with you...because based on the facts we have, this sounds like a potentially Very Bad Idea™.
Ultimately, whatever you decide on the race and whatever you decide to do in the next five weeks, I hope you make net progress towards whatever goal(s) you have chosen.
edit: to update the edited quoted post.
Agreed with all of the above. At the very very least, please talk to your doctor first.
I've got chronic health issues and I totally understand the reluctance to postpone your first HM. I have, many times, put my pride and my fitness goals ahead of my health. I'm finally learning not to do that but it's taken a few fairly catastrophic injuries and flare ups to get there. Either way take care of yourself and do what you need to do to be healthy.0 -
You'll be fine. I didn't run for 6 weeks prior to a half marathon in April due to a knee injury and it was fine. I ran the distance again last week and again this week. It will be fine, take your time.
Presumably you didn't do this with uncontrolled diabetes though?
OP, running is amazing. But don't risk your health for it. Get your diabetes back under control. Get a proper training plan under your belt. Book in for a different race.
All the gungho people telling you to go for it likely know sweet f* a* about diabetes.0 -
Its still possible and you are being realistic about your goals. Try jeff galoway training plans for walk/run. You will be fine just take it easy and enjoy the ride.0
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You've had issues with managing your diabetes to the point that training has suffered.
In the absence of the necessary endurance you are taking an additional risk.
Consider this:Diabet Med. 2010 May;27(5):585-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2010.02969.x.
Risks of marathon running and hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes.
Graveling AJ1, Frier BM.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Exercise-induced hypoglycaemia is common in people with insulin-treated diabetes and if severe can provoke neurological morbidity including coma and seizures. Depending on the duration and demands of the physical activity, various strategies can be used to limit the risk of hypoglycaemia with strenuous exercise. However, metabolic events occurring in the 48 h before the exercise can influence the risk and responses to exercise-induced hypoglycaemia.
CASE REPORT:
A 27-year-old man with Type 1 diabetes suffered an episode of nocturnal hypoglycaemia which provoked a tonic-clonic seizure. Despite this he ran in a marathon the following day during which he collapsed with severe hypoglycaemia and a further associated seizure. He subsequently developed severe myalgia accompanied by a pronounced and persistent elevation of plasma creatine kinase, indicating rhabdomyolysis, and deranged liver function, suggestive of hypoxic hepatitis. The biochemical abnormalities and symptoms lasted for several weeks.
CONCLUSIONS:
The case highlights the dangers of intense and prolonged physical exercise following severe hypoglycaemia, demonstrating the risks of acute damage to skeletal muscle and to organs such as the liver, in addition to the risk of severe neuroglycopenia and the induction of seizures. The mechanisms underlying these problems are discussed. People with insulin-treated diabetes should be advised not to undertake prolonged intensive exercise after severe hypoglycaemia.
Talk to your doctor.
If you insist in doing it - carry the necessary material to deal with a hypo incident. Have a someone with you that can deal should you go into shock.
I wouldn't do it - I'd prepare a little more for something later. Sometimes it's better to step back to leap further.0 -
How many of you saying she's going to die or shouldn't do it have actually completed a half marathon? This isn't an ultra-marathon, for crying out loud, it's 13.1 miles. I've run races that distance beside non-runners who were otherwise in good shape but didn't train for the race at all, or had only run as far as 3 or 4 miles. Since I run/walk in intervals so did they. Yes, I had to coax them along through part of it when they got tired. Yes, they were tired and sore the next day but it's certainly doable.
The plain fact of the matter is you can WALK a half marathon at a 3.5 mile pace in under 4 hours. She's not going to "die" if she does this. Would you really tell someone who's in reasonable shape that they shouldn't walk that far or for that long or run for some and walk the rest? Someone who was running 4 miles straight several weeks ago can easily pull that off. I see no need to discourage her from giving this a try given that she could simply walk the distance if running it turns out to be a problem.
The OP says her blood sugar issues are now under control. Well, she's got five weeks of training to discover if that's really true or not. Telling her she's going to "die" trying this is just plain silly. Discouraging her from giving it a try is unfair.
OP, if you're serious about wanting to do this and working out a training plan, message me with the details on your current fitness level (once you get a chance to get out there and determine how you're feeling) and I'll help you the best I can.
I have. Does that make my viewpoint more or less valid?
this is a silly argument. A few weeks of better sugar is NOT controlled diabetes. It's slightly more managed diabetes. There's a massive difference.
And she should do this for what? So the OP can say she can? Half marathons are a dime a dozen. There are loads of opportunities for the OP to run, when the diabetes is better controlled, and she's had a chance to train properly.
I love running. But I love health more.0 -
I'm not sure about this. I've trained in 8 weeks before and it was brutal. I did NOT enjoy myself at all on race day. 5 weeks is really really pushing it, especially if you have health issues.
I would see if your registration fee can be used for a future race and train properly. You'll enjoy it so much more if you're better prepared.0 -
You've had issues with managing your diabetes to the point that training has suffered.
In the absence of the necessary endurance you are taking an additional risk.
Talk to your doctor.
If you insist in doing it - carry the necessary material to deal with a hypo incident. Have a someone with you that can deal should you go into shock.
I wouldn't do it - I'd prepare a little more for something later. Sometimes it's better to step back to leap further.
Sensible and measured response.0
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