Hurray I just ran my second HM distance, just to prove I can! I was determined to do it today because the first run was in May, which is a bit long ago for my taste, and today is a Bank Holiday in Germany which means hubby works, but I don't. I don't have to feel guilty about spending time on my own, when we only get to see each other at weekends.
Anyway this has been planned in my cunning little mind for a while. I've done a few 10milers to try and keep the distance up and I had my running schedule all sorted in my mind only to have it scuppered by hiking in the Alps at the weekend (legs too achey after that) and an Oktoberfest party which mysteriously also involved the imbibing of gin - last night. My will of iron carried me through though, I only had one g&t and otherwise stuck to water. Telling people that I was going for a long run the next day also helped.
The plan nearly ended when I couldn't be bothered to get up early, but that turned out to be a good thing, as the rain stopped and the sun came out this afternoon.
Perfect weather, lovely route. A mixture of roads, woods and lakes. There were a few other runners out, I love it when we exchange knowing smiles, one even gave me the thumbs up, which I returned. Otherwise inline-skaters, cyclists, children collecting conkers and adults foraging for wild fruit, walkers and strollers - all out enjoying the autumn sunshine.
The first 15k were fine, the last 4k were not and I think I walked most of the last 2k. But I knocked 7mins off my first HM and managed a slow 2hours 51mins. I will be sore tomorrow - I can't imagine doing twice that distance.
The picture is before and after - not really a huge difference except that my hair is soaked with sweat (as was the cap). Good to see that I no longer turn beetroot red!
Written by
JaySeeSkinny
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
If you can run 10k you can run a half marathon with a bit of training. Somewhere I read that a trainer said people are always capable of more than they think and can usually run at least double the distance they've done so far. The man was obviously bonkers - no way could I run a marathon - but I'm sure he's right in your case!
So inspiring! Congratulations! I love reading posts like these because they just make me want to keep on running. My longest run to date is 11.5 miles and I’d love to do an HM at some point. Thank you for sharing 😊
Well done, amazing determination starting at the gin party! I am inspired. I have got as far as 10 miles and not sure I could imagine another 3 miles. You are looking great post 13 miles 🏃
I have no doubts at all that you will manage if you put your mind to it! You are a very good runner already and have achieved everything you've set out to do. You have inspired me aswell with your dedication!
See that badge next to your name? 10k is not amateurish! I must admit I only started ramping the mileage and distances up after a year. I didn't do anything longer than 10k for the first year, but then decided I wanted to go for longer distances and found it "definitely doable". Up to that point I had only done 4 x 10k and each one of those was a struggle. Since March though I have pretty much done a minimum 10k as my long weekend run.
What is your weekly run schedule at the moment? I am considering consolidating for a bit with maybe 1x 5 mile, 1 x 8-9 mile and pos a shorter 3 mile run a week.
That was another thing I changed in March, I increased my runs to 4x a week. A typical week would be 5k (Tuesday) a fast interval run (mainly only about 3.5k - on Thursday), and a slow 4 or 5k (Friday). Then a long run on Sunday (anything between 10 and 16k). The mid-week runs will be easy, not pushing myself - except the interval one. The longer one will also be quite slow. Now and then I make the 5k fast, but certainly not every week. I've learnt it's better for me not to push on every run, in fact only about 20% of your runs should be very tiring. I'm doing this for health and weight reasons, I'm never going to be speedy. But I do like distance!
Yeay, JZ! Well done! It feels good to beat one's PB, doesn't it? The HM distance is tough. I've struggled all three times after 15 km and just the thought of doing twice the distance makes me want to cry😭
Yes, 15k seems OK, in fact my 14th km was my fastest in the whole run, but after that it all goes a bit haywire. Doesn't feel like the proverbial wall. I'm not very good at hydrating and taking on food, maybe I need to get that right.
I'm not hitting the wall either, I'm just so tired in my muscles and joints after 15 km. I'm quite good at hydrating and eating while I run but I still feel exhausted after 15 km 🙂
Woohoo! I would never have guessed that the two photos were before and after - I'm well impressed! Mine would have been one vertical, and one on the floor
Epic run in wonderful surroundings👏👏👏👏👏👏 Jay. Time looks good to me!! Having got up to18k I think the last 3 requires an effort of will which I need to find! Well done for digging deep and making it😊
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
On track for my badge ☀️
Just ran my first 10k ! Can I have my badge please!
60 mins in the bag - I had the time of my life
I suppose I should ask for my badge...
