To run the half marathon or not to run?

Amberlin
Amberlin Posts: 118 Member
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
About two weeks ago I had my gall bladder removed, I have been off work since and obviously off running. I am scheduled to run my first half marathon on October 16th and my surgeon did say I am clear to start running again come Monday. It will have been 3 weeks since I have run and about 4 weeks until the race.

So do you think I can be ready? Would you try your best or wait till next time?

I am afraid of hurting myself, afraid of making excuses, afraid of gaining weight...so many things

Replies

  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    Run it, RUN IT!! If your doc clears you, DO IT!! The worst thing that could happen is you have to take more easy time than you would have otherwise, but you'll have 4 weeks to get back and ready for it . . . DO IT!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Were you running consistently up until your gall bladder issues? Where did you leave off? If you were running and had built to anywhere close to a decent long run, you can certainly proceed with your half, jsut realize you may not blaze thru it, if that was even your intention.
  • Amberlin
    Amberlin Posts: 118 Member
    My long runs were between 12-16 km when I stopped, I was running 4-5 days a week if not 6....
  • JoyousRen
    JoyousRen Posts: 3,823 Member
    I say try to run it. You don't necessarily have run the entire route. A lot of people walk and run.
  • marathonmom72
    marathonmom72 Posts: 191 Member
    Absolutely! Give it your best shot and be proud of what you accomplish. :) If you have to walk part of it there is no shame in that. I would not let this opportunity pass you by. Go out for a short run on Monday and slowly work your way back into it. I think you will be glad you did.
  • artsyathlete
    artsyathlete Posts: 13
    I broke my coccyx 6 weeks (at the peak of my training) for a full marathon this past spring. I was able to still finish the marathon even with the 6 weeks preceeding the race off. I used the Galloway method of adding walk breaks of a set interval into my run from the begining of the race (don't add them in at the the end its too late then). http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html it works really well for those times when your training is off. I think that Runner's World did an article last year on getting ready for various race distances in less time than normal.

    Just don't go in with a time goal, enjoy the day and bask in the accomplishment of finishing it under less than ideal circumstances.
  • kated930
    kated930 Posts: 132
    My first half is october 16th!

    I haven't signed up for it because I have been having some health issues too, but I am still training like I am running it on the 16th. I think you should do the same thing. Try increasing your long runs and see if you can do it, continue with it and if you feel comfortable, sign up! Check how long you have until the race sign-up is closed, continue training until then and that's when you can decide wether youre comfortable running it or not.

    This week if I can make my long run, I am going to sign up for sure

    Good Luck!
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    So the question is... the spirit is willing, but is the body ready? I think only you can answer that. Keeping in mind that any abdominal surgery is serious business...If you have your Doctor's approval, Attempt to complete it. Don't try to set any records. Make sure to listen to your body!

    Good Luck!
  • campi_mama
    campi_mama Posts: 350 Member
    What was your longest run before "injury"? If you had a solid base, you'll probably be fine. If you are okay with the possibility of having to walk some if it, okay. I would wait to see how you feel after your first run... that might give you the answer you're looking for. Listen to your body.
    If you can do this type of running over the next 4 weeks then go for it-
    wk1-4mi,5mi,4mi,11mi
    wk2-4mi,6mi,4mi,12mi
    wk3- 4mi,5mi,4mi,9mi
    wk4-3mi,4mi,3mi,8mi
    wk5-3mi,3mi,walk2, race day(13.1)
  • godblessourhome
    godblessourhome Posts: 3,892 Member
    wk1-4mi,5mi,4mi,11mi
    wk2-4mi,6mi,4mi,12mi
    wk3- 4mi,5mi,4mi,9mi
    wk4-3mi,4mi,3mi,8mi
    wk5-3mi,3mi,walk2, race day(13.1)

    great schedule.

    i had abdominal surgery earlier this year (april) and although my doctor cleared me to run, it still took a long time to get back to 'normal' running distance without pain. i was supposed to run my first half-marathon in the beginning of june, but i knew my body wasn't ready and i walked it instead. i still had a really great time and felt awesome about walking it in 3:34. i am now training to run my first half-marathon in october.

    even if you can't run it, sign up and walk it. :)
  • Amberlin
    Amberlin Posts: 118 Member
    Thanks everyone. I was running fairly frequently. At least 4 times per week with long runs around 12-16 km. My fiancee doesn't seem convinced that I should do it, he is scared I will hurt myself. I think if I plan to do a run walk I could manage...
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