Well Done Teresa. You've already covered over half the distance.

It doesn't make it any easier, but believe it or not I've been told the bad days where you barely get through are the days that you are doing the most for your endurance and fitness.

If a time comes during the half marathon where you are going through a bad patch remember the bad days when you pushed on through and finished your run. You'll know in yourself you can finish.

A wise 80 year old runner told me your mind gives up way before your body ...... he told me this during a conversation just before he passed me

I think bad days train your mind as much as your legs. (I still hate them)

This was so true, I would have to agree with you on what you are saying here, although I did my fist half last Saturday it was awesome. Running is my outlit, so I find that i get lost in my runs however there are times when I don't even know why I am out there. So I'll have to remember this.

Hi Teresa,

Interesting you have gotten quicker without music. I ran a 5 mile run for charity in January in Ireland on the coast. It was absolutely freezing but I remember my iPod was stuck on a metronome song that just went tick tock at 180 beats per minute. I think I ran my fastest time for a 5 mile that day. You could be on to something.

Just about your knees do you take anything like fish oil supplements? the are supplements that help with your joints and I've starting taking them this year. I don't want to recommend anything as your doctor is best placed to do that but all my knee pain has gone. It won't fix real problems but for general "creakiness" it works.

Pabs

That's awesome keep up the good work. Adding to every run is a challenge, and as long as you complete your goal, that is what matters. If you have Netflix check out Spirit of the Marathon it is a great documentary about different types of runners and why they run.

I ran my first Half in March and just finished my 2nd one last week. I can't believe it but I have just looked into a 3rd this year in July - - call me crazy but I think the 13.1 bug has bit!

Keep up the good work!!

Hi Teresa,

I think you are a lot more "Zen" and centred than me. I have 3 children under 4 and I think it has affected my mental state. I even get bored on 10k runs without some music!!

Having said that I did a run/walk (I was a little hung over, I know I'm the worst fitnesspal ever) and it was absolutely beautiful so I did take the headphones off for a few miles. Whatever works for you but I know headphone people like me a frowned upon in the running world as being ignorant and rude. Pure runners need nothing but road, inner peace and belief in themselves.

I'm as pure as coal myself.

How I got started running...well I went through a bad break-up about 3 years ago and started walking twice a day...early morning and when I got home from work. I gradually started jogging in the morning..under the cover of darkness...so none of my neighbors and friends saw me panting and gasping for breath! haha...
I met my now husband and he was a runner. Many of our get-to-know-you times were from running together! He encouraged and badgered me lots!!
I ran my first 5k last 4th of July and felt truly legit after that. We signed up for the AF Half in Jan. 2012---so that gave me nine months to wrap my head around 13.1 miles!
We bought a treadmill last Nov. and I have tried to run faithfully (around8-10 miles a week) on it. Now that the weather is better, all of our runs are outdoors. There is a huge difference running outside. I also purchased a Nike TomTom watch--it really helps me with my times and pace.
I have the heel pain and knee pain, but advil takes care of this ---for the most part!

I used to hate running when I first started, but realized this is the only thing that really 'leans' me out...more than any other exercize.

Now, I truly look forward to our runs.....I don't LOVE running...yet!
I also have posted running movtivational sayings all over my bathroom and bedroom....my favorite is 'That little voice inside your head saying you can't do this is a LIAR!!!!

What is the difference to you from running on a treadmill inside or running outside? Just wondering since I have done all my running with the c25k on a treadmill. Thanks and Congrats

Hi Teresa,

It sounds like your knee is getting worse. Just be careful. Did you get your gait checked like Dave suggested?

Have you tried Run/walking. The Geff Galloway method. Whenever I'm tired or a bit run down I do my runs this way. I do it a lot. People do think your a bit strange but lets face it they were looking at me that way anyway before run/walk.

I usually have to run 7 miles in to work in the morning and 7 miles back a few times a week as my wife needs the car. I run walk 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking. I do all my long runs this way. Sometimes 4:1 and sometimes when things are very bad 2:1 and on good days I run the whole distance. You can get soundtracks for free from iTunes that ding ding when you're to you and ding when your to walk. I think MotionTrax do them.

Here's the weird bit you don't lose much time as you tend to finish stronger. Your heart rate doesn't drop that much because you start running again before it has time. At 3:1 I usually average 10 min miles. Most importantly the walking stops injuries building during a run.

Like yourself when I first started I was getting all kinds of pains when the mileage started to increase. The run walk has definitely made me a beeter runner as I'm no longer getting injured and I can go further. Some of the reason the pain has decreased is no doubt as you get stronger.

Look after yourself .... Jane Fonda now that brings me back

Pabs

I'm encouraged by all the people in this post that are trying out running and have goals to achieve. I've been running for about 24 years. I've has successes and running related injuries, I've competed in hundreds of races and even have a few age group plaques. But here is the real gem. I've made tons of now lifelong friends that I hang out with, party with, and share all aspects of my life with. The benefits of running? I have a heart that could power a municipal water plant, a resting pulse rate so low that doctors have to be assured there is no problem (yearly checkup), I can run up a flight of stairs (I'm 60), I can beat my teenage grandson in a sprint, I can run a hilly ten miles and mow the lawn and still have energy to do other things. So yes, running has been very good to me. It's an effort sometimes (still) to get out the door but for the most part I feel good - like everything is still working.
So keep on running - all of us.
Health is one of the very best gifts you can give yourself.