First 1/2 Marathon Yesterday!

I almost don't want to admit this: but my longest run previously was ~8 miles. Combination of running with some walking. Sometimes its too easy to stop when I intended to go further.

I started with a modified plan - was designed for 12 weeks running 5 days week. I repeated some weeks as I had 16 to train. Initially I was running 60-90 and walking 60-90, and over the first month or so went ot more and more running. And got to where I could run, comfortably, 1-2 miles at a time. Early was mostly treadmill and then the last 1-2 months most of my Sunday runs were outside. And once I was running more/walking less - I didn't feel like running 5x a week was working for me. Felt kind of dead/worn out trying to run 3-5 miles on back to back days. And had some weeks here & there where 'life' got in the way!

I did consistently go longer on Sundays. The past few weeks in general I made a point to get up earlier on Sundays (work schedule changed and I had to be in at 11:30am) to be able to go out and run. Also helped me learn to layer for different temperatures. I'd spend 1.5-2 hours outside the past few weeks each Sunday, and took it a little easier last week. I knew that race day dynamics would factor positively. And I was very confident I could finish out walking as needed.

I'm still recovering. Took it fairly easy yesterday afternoon - and have a desk job so no major exertion today. Still a little stiff/sore. In the hip area - on the leg where I had the most injury from a car accident 13 years ago. THat may factor in WHERE I'm stiff? Its similar to a new strength routine type soreness, and is better once I'm moving. So getting up = awkward but after a few steps its mostly normal.

As for food, I do try to listen to my body. I'm maintaining, and have upped my calories a little as I lost a few more pounds than intended. I ate like a horse yesterday LOL.

dlr165 wrote: »

Can I ask some questions? How long was your longest run before the race? Was the recovery after running it, easy? If I don't eat enough carbs before my long runs, I am totally wiped out and have to take a nap. I am up to 9 miles. The plan I am following has my longest run as 13 but the week before I taper off.